Michelin Tests New DOT-labeled Tires, Herrmann Breaks Foot In Florida

Michelin Tests New DOT-labeled Tires, Herrmann Breaks Foot In Florida

© 2008, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Michelin spent two days testing its newest DOT-labeled road race tires January 30-31 at Jennings GP, in Jennings, Florida. The new tires were tested by 2007 GSX-R600 Suzuki Cup Champion Chad Herrmann, Safety First Suzuki’s Bobby Fong, former World GSX-R Cup Champion Robert Jensen and multi-time WERA National Champion Brian Stokes. Jensen, who has been one of Michelin’s top racers in America for years, was tight-lipped when Roadracingworld.com contacted him seeking information about the test. “I did test new front tires, and yes, they are better than what we had last year,” Jensen said. “That’s all I can tell you right now.” Roadracingworld.com has learned that new rear tires were also evaluated at the test. Jensen, who runs his own racing team out of North Dakota and competes for manufacturer contingency money primarily at WERA and ASRA/CCS events, flew into the test and rode a Yamaha YZF-R6 Supersport bike loaned to him by Team Stargel. “It wasn’t a test to go fast,” pointed out Jensen, when asked about testing tires on a borrowed bike. “It was just about trying out the new tires and seeing what they did [when] compared to each other.” Weather conditions for the test were good with mild temperatures and no precipitation. Herrmann, who will be racing in AMA Formula Xtreme and Supersport Championships for Team Stargel in 2008, was the only rider who crashed at the test. But his crash resulted in a broken right foot. The 17-year-old Georgian told Roadracingworld.com he got to the test late and was just starting to try the new tires on a 2007 Yamaha YZF-R6 Formula Xtreme bike when he suffered his fall on the first afternoon. “I had only done about 15 laps,” said Herrmann. “I was going into Turn 13 and hit a false neutral. It clicked back into gear while I was leaned over, stepped out and sent me flying.” Herrmann said his fracture was pinned, and the pin is due to come out in approximately four weeks. “But I’m still going to make it for Daytona,” he added.

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