Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

It is sad to see this behavior from Dunlop. The impact is far reaching, and not in a positive way.

If club racers start switching tire brands because of this issue, our trackside tire vendors will suffer. These folks show up and support their product, and make it that much easier for us to race.

Only people I see gaining anything from this is some top-level factory teams, while club racers, and vendors will reap the repercussions with less availability and smaller sales.

This is bad business any way you slice it.

Wayne Nielsen
CCS SW #61
Glendale, Arizona



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

After Dunlop has bought up all of the test dates, what happens when they still lose tires at Daytona and elsewhere?

Will the AMA bow down at the Dunlop altar and mandate pit stops/tire changes?

Perhaps the AMA needs to rule about private test schedules being established by a certain date.

Perhaps Dunlop needs to call Pirelli/Metzeler and license the mobile automated tire build lines, as it appears evident that they can’t cut the mustard in a straight-up fight.

I especially relish the possibility of a Michelin victory with E-Boz, particularly at Daytona, with icing on the cake being a non-crashing “tire delamination” by Mladin, Yates, or other factory Dunlop “test subjects”.

Dunlop will reap far more negative publicity for its Draconian act of excluding the competition than it will gain by preventing Michelin et. al. from participating in joint tests.

I feel that it is Dunlop’s way of saying “Hey, we can’t build a tire as good as Michelin, Pirelli, Metzeler, or Bridgestone, so let’s just prevent them from testing, and see if we can catch up to the stuff they were building last year!”

Kudos to you dipshits at Dunlop. I hope it bites you in the ass, and I, along with most of the rest of the USA, will be rooting for the underdogs, especially E-Boz on the Ducati.

Good luck to Michelin & Pirelli.

Mark Lewellen
Ozark, Missouri



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail


Been a Dunlop user for more than 30 years, currently on three bikes, average two sets per year–no more, not now, not ever.

What were these idiots thinking of? Are they that convinced of Michelin’s superiority or their own fallibility?

What happened to “competition is better for everyone”?

I think Dunlop would have been money ahead lining “Scott and the boys” at AMA’s pockets to create a spec series. They most certainly will no longer get my $500+ per year.

Hugh Flanary
Bow, Washington



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Dear racers and enthusiasts of motorcycles and motorcycle racing:

I would like to start off by stating my opinion of Dunlop buying up test days. It is a very unfortunate tire situation with Dunlop. You would think with all the bad publicity that they have received for the past year of tires exploding they would try to draw more race teams and privateers to their brand. Instead, they have in my opinion done the exact opposite.

Anyone in the motorcycle industry can see the negative impact on non-Dunlop teams. Dunlop has consistently failed to produce a tire that can stand up to the motorcycles of today at high speed tracks. Mat Mladin would probably not be as outspoken about racing at Daytona if Dunlop had a good track record. If they bought additional track days to test tires that is one thing, but to buy up track days just to exclude non-Dunlop teams is an outrage. What are they afraid of? If they have such tire superiority, then prove it on an equal playing field.

I know many members of the audience that reads Roadracing World have influence with many dealers and suppliers of Pirelli, Michelin, Bridgestone and Dunlop. I would encourage everyone to tell their dealers, even local shops, that they will not buy Dunlop street tires. The only way to combat what Dunlop has done is to hit them in their profit. If you are planning on buying a new bike that is equipped with OEM Dunlop I suggest you tell the dealer you are buying from that you want another brand of tire before you buy the bike. I am not trying to hurt dealers here but the fact is everyone needs to express their opinion and let it go up the chain to the motorcycle manufacturers.

Maybe Dunlop’s position is, even bad publicity is good publicity.

Bobby Hilliard
AMA #611
WERA #611
Cleveland, Tennessee



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

This is one instance where I am going to vote with my wallet. When I replace the rubber on my bike this spring, I will definitely not be buying Dunlop.

Good luck to Eric Bostrom and Ducati! This alliance has renewed my excitement about the upcoming season!

Melissa Bergquist
Elk River, Minnesota



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Just thought I’d throw my two cents worth into this BS. As a former player in the National Endurance Series (Who are these guys, N2Racing/National Car Rental Honda, remember Moroso 1992?), I think Dunlop is only playing the game that brand ‘P’ started with the SBK and SS class this year. As a devoted brand-‘M’ user I must tell myself “all is fair in love and war,” and unfortunately this also applies to motorsports–remember the Bridgestone move against Michelin in F1 cars last year?

