Goodyear, the world’s largest tire company, has implemented an RFID solution to track its tires at all three of NASCAR’s premier series in 2006. Goodyear's RFID solution is assisting NASCAR in leveling the playing field among its teams through a tire leasing program that controls access to the tires available at race events, as well as at officially sanctioned test sessions.

Goodyear is using the Psion Teklogix 7535 with RD7950 UHF RFID Reader along with a software application from CTI, Akron, OH, to track and manage its tires at all three NASCAR top series in 2006, including the Nextel Cup Series, Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series.

With 43 cars at each Nextel Cup race and each car using about 10 sets of tires per race, the task of tracking all of the tires can be challenging and time consuming. Goodyear’s goal is to optimize how it tracks the nearly 2,000 tires from manufacturing through distribution to the teams, and then to the final disposition of the tires after each race.

The decision to fully deploy the Psion Teklogix RFID solution at all 2006 races follows Goodyear’s successful testing session at the Homestead-Miami Speedway during the 2005 season finale of the Craftsman Truck Series, when Goodyear tires equipped with RFID were raced for the first time.

“We’re excited to be working with Psion Teklogix on our RFID tracking solution, which is the first deployment of its kind in the racing industry,” said Greg Stucker, director of race tire sales and marketing, Goodyear. “The Psion Teklogix 7535 with RD7950 UHF RFID Reader provides us with the ideal ruggedness and durability needed to handle logistics and accomplish our tire leasing goals on the NASCAR circuit.”

The new RFID solution enables Goodyear to track all tires with maximum speed and accuracy, allowing tires to be returned at the end of each race in about an hour.

”We’re proud to be providing Psion Teklogix’ RFID solutions to industry leaders such as Goodyear,” said Ron Caines, vice president of marketing, Psion Teklogix Inc. “This represents a significant milestone for our company and we look forward to the opportunities ahead.”