Mahl's Champion Tire to use automated deployment

CORNELIUS, N.C. — Champion Tire & Wheel announced on July 20 its plans to deploy an automated truck platoon with driverless technology. The platoon will support the Brickyard 400 on July 27 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway — marking the first known use of driverless truck technology in global motorsports logistics. The deployment features a human-driven lead truck paired with an autonomous follower vehicle — showcasing how automation can complement existing operations and improve logistics efficiency without disrupting workflows. Champion Tire & Wheel, in partnership with Kratos Defense, will be the first in the motorsports world to integrate this advanced technology into race support operations. "We're always looking for ways to improve how we serve the teams and meet the demands of a fast-paced race schedule," said Kevin Mahl, a former Wakeman resident who is also the President and CEO of Champion Tire & Wheel. "The technology gives us an additional tool to keep our fleet moving efficiently when tight timelines and long distances come into play. We're excited to see it in action." Champion Tire & Wheel has a long-standing commitment to transforming motorsports logistics. Since 2002, the company has pioneered new ways to deliver race-ready wheels and pit equipment, developing proprietary tracking systems, automated wheel inspection processes, and optimized handling practices to treat wheels as critical performance components—not just freight. "Our mission is to deliver race-ready wheels and pit equipment to every track. The confidence teams place in our work is what drives us," said Todd Carpenter, Vice President and General Manager of Champion Tire & Wheel. "This deployment, made possible through our collaboration with Kratos Defense, is another step forward in making our logistics operations smarter, safer, and more efficient." The deployment will run along U.S. 70 truck automation corridor between Columbus and Indianapolis providing a real-world demonstration of how automated systems can help solve practical logistics challenges in one of the most time-sensitive supply chains in the country. Champion Tire & Wheel remains focused on adopting solutions that drive operational excellence, safety, and reliability for the racing teams and partners it supports. In June, Mahl called upon several area residents and relatives to help drive cars and equipment for many NASCAR teams. That included his brother-in-law Shawn Burke and his brother, Terry, and two other Wakeman residents, Tom Hipp and Dan Eaton. Norwalk residents Rick Reeder, Duane and Scott Fell, and Chris Pease also assisted. Over two weeks and three races, the contingent drove truck haulers from Brooklyn, Mich. to Mexico City, then to Long Pond, Pa. in the Pocono Mountains. The drive from Mexico City to Pennsylvania covered 4,750 miles.