The following release is from AMA Pro Racing…
Dunlop Motorcycle Tires in conjunction with its joint venture partner, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, is pleased to announce that tires supplied for the 2005 AMA Flat Track Championship will be re-branded to carry the Dunlop name.
Goodyear entered into a long-term agreement with the AMA in 2002 to become the “Official Tire of the AMA Flat Track Championship”. The agreement provides the flexibility to designate the brand name and a decision has been taken to install the Dunlop name. Thus, Dunlop will plan to include Flat Track racing in its marketing and advertising plans for 2005 and forward.
“Dunlop’s dominance in motorcycle racing is clearly established in the U.S. and this opportunity to capitalize on the synergy of the two companies made this an easy decision,” stated Stu Grant, general manager of global race tires for Goodyear.
From a technical and manufacturing point of view, development and production will remain the responsibility of Goodyear. No changes are seen for the upcoming 2005 season in construction or compound as a result of this branding change.
As for distribution, tires will continue to be available through the existing Goodyear channel only. In order to provide a smooth transition to the Dunlop brand, Goodyear will work closely with its distributors, AMA Pro Racing and Flat Track competitors, to ensure that all existing Goodyear branded products are depleted. To help facilitate this, Dunlop branded tires will not be available until later in the 2005 season, at which time both brands will be allowed to compete until the Goodyear supply is no longer available.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to get involved with the AMA Flat Track Championship,” said Mike Buckley, vice president for Dunlop’s Motorcycle Division. “Having the opportunity to incorporate the sport of Flat Track into our forward marketing and advertising plans is something we’re looking forward to, and we’re glad to help promote and assist in the growth of the sport and its amazing athletes.”