Is it right? Probabably not, but then we are not mega-million-dollar companies, are we, so what’s fair isn’t an issue.

Kevin Dennis
N2Racing
Tuskahoma, Oklahoma



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Nice to see your website calling attention to Jim Allen and Mike Buckley’s latest lame attempt in tire domination. Even with all the publicity, I doubt that Ron Barrick or Merrill Vanderslice (of AMA Pro Racing) will do anything about it. Dunlop has the AMA in the palm of its hand. Past history has shown that Jim Allen and Dunlop have quite a bit of say in what happens within the AMA.

I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see the Daytona 200 changed in some way this year. I would also be willing to bet that if it was just Michelin or Pirelli with a tire problem, there wouldn’t be an extra test at Daytona sanctioned by the AMA. When Dunlop yells jump, the AMA asks how high!

What a shame.

Ensign Dave Porter
U.S. Navy
Former AMA/CCS Racer and Pirelli Race Manager
Meridian, Mississippi




FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I find it interesting that no one seem to looking at the fact that Dunlop is now in a tire war. They need to keep all their information close to the vest, trade secrets and all. you don’t see any other business inviting
the competition to their R&D tests.

Does their buying up dates mean the other tire companies can’t test, I don’t think so. It may be harder but we are talking about big companies
with a lot at stake and it is a tire WAR to be sure.

Will Eikenberry
Littlerock, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

This is another screw-up, like the Jim Allen move of the early 1990s of giving superior tires to certain individuals. Now I have yet another reason not to purchase Dunlops–that and the fact that the tires cup almost immediately after purchase.

Mike Durel
Myrtle Point, Oregon



See related post:

1/8/2004 Updated Post: Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Michelin North America AMA Road Racing Manager Jim Rhodes has told roadracingworld.com that the company didn’t see Dunlop’s buy-up of co-op AMA team test dates coming, but will conduct its own tests at what tracks still have dates available. The tracks with available test dates do not include Laguna Seca and Sears Point, however, which were prime targets in Michelin’s 2004 test program.

“We (Michelin) were originally working through (Austin) Ducati,” said Rhodes, via cell phone late Friday. “Vic (Fasola, of Ducati Austin) had been working with (primary renters for the co-op) Yoshimura and Yamaha and it didn’t look like a problem to test with them, so we (Michelin) didn’t pursue anything (else). Then Vic got a call from Don (Sakakura) from Yoshimura saying that basically Dunlop is (now) paying for the test days and Michelin is not allowed. So they will all be private Dunlop tests. I spoke with Tom Halverson at Yamaha and it was the same situation (there).

“We now have test days of our own planned,” continued Rhodes. “We were able to get into some of the racetracks, but not all of them, including Sears Point and Laguna Seca. But we will be going to Barber, Fontana, Colorado, VIR and one other I can’t remember off the top of my head. I think five tests, total. Our plan at the moment, which I have to get approved through France, is to open the tests to all the teams. If Yoshimura or whomever want to come, they will be welcome. It’s a shame, because sharing cuts the cost for everyone. It’s kind of a cheap shot this late in the game.”

Rhodes went on to say, “They are kind of cutting their own throats because they just made Michelin France angry about the whole thing. Now they are going to throw more resources at it. They just lit the fire under Michelin, and turned up the game.”



See related post:

1/8/2004 Updated Post: Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams

From a press release issued by Ben Bostrom’s publicist after a three-day Dunlop-teams-only test which concluded at Laguna Seca Raceway yesterday:

Ben Bostrom completed a preseason test at Laguna Seca today, cutting laps on his new Honda Superbike. “We fought some serious rain for the first couple of days, but finally got some dry time. The bike was fantastic. Once again, I am just in awe of this machine, it’s unreal. We did 26 flats and I know there is another half a second there. The bike is that good.”

The new Honda Superbike has Ben rejuvenated and poised to make waves in 2004. “I’m more enthused now than I’ve ever been. Every time I get on the bike, it makes me feel like a kid again. It makes me feel like I never road raced before and puts a smile back on my face.”

Visit www.BenBostrom.com for a D&W Image from the test.

