Quite understandable, therefore, that our friends from Goodyear left no stone unturned in making the event a memorable one. Instead of the usual function room-type of launch complete with presentations, for example, we were whisked away to the Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC) where we got to personally push the tyre and test its limits. Awaiting us at BRC were members of the Tuason Racing School’s (TRS) group of instructors, led by head instructor and multi-awarded driver JP Tuason. A number of Ford Lynxes used for the occasional Top Driver Challenge were fitted with brand new Ducaro GAs — and we took turns, professional race car drivers and media race car driver wannabes, navigating the circuit through various simulated road conditions. In the end, the foregone conclusion was made obvious by our experience — the Ducaro GA is indeed a tyre built to perform. What’s so special about the tyre, you ask? Let’s put it this way, the tyre was developed to meet the expectations of three different types of end-users, and it lives up to every single goal it was set to achieve.
The Ducaro GA is the latest product to come directly as a result of Goodyear’s Trinuum Tyre Technology, which brings together the knowledge, experience and creativity from Goodyear’s global development centers in Japan, Europe and America. Technological advancements in tyre chemistry, design and engineering are thus prevalent in the Ducaro GA. First and foremost, the Ducaro GA is fitted with the expanded Bubble Blade II System, which with its tread elements that open at point of contact with the road (therefore providing traction during acceleration) and close when not under pressure (therefore reducing road noise), make traction a strong point (even in severe wet conditions) and addresses the need for noise-reduction. Other technologies involved in the production of the Ducaro GA also add to its effectivity on other fronts. A unique Decoupling Groove, for example, balances the tyre’s footprint pressure, ensuring even wear while providing better mileage. A Double Sequencing Tread (which by the way adds to the tyre’s impressive styling) also absorbs noise. Continuous Centre Ribs improves steering response while its Four Rib Design optimizes tread contact with the road. The result is a tyre that is responsive, quiet and stylish at the same time.
After having the media test the tyre’s effectivity on wet, dry, straight and twisting roads, Goodyear then hosted the weary group of journalists to dinner and an overnight stay at the Eagle Point Resort where games and activities geared towards making us better appreciate (albeit on a more relaxed setting) the Ducaro GA were held. The best lesson in physics, however, might have very well come from Mother Nature herself, at least as far as this writer is concerned. During a diving session (as opposed to the driving session held earlier) held the very next day, this writer’s knee came in contact with some very sharp rocks at the seabed of the reef just off the resort. As we emerged from an invigorating close encounter with nature’s best as provided by our beautiful reefs, a very painful open would had us appreciating just how far we’ve gone in improving tyre tread longevity. What we wouldn’t do at the time for our knees to have been fitted with some sturdy decoupling grooves...