AMA Pro Racing has issued a press release announcing that the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. will provide the official “spec tire” for the Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship beginning in 2002.
Under terms of the agreement, all competitors in the Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship will be required to use the same brand and model of Goodyear tires. In addition, Goodyear will make a significant contribution – reportedly in the neighborhood of $20,000 – as a bonus to the top flat-track teams. The agreement runs through 2006.
“This deal with Goodyear was made to level the playing field for our flat-track riders,” Bruce Bober, AMA Pro Racing’s flat track mananger, said. “Having one official ‘spec tire’ will ensure that all competitors are using uniform equipment, and also lower the costs for our competitors by reducing the number of wheel/tire combinations needed. The bonus money from Goodyear will also help offset costs for top teams.”
“Goodyear and AMA Pro Racing have enjoyed a long and successful relationship for many years, and we are glad to be able to continue that relationship as the ‘spec tire’ provider for the flat-track championship,” Goodyear’s Paul Lauritzen said. “We are also excited about the opportunity to reward each season’s top performers through our bonus fund contribution.”