From a press release issued by Visionsports:

New Visionsports’ programs for 2004 at Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Rockton, Illinois.

Visionsports’ Racer University (VRU) will have three program dates prior to three Championship Cup Series events. VRU dates are:

May 6th
July 15th
August 26th

Visionsports’ Racer University programs are special small groups of instruction for road racing license holders that do race with regularity. Visionsports’ owner, Dave Rosno states, “It was apparent that there was a difference between a racer that raced with regularity versus more recreationally. This program is for a regular racer that needs that extra bit of input into their set up and riding for regular amateur and expert club racing.”

Enrollees will will work with Chief Instructor “Super” Dave Rosno exclusively. Enrollments are limited to eight racers.

Visionsports Riding Schools Thrills & Skills’ program will take place at Blackhawk on the following tentative dates:

May 10th
May 31st
July 19th
August 23rd
September 20th

The Visionsports’ Thrills & Skills’ program is for new racers, sport riders, and current track day riders. These programs are held within Championship Cup Series’ Sport Rider Days.

Vanson Leathers are available for rental at these events.

Dave Rosno will be available at various location for independent one on one or small group instructions. Further information pending negotiation.

For more information about Visionsports’ programs, contact Visionsports,
Inc. at 262-594-3883 or at
www.team-visionsports.com

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

The Brainerd National will include three days of official AMA action, June 25-27.

The race was listed as a two-day event on the AMA schedule, but track officials prevailed with their argument that they needed their traditional three-day weekend to cater to a large contingent of fans who come to camp at the event and buy three-day camping and spectating tickets. Track officials also say they requested a double-header event for 2004 when originally told that all single-Superbike-race AMA events (other than Daytona) would be held on two-day weekends, but were turned down.

The 2004 Brainerd AMA weekend will kick off with a Thursday promoter practice held by Team Hammer, Inc. on June 24.

From a press release issued by Team Pro-Motion:

Team Pro-Motion GP Moto Cup Race Series
2004 Schedule

Round 1
April 11th
Pocono East

Round 2
June 5th
Summit Point JC

Round 3
June 20th
Nelson Ledges

Round 4
July 16th
Pocono East

Round 5
August 8th
Summit Point JC

Round 6
Sept 11th
Pocono East

Round 7
Sept 19th
Summit Point JC

Round 8
October 9th
Pocono East


Linda Rabb
General Manager
215.675.6677
[email protected]
www.teampromotion.com
fx-775.242.5720

Team Pro-Motion
239 Madison Ave. Bldg. C
Warminster, Pa. 18974

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Are there not laws against this practice? Seems like Microsoft recently got sued for similar actions.

Andrew M. Cross, Jr
Lexington, Kentucky



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I just read your report, Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams, in your late-breaking news section. Personally I think this is a crappy move by Dunlop! Then again, given the propensity their tires seem to have for coming apart, God knows they need all the test time they can get!

I guess they figure if you can’t beat them, lock them out!

Mike Piper
Staunton, Virginia



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I just read your article on the fact that Dunlop bought out the available test sessions to stop the others using them, now when a Michelin rider wins at Daytona this spring victory will be even sweeter. That is assuming that the AMA or Dunlop don’t make some strange and unprecedented decision to make the Daytona 200 shorter, or in 2 or 3 parts because Dunlop’s tires can’t handle the banking/weight. I also find it strange that people decried the WSBK series for going to a spec tire rule, but for years basically Motogp and AMA have been ones (with Michelin and Dunlop, respectively).

I guess all I am saying is, that Dunlop are scared to death that E-Boz is going to win first time out on the M brand and that SStock riders using non-Dunlops will have extra confidence at fast tracks knowing their tires don’t have a history of exploding on a semi-regular basis.

