Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Georgia lawyer Greg McMenamy is researching a possible lawsuit against Dunlop Tire Co. on behalf of former motorcycle racer Brian Livengood, whose AMA career ended when a Dunlop slick on the rear of his GSX-R1000 racebike exploded and sent Livengood into a concrete wall during an AMA Superbike event at Road Atlanta in May, 2003.

Livengood suffered back injuries, resulting in a partially fused spine.

McMenamy is likely to claim the crash was caused by a design that proved defective for the tire’s intended use.

Livengood’s crash was caused by the first in a string of catastrophic Dunlop rear tire failures and resultant high-speed crashes at various U.S. and Canadian racetracks. The failures involved both 16.5-inch and 17-inch slicks; Livengood crashed when a 16.5-inch tire failed, and Dunlop eventually recalled potentially faulty 17-inch rear tires.

McMenamy must overcome the liability release signed by racers when they obtain an AMA Pro license. He may be able to do that under Georgia law regarding defective product designs.