2008 Team Dunlop Amateur Squad
Lake Whitney, TX: Dunlop Motorcycle Tires announced from the site of the Lake Whitney Amateur National races in Lake Whitney, Texas, the introduction of the elite 2008 Team Dunlop riders.
First formed in 2007, the Team Dunlop program is designed specifically to support select young riders within the ranks of amateur motocross racing who ride bikes ranging from 50cc up to 150cc. Dunlop has historically supported thousands of amateur racers each year through the largest amateur program in this sector of the industry. Additionally, Dunlop serves as the official tire sponsor of all the major amateur OEM groups, including Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Cobra and Polini. From within the ranks of these top-level riders, Dunlop has selected 18 future stars to comprise its team of elite Team Dunlop riders for 2008.
Members of Team Dunlop receive tire support and preferred-treatment service at select races during 2008, plus inclusion in a national ad campaign. A special Team Dunlop web site will feature each rider, and highlight the rider¹s results throughout the year, and each rider will receive unique Team Dunlop apparel available only to Team Dunlop riders. Dunlop will also contribute $500 to an educational savings fund for each rider to underscore the importance of staying focused on schoolwork. In addition, these young riders may play an active role in the development of the next generation of Dunlop racing tires in the youth segment‹a significant and innovative commitment to that vital segment of racing¹s future.
³We are very happy with the results of the Team Dunlop program in 2007, and we look forward to working with this new group of kids and their families in 2008,² said Dunlop Vice President Mike Buckley.
The members of Team Dunlop 2008 include:
Rider Name OEM Brand Class
Adam Cianciarulo Kawasaki 85
Stephen Gretchen KTM 65/85
Connor Pearson KTM 65/85
Chris Alldredge Yamaha 85
Justin Bogle Kawasaki 85
Jordan Bailey Cobra 50/65
Michael Young Cobra 65
Eli Tomac Suzuki 85
Challen Tennant Polini 50/65
Matt Bisceglia Yamaha 85
Taylor Witt Suzuki 65/85
Joey Savatgy Honda 85
Mark Worth Cobra 65/85
Max Antsie KTM 85
Jessy Nelson Honda 85
Hunter Hilton KTM/Cobra 65/85
Joey Crown KTM/Cobra 50/65
Jarek Balkovic Suzuki 85
These riders can be easily spotted as they sport a unique Team Dunlop logo on their helmets. This logo, which does not replace the company¹s traditional and familiar ³Flying D² icon, was first introduced in 2007.
Be on the lookout for each of these talented young riders as they appear at major amateur motocross races across the country attired in their special-branded Team Dunlop apparel.
About Dunlop Tires
Dunlop Tires is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S. and the only manufacturer of motorcycle tires in North America. With North American operations headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Dunlop has been making and selling high-quality tires in the U.S. since 1923. For more information, visit www.dunlopmotorcycle.com.