Robert T Wilson
ex-USCRA 163, CMA 163
Riverview, New Brunswick, Canada




FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Well, isn’t it refreshing to see how Dunlop is reacting to their recent trials and tribulations with self-destructing tires and the looming spectre of Michelin making a real effort in the AMA series? Instead of proving the superiority of their product in a straight-up fight with Michelin/Pirelli etc, they instead buy up all the test dates to preclude any brand other than Dunlop the opportunity to test on “off weekends” during the AMA schedule. To me, this does not speak favorably of either Dunlop for their “We’re going to win here or we’ll fix it so we do anyway”-attitude or the AMA for their complicity in this affair. I know that Dunlop is and has been a major player in AMA racing for years, and I applaud their support and efforts. But despite their well-publicized troubles at Road Atlanta in 2003 or recently at Daytona tire tests, they should not try to “shut out” competition via closing off testing to any teams not running Dunlop tires. Because if they do in fact win another superbike title, it will be a hollow victory in that true competition was avoided via creative means. It’s almost like the World Superbikes in 2003. Sure, Ducati won, but then again, who did they compete against? Exactly! Come on, Dunlop, you’re better than that. Win the fight in a fair fashion, don’t do a Mike Tyson ear-bite to avoid a potential beating.

Stan Simmerson
Raleigh, North Carolina



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Dunlop’s lockout of its competitors smacks of the blinding arrogance often displayed by very large companies. “Blinding” in so much as it blocks the view of consequences outside the immediate desired effect.

To wit, it was a terrible PR move and displays a surprising lack of confidence in their ability to compete on a level field. It also echos middle-management thinking (the bane of all real progress).

Reg Kittrelle
Scotts Valley, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Every business must make a profit and to do that you must balance expenses and income. If your expenses go up, your income must go up and since Dunlop’s expenses just went up by a $300,000 to $600,000 this year they either eat the loss (not likely) or we, the consumers, end up paying for this little catfight.

I doubt they expected this large expense when they put together their 2004 budget. Since Dunlop would have been testing at these times before anyway, apparently the only real gain by Dunlop is to screw with the Michelin and Pirelli guys. Boy, that’s really classy.

Dunlop, what’s the value to the customer?

I was planning on running Michelins this year anyway so I guess this only confirms my decision.

Jonathan Umfleet
OMRRA #215
Newberg, Oregon



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Thank you for publishing Dunlop’s latest move to achieve tire dominance. This announcement came just in time for me. I was about to replace another brand of tire with a pair of Dunlops, not now. I’m not going to shred the Dunlops that are already on one of my bikes, but I may be shamed into sanding the sidewalls.

Mark Weiss
Chandler, Arizona



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I feel Dunlop’s move is most selfish and reeks of the type of behavior that even the most rivaled teams would not stoop to. Dunlop has acted as a spoiled child would and has not considered the safety of Eric Bostrom and others who need track time not only for practice, but to make sure that their tires wont do the “Dunlop Pop” at speed.

Dunlop has proven to me that they only care about winning at all costs, not for the riders’ safety. This is not just a blow to Michelin and Pirelli, but to the series as a whole.

Andy Pleune
Portland, Oregon



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Dunlop’s move to exclude competition in AMA Superbike saddens me. To me, it seems a self-serving move to hurt the series, the careers of the riders and teams on other tire brands, and most important to deprive fans like me of the competition we’ve enjoyed over the years.

I have been a fan of both Dunlop and Dunlop riders over the years, purchasing and using many versions of Dunlop tires on both street and dirt bikes.

I usually attend several AMA Superbike races each year, and coordinate a group trip to Daytona for the 200 by Arai. I’m a huge fan of the riders as well.

Unless something is done to reverse Dunlop’s anti-competitive move, I will not purchase Dunlop tires again, and I will boycott all AMA Superbike races this year, and I will not watch AMA Superbike races on television. I don’t think AMA Superbike is something I can’t live without.

D. O’Neill
Falls Church, Virginia



See related post:

1/8/2004 Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams

From a press release issued by Eric Bostrom’s agent, Norm Viano:

Dunlop trying to defuse Eric Bostrom?

Commenting on the recent news reported on Roadracing World’s website that Dunlop had bought up the AMA preseason test dates to the exclusion of non-Dunlop teams, is Michelin rider Eric Bostrom. “It’s disappointing for us, because when everyone’s on the track together it’s a much better measuring tool for where you stand against everyone else, not just with bikes but with tires. It’s beneficial for everyone. You have the same conditions on the same day, and I would think that from a competitive standpoint you would welcome that, because that is the challenge you want in racing. And it’s the same challenge that you face on race day.

“Ultimately, all it’s done for us, and maybe this was the purpose, was made it difficult for us to secure track dates because we had a testing schedule that doesn’t exist anymore and it’s very late in the off season for us to secure track dates. So it’s put our team behind the gun a little bit on testing.

