As a maker of superior performance tires, BFGoodrich is proud to say that we’ve been passionately performance-driven since the start. From the deserts of Baja to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, our rich heritage of successful performance racing helps ensure that your vehicle is ready for any challenge - at any time.
BFGoodrich faced much adversity through the years in on -and off-road racing, which has taught us many important lessons about the way tires perform. BFGoodrich engineers have applied these learnings to every product in every segment. So no matter what type of driving you’re after, you can be assured that our tires are up to the task.
In 1870, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich founded the first tire factory in North America, in Akron, Ohio. Even then, performance was already an integral part of the brand’s DNA. This led Charles Cross Goodrich, son of Benjamin, to establish the very first tire research centre in the United States. As a result, BFGoodrich began to stand out from the competition as early as 1903, when it provided the tires for the Winton Touring Car, the first car to cross the North American continent from east to west.
BFGoodrich soon identified another means of improving mobility by entering the rapidly expanding industry of aeronautics. This allowed the challenge-oriented brand to push the limits in new ways. The brand was involved in the 46.5 mph speed record set in 1909, at the first international air race held in Reims, on a Curtiss Aeroplane Corporation plane.
The 1920s presented the chance to conquer a challenge that was once thought unthinkable. In 1927, BFGoodrich provided the tyres for the Spirit of St. Louis, in which Charles Lindbergh made the first nonstop transatlantic flight in history.
And BFGoodrich never will. Below is a glimpse of some of the notable challenges that BFGoodrich has conquered throughout its rich history.
BFGoodrich is more than just crossing the finish line first that excites us. BFGoodrich is driven to produce industry-first technology in all of its tire segments.
At BFGoodrich we’re not the type to stand back and hold our breath as we watch what you can do with our tires. We are right there at the heart of the action – gearing up for our turn. Our brand is built for driving enthusiasts, by driving enthusiasts, which is why it is our promise to always offer the following:
BFGoodrich stand shoulder to shoulder with customers at a multitude of events all over the world. From trade shows to small grassroots efforts.
On- and off-road, BFGoodrich provide unmatched capability through tires designed for performance in difficult and extreme conditions.
From the world’s most grueling track races to the planet’s toughest terrain, BFGoodrich products are torture-tested to make sure you’re ready for any driving situation.
Whether for performance or appearance, every design is crafted with a purpose.
Being the first tire manufacturer to win consecutive Indianapolis 500 titles was just the beginning for this iconic performance-driven brand. The brand soon found a passion for the dirtier side of racing and built a respected off-road reputation. From the deserts of Baja to the badlands of Dakar, BFGoodrich has seen - and won - it all.
It’s fitting, when you think about it, that the tire manufacturer that created the all-terrain category in the first place is still dominating the dirt today. Since their first Baja 1000 victory in 1972, they’ve racked up well over 200 off-road championships. Including a stretch of 21 consecutive Baja 1000 titles between 1986 and 2007 - making BFGoodrich the benchmark for North America Desert racing.
But like any great competitor, BFGoodrich grew restless and wanted to see what else the world had to offer. 2006 became a turning point in their global legacy, as they entered the World Rally Championship (WRC), helping Sébastien Loeb secure the title five years running and providing the Citroën and Ford teams win the constructors' championship. During their brief time in the WRC (2006-10), BFGoodrich won every drivers' and constructors' title up for grabs. The brand also entered the IRC in 2007, winning in its first year with Peugeot.
BFGoodrich built upon this success, winning titles in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and Dakar. With eight Dakar wins in the mid 2000s, BFGoodrich returned in 2016 to pick up right where they left off, by propelling Team Peugeot to victory.
The brand’s presence is still felt at many local races, especially in North America where the quality of BFGoodrich tires excels on a wide range of surfaces, including dirt, sand, rock and asphalt, proof of the incredible versatility of BFGoodrich products.