Dunlop Announces 2009 Amateur Team

Buffalo, NY:  Dunlop Motorcycle Tires is pleased to introduce its Team Dunlop rider line-up for 2009. Representing Dunlop Tires at amateur national competitions around the country, the 18 rider squad—comprised of some of the most talented racers in the amateur ranks—came together at the Lake Whitney Amateur National event from March 9-14, to participate in the team’s annual photo shoot and welcoming dinner at the WB Ranch.

Now in its third consecutive year, the Team Dunlop program provides the elite riders chosen this year with special tire support and preferred-treatment service at select races during 2009, plus advertising and promotional opportunities in national media as well as on the Team Dunlop Web site. Dunlop also contributes $500 to an educational savings fund for each rider to underscore the importance of staying focused on schoolwork. This year’s crop of Team Dunlop riders will become involved as development riders for the next generation of Dunlop racing tires in the youth segment just as the 2008 team assisted in the development of the new Geomax MX51 tires—a significant and innovative commitment to that vital segment of racing’s future.

The Team Dunlop program debuted in 2007 as a means to support select young amateur motocross racers who ride bikes displacing 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 the following 18 future stars to comprise its elite Team Dunlop for 2009.

Rider Name                            OEM Brand               Class

Adam Cianciarulo                     Kawasaki                     85/105

Sean Cantrell                KTM                           65

Thomas Covington                    Kawasaki                     85

Conner Pearson                        Yamaha                        85

Zach Bell                                  Kawasaki                     105

Jordan Bailey                Cobra, KTM                50/65

Michael Young             Cobra                          65

Jake Riggle                               Suzuki              105

Steven Gretchen                       Suzuki              85

Matt Bisceglia               Yamaha                        85

Jordan Smith                            Suzuki              85

Chase Sexton               Polini                            65

Mark Worth                             Kawasaki                     85

Lance Kobusch                        Cobra                          65

Clay Woeste                            Cobra                          65

Rookie White                           Suzuki              85

Tanner Stack                            Kawasaki                     65/85

Bradley Esper               Kawasaki                     65/85

These riders can be easily spotted as they sport a unique Team Dunlop logo on their helmets. This Team Dunlop logo, which does not replace the company’s traditional and familiar “Flying D” 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 racetrack 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.