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.