How do motorsport awnings help with fitting pro tyres at events?

Aside from the drivers, the star attractions of any race weekend are obviously the cars themselves. And the tyres of those cars are another under-appreciated element that can shape almost every aspect of a race weekend, from setup strategy to final results. Teams depend on consistent grip, correct compounds, and well-timed changes throughout the event.

At this level of prestige motorsports, tyre suppliers operate on-site throughout the schedule, working to deliver a reliable service to every team involved. The efficiency of that process directly influences preparation, performance, and turnaround between sessions. What’s more, our commercial awnings play a major role in fitting pro tyres – so let’s take a closer look at how it all works!

The requirements of teams in motorsport

Every team operating in motorsport works under time constraints that leave no room for hesitation or error. The time between sessions is often just a matter of minutes, whether for practice, qualifying, or racing. Within that narrow window, teams need to complete a long list of tasks: cooling the engine, checking data, adjusting suspension settings, fuelling, and preparing the car for its next run. Tyre preparation is a fixed part of that cycle. If tyres are not ready, the entire plan falls apart.

So for those reasons alone, turnaround speed is absolutely essential. Crews need to remove wheels, get them to the supplier, and receive them back fitted and ready to refit – all while carrying out every other job on the car. Any delay on the tyre side can cascade across the rest of the schedule. That means tyre services must be consistent, responsive, and prepared to handle multiple sets without hold-up.

There also needs to be efficiency, which depends on tight coordination. Communication between the team and the tyre supplier has to be clear and accurate. The supplier needs to know which compound is needed, what pressures to target, and how many sets are due.

Expertise plays a direct role in how the day unfolds. Technicians handling the tyres need to know how to inspect the wheels, assess wear patterns, identify irregularities, and fit replacements precisely. Even a minor error with pressure or alignment can affect how the car handles under load. The fitting process influences grip, temperature control, and overall confidence in the setup.

And of course, the tyres themselves also matter. Each set has to perform exactly as expected, with no variation in balance, construction, or preparation. Tyres that behave unpredictably can force changes in strategy, increase the risk of wear-related failures, or reduce the driver’s ability to maintain pace.

How the process works

Each team receives a fixed number of tyres for the event, generally supplied through official partners contracted by the organisers or championship. These partners are responsible for preparing and fitting the tyres throughout the weekend.

The supplier arrives with racks of tyres, tools, and a crew of technicians trained to handle high-pressure trackside work. Their awning is one of the first structures to go up in the paddock. Inside, it’s fitted out with all the necessary machines: bead breakers, balancers, compressors, and storage for clean and used rubber. Everything is arranged to support continuous work throughout the day.

When a session ends, the car returns to the paddock and the team begins working through a checklist of checks and adjustments. Part of that involves removing the wheels and bringing them to the awning. The work is carried out centrally, with every team using the same service point – the wheels are brought in by the team crew, and returned ready to fit, often within tight turnaround times between sessions.

Each wheel is logged, stripped of its used tyre, and cleaned. New tyres are mounted, inflated to the required pressure, and balanced. The finished wheels are then labelled and set aside for collection. This cycle is repeated across the day for multiple teams, often with different compounds and allocations depending on category or race order.

How do our awnings help?

At The Awning Company, we have a long and successful legacy of designing awnings specifically for tyre suppliers operating in motorsport environments. These structures are built to match the intensity and scale of a race weekend, with reinforced frames, adaptable layouts, and durable materials that perform under repeated use.

Crucially, they protect the machines from dust, rain, and direct sunlight. They shield the technicians too, so that they can stay comfortable and focused on the job at hand. Every square metre is used with purpose – there’s no spare space, but no wasted space either.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of their key characteristics:

• Internal clearance supports tall machines and full-height tyre stacks
• Large access points enable efficient wheel drop-off and collection
• Strong anchor systems keep the frame secure on uneven paddock surfaces
• Sidewalls provide cover from wind, rain, and dust blown across the site
• Lighting systems can be integrated for night work or low-light sessions
• Frame and fabric construction withstands constant transport and setup cycles

Different teams and suppliers work in different ways. Some use modular layouts that connect directly to trailers. Others create standalone bays with separate areas for clean and used stock. Our awnings are designed to accommodate either approach. They give tyre crews a base they can trust – one that supports the pace of fitting across an entire weekend, without delay, breakdown, or compromise. Every piece of equipment has a place, and every technician has the space to do their job cleanly, safely, and without interruption.

And of course, if you’re looking to get your own commercial awnings, you’re in exactly the right place. Motorsports, equine and mobile tech are just a couple of our key sectors here at the Awning Company, and we have a long history of delivering flawless solutions for our customers across the North West.

Feel free to take a look at our bespoke GH Awnings to see what we can do for you – and if you have any questions or need any advice, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 01204 544 900, and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can!