“And it’s a shame because I really enjoy riding on the bikes and the tires so much that I’d like to be on the track more. But I don’t suspect it’s going to have too much of an impact on us. I have a tremendous amount of confidence in my team and my tires.”


See related post:

1/8/2004 Dunlop Buys Up AMA Team Test Dates, Excludes Non-Dunlop Teams

From a press release issued by Roger Lyle:

There will be three Tune and Test Days at Summit Point Raceway using the legendary 2-mile, 10-turn road course. All racers are encouraged to check out these dates hosted by Roger Lyle to get dialed in for the 2004 season. Racers will receive hours of track time. The dates are Thursday April 8, Friday June 11, and Friday September 17. Cornerworkers and a staffed ambulance will be present. For more info please contact Roger Lyle at 301-933-2599 or e-mail to [email protected] or send correspondence to Roger Lyle at 4413 Sigsbee Road, Wheaton,Md. 20906.

Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Perhaps Assemblyman John Longville may reconsider the wording of his ammendment to Assembly Bill 1200? Possibly could be ammended to read “legislators convicted of manslaughter in cases involving the death of a motorcycle rider in traffic collisions are deemed to have consented to the making of an anatomical gift under this act.” My letter to the assemblyman is already postmarked & ready to mail. Thanks for keeping us posted on these serious issues.

Sincerely,

Gerhard Lippert
Van Nuys, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

(As sent to the Assemblyman behind the proposal in question.)

I am quite surprised! How can a member of the party that supports a woman’s right to choose what she does with her body propose a law that denies a motorcyclist’s that same right?

As a motorcyclist for almost four decades, and an organ donor by choice, I find your proposed amendment to Assembly Bill 1200 personally repugnant.

Because I value my life, I wear a helmet by choice.

Because I value the rights I fought for, I will not spend either my family’s vacation time or our vacation dollars in your state, regardless of how much I love riding the coastal roads. In addition, I will no longer do business with vendors from California.

As I am not one of your constituents, this is the only way that I can express my feelings about your actions.

Bob Dickey
Willow Park, Texas
www.willowparkvfd.com


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Just a quick comment about the proposed Organ Donor Bill.

While it is unfortunate that people out there fall ill and require organ donations, many people also choose to destroy their bodies with drugs, tobacco and alcohol. Why are motorcyclists who are killed targeted as the source for replacement parts? Who other than oneself, or ones next of kin, has the right to decide what happens to your organs due to the manner of your death?

BTW, I always wear proper safety gear when riding and am a voluntary organ donor.

Thanks,

Edmund Lewis
New Windsor, Maryland



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

Perhaps the wording of the law should be changed to include ALL victims of head injuries in order to make this proposal “Politically Correct”, rather than singling out motorcyclists. Not that I’m going to ride without a good helmet…

Elliott Iverson
Riverside, California


FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

I wonder if Assemblyman Longville would have the courage to propose similar legislation for automobile drivers & their passengers who forgo using seatbelts and are then fatally injured in an accident? I’d imagine this would alienate quite a few voters & create quite an uproar. Yet it seems like us motorcyclists are an easy target for this type of discrimination.

Gerhard Lippert
Van Nuys, California



FIRST PERSON/OPINION

Via e-mail

(As sent to the AMA regarding its press release on the piece of legislation in question.)

To whom it may concern:

Would you people stop wasting the hard earned money we send you every year!!!

Your recent press release regarding the CA organ donor bill has pushed me over the edge.

Who really cares about helmet laws or organ donor requirements anyway? Everyone w/ a drivers license should be required to be a donor. Not being and organ donor is just about the most selfish thing imaginable.

Everyone riding a motorcycle should wear a helmet.

You should spend more time and effort educating people on the importance wearing a lid and promoting helmet use. Your constant fighting of helmet laws gives people the impression that the AMA doesn’t believe that motorcyclists should wear helmets. What’s next? Are you going to spend our money to try to convince the general public that “Loud pipes save lives”?

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! Put your efforts into sanctioning races, keeping riding areas open and controlling the bleeding of $$ and lack of rider representation in the decision making process @ AMA Pro Racing.

Thank you and happy new year,

Tyler Sandell
AMA #268561
Seattle, Washington