Behind the Scenes of BKT Tires for Monster Jam: 10 Years of Adventure and Innovation
Events & Exhibitions

Behind the Scenes of BKT Tires for Monster Jam: 10 Years of Adventure and Innovation

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Behind the Scenes of BKT Tires for Monster Jam: 10 Years of Adventure and Innovation 1
Get ready to uncover all the secrets of the tyres that make the Monster Jam "monsters" roar!

For ten years, BKT and Feld Motor Sports have been working side by side to create the most robust and high-performance tyres for these giants of acrobatics. For a decade, Monster Jam shows have been thrilling audiences of all ages around the globe.
In this article, we'll delve into the evolution of our tyres, from the initial partnership to the current FL 354 model. This culmination of years of experience represents the fourth generation of BKT tyres specifically designed and engineered to tackle the incredible stunts of Monster Jam.

A Continuous Evolution: How to Design a Tyre Up to the Challenges of Monster Jam

BKT's answer to this question has been a series of targeted and strategic improvements resulting from continuous feedback from Feld and Monster Jam drivers. Our commitment has led to the development of the current FL 354 model, a true colossus capable of withstanding the most extreme stresses.
Today, Monster Trucks are equipped with BKT tyres that are almost 2 meters high and weigh over 440 lbs, with a pressure of 1.6 bar. But why this specific pressure? It is the perfect balance point to guarantee both stability and flexibility, allowing the tyres to tackle breathtaking jumps, dizzying spins, and extreme centrifugal forces.
How do these tyres withstand such stunts? The answer lies in BKT's constant innovation and precision engineering.

Behind the Scenes of BKT Tires for Monster Jam: 10 Years of Adventure and Innovation 2
A Side-by-Side Look at the Past and Present: How BKT Tyres for Monster Jam Have Evolved Over Time

Throughout BKT's Monster Jam tyre development process, each stage has prioritised specific technical and engineering aspects.
For instance, tire width has been reduced by approximately 60 millimetres to ensure enough space upon landing, preventing contact with vehicle parts and protecting shock absorbers from the increased deflection caused by ground impact.
For smoother rolling, the tyres boast a more rounded shape while maintaining their original diameter. The tread depth has been increased in the centre for improved traction and longevity. Conversely, the tread depth in the shoulder area has been reduced to minimise sinking into the ground, especially during cornering.
The current Monster Jam tyre model features "blocks" added to the tread pattern in the support region under the shoulder area. This addition guarantees better traction even when the vehicle lands at an angle or on two wheels on one side, allowing for a quick recovery of position.

Safety and performance have always been our top priorities when developing tyres for Monster Jam's extreme challenges. Through years of research and development, we have introduced some of the most revolutionary innovations in the field of tyres for this type of extreme competition. Here's how we've turned challenges into opportunities.
Technological Innovations: What Secrets Does a BKT Monster Jam Tyre Hold?
New Rubber Compound
New Rubber Compound
This is not just a simple compound but an advanced formula resulting from intensive research. This special compound is extremely resistant to impacts and wear, essential characteristics for tyres that must overcome the toughest obstacles. And when we say obstacles, we also mean bulky objects that Monster Trucks must literally drive over or land on with violent impacts. Cut resistance becomes paramount here – imagine the story you'd tell the mechanic about a flat tyre caused by a crushed car! Jokes aside, what is the result of this innovative compound? A significant extension of tire life, minimising replacements and contributing to a reduced environmental footprint.
Optimised Tread Design
Optimised Tread Design
We've perfected the tread design through countless tests and simulations to deliver exceptional traction during the most daring stunts. This design ensures maximum grip on any surface, wet, sandy, or paved, empowering drivers to face challenges with unwavering confidence, ensuring they remain in complete control of their vehicle. This improved traction increases safety during performances and allows pushing the limits, offering spectators an even more exciting and breathtaking show.
Reinforced Structure
Reinforced Structure
The monstrous pressures that come with Monster Jam competitions demanded further enhancement of our tyre structure. Each tyre is designed to maintain its shape and functionality even under the most extreme conditions, such as landings from dizzying heights and rapid changes of direction. This reinforcement guarantees consistent and reliable performance throughout a competition and a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Thanks to these advanced features, drivers can face any competition with the certainty that their tyres will never let them down, always offering superior performance.
Performance and Safety
Performance and Safety
Balancing performance and safety is paramount for BKT. Every tyre must pass a series of rigorous endurance and reliability tests before hitting the track. Optimising the tread design and rubber compound guarantees not only exceptional traction and stability on any surface, wet, sandy, or paved, but also superior control during the most extraordinary stunts.
New Rubber Compound
Optimised Tread Design
Reinforced Structure
Performance and Safety

Direct feedback from drivers is crucial to our continuous improvement process. Their experiences and observations are invaluable for fine-tuning every aspect of the tyre, ensuring that every BKT tyre is up to the most demanding challenges. This continuous cycle of feedback and optimisation allows us to maintain high standards and ensure that our tyres deliver superior performance and the highest levels of safety, meeting the demands of even the most challenging Monster Jam events.

Conclusion

BKT tyres for Monster Jam exemplify the cutting edge of tyre technology and performance. This unwavering dedication to reliable and advanced solutions fuels our relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries and approaching each challenge with determination and passion. But our story doesn't end here.
We continue to evolve, innovate, and push the boundaries of what is possible, always guaranteeing the best. Stay tuned! The next BKT adventures promise to be even more groundbreaking, and we can't wait to share them with you on our journey.

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