Pirelli announcement regarding Dunlop & AMA

[Boston Moto]

As some of you are we're sure already aware, Dunlop has been chosen as the spec tire provider for the AMA for 2009. With that in mind, Pirelli has made the following announcement:

Rome, Georgia: Per the announcement by the AMA that its forthcoming road-racing series will be a Dunlop spec-tire series, Pirelli Tire NA would like to congratulate Dunlop on being granted this opportunity.

Scott Griffin, VP of Pirelli Motorcycle Tire North America, said, “The AMA invited bids from all tire companies and Dunlop was chosen. We at Pirelli respect and applaud the AMA’s transparent bidding process and congratulate Dunlop for its efforts. Because of the various series worldwide that are Pirelli spec-tire series, from World Superbike to British Superbike and the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, we understand the technical and logistical challenge Dunlop faces, and we wish them the best in this endeavor.”

For racers competing in all other North American racing series, Pirelli Tire will apply the proven assets of its ongoing development of high-performance tires in World Superbike and World Supersport to other avenues in the North American market.

Again, Pirelli wishes all the best to Dunlop and its new challenges.

Pirelli Tire North America specializes in the manufacture and marketing of high-performance tires for passenger vehicles, motorcycles and motorsports. An industry leader in technology and quality, Pirelli operates its highly advanced Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) in Rome, Georgia, to better serve the North American OEM and Replacement markets. For more information please visit: PIRELLI TIRE, or PIRELLI - Pirelli Tyre Moto.

[lrrs313]

Very sporting of Pirelli to make an anouncement like this. I'm interested to see how things go with a spec tire and all the other changes to the series this coming season.

[s a x m a n]

Can't wait to run Pirelli's in 2009 as well!

[GixerJockey]

Fuck Dunlop...

[imkindafkedup]

Fuck Dunlop...

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[Karaya One]

Very classy of Pirelli.

[Degsy]

Very classy of Pirelli.

It is, isn't it.

They do throw in the line about the technical and logistical challenge it's going to be for Dunlop, so it might be a "Good luck, you'll need it" message. I doubt it though, seems like a genuine "well done, we'll keep SBK and you can have AMA" type message.

Not sure how this will affect Pirelli sales (or Michelin) at club level, not adversely i hope.

[Karaya One]

For Michelin, you won't see anything soon. The new line of race tires are here. I should see, feel and know about them in a week or so when we have our race tire meeting.

The major concern now is what exactly is Michelin's future in racing. With many series going spec tire, there is no more desire to push the limits to produce the best tire. You now have to make a race tire that most riders will tolerate. And this is not always the best tire.

Your going racing to win, to produce the best product you can. Sometimes a line of development works, and sometimes it does not.

You will still see club support for Michelin. It's is a strong and profitable line for Michelin. The spec tire proposal that Michelin walked away from for DMG / AMA in the end would cost a HUGE pile of money for little commercial return. This is really all I can say about that.

We will be here for 2009 and beyond.

[a13x]

Ha. From someone who used to write OEM press releases.. I couldn't help but notice Pirelli pointed out "Yea great you got AMA... big deal... we have World Supers, British Supers, and Canadian Supers...neener!"

Good sporting move to distribute the PR, but there were some clear digs in there. Nature of the business, and I for one enjoyed it. Nicely played Pirelli!

[Jonny Rocket]

That was cool of Pirelli.

The new Pirelli DOT's work well, I just like the way the Dunlops respond better.

Dunlops - FTW!!!!!!!

[Dieseldan]

Dunlop must be throwing some money on the back end of the deal IMO pirelli is a superior tire.

[Crash Dummy Denno]

IMO pirelli is a superior tire.

right on man!

[bostongixxer]

Ha. From someone who used to write OEM press releases.. I couldn't help but notice Pirelli pointed out "Yea great you got AMA... big deal... we have World Supers, British Supers, and Canadian Supers...neener!"

+1. It was exactly that, with the "good luck with that one" pointed out by Degsy...along with a little "watch and see what happens" set up for the viewers just in case Dunlop has some bumps along the way.

[brewmaster]

If anyone cares this was the press release from Michelin during the MotoGP tyre decision.
Michelin will not bid for the contract to be single-source supplier of tires for the MotoGP World Championship

(Paris – October 4, 2008)-Michelin has decided not to submit a bid to the governing body of the MotoGP World Championship. At the same time, Michelin regrets not being able to contribute to the organizers’ important discussions to improve rider safety and reduce costs.

The spirit of competition has always been central to Michelin. Motor sports at the highest level are useful because competition among several tire manufacturers is a valuable stimulus for developing increasingly high-performance tires that will one day equip customer vehicles. Tires play a key role in a vehicle’s performance and can make a considerable difference. This competition among manufacturers helps to make racing exciting.

The radial tire, which was invented by Michelin, has been improved through racing, and the improvements have since been passed on to consumers. Michelin’s dual compound technology for motorcycle tires was first tested in MotoGP racing and is today integrated into premium products for the brand’s customers. The MotoGP Championship organizers have decided to use a single tire supplier for the coming seasons, which effectively eliminates the competitive environment that has led to so much progress.

The R&D resources allocated for MotoGP racing will be redeployed to support innovation, which is at the heart of Michelin’s customer-focused strategy.

[Karaya One]

If this person was still alive, things might be different...

[Crash Dummy Denno]

who dat Dave?

[Kitt]

who dat Dave?

a random dude - superdave just wanted an excuse to spread michelin propaganda

[Karaya One]

That is the last man to really have a passion for racing at Michelin. He understood what it did for both the technological and commercial aspects for the companies brand. He knew why you had to go racing.

Edouard Michelin.

[TheIglu]

If anyone cares this was the press release from Michelin during the MotoGP tyre decision.
Michelin will not bid for the contract to be single-source supplier of tires for the MotoGP World Championship

(Paris – October 4, 2008)-Michelin has decided not to submit a bid to the governing body of the MotoGP World Championship. At the same time, Michelin regrets not being able to contribute to the organizers’ important discussions to improve rider safety and reduce costs.

The spirit of competition has always been central to Michelin. Motor sports at the highest level are useful because competition among several tire manufacturers is a valuable stimulus for developing increasingly high-performance tires that will one day equip customer vehicles. Tires play a key role in a vehicle’s performance and can make a considerable difference. This competition among manufacturers helps to make racing exciting.

The radial tire, which was invented by Michelin, has been improved through racing, and the improvements have since been passed on to consumers. Michelin’s dual compound technology for motorcycle tires was first tested in MotoGP racing and is today integrated into premium products for the brand’s customers. The MotoGP Championship organizers have decided to use a single tire supplier for the coming seasons, which effectively eliminates the competitive environment that has led to so much progress.

The R&D resources allocated for MotoGP racing will be redeployed to support innovation, which is at the heart of Michelin’s customer-focused strategy.

I think Michelin's Press Release was better than the Pirelli one.