Dunlop sticks with Isle of Man TT

Leading tyre manufacturer continues support of iconic road race

Dunlop, a name inextricably linked with the Isle of Man TT Races, will be ‘Official Tyre Partner’ for the 2014 races in a new multi-year deal. The event, which runs around the iconic 37¾ mile course, is one of the most famous road races in the world.

Dunlop has had massive success in the Isle of Man TT, having competed in all but two years of the championship since its beginnings in 1907. With legendary riders including John McGuinness and Joey Dunlop having shod their bikes with Dunlop tyres, the manufacturer has claimed more TT wins than any other tyre brand. This year, 11 former winners with a collective 57 TT successes between them will face the island’s Mountain course between the first practice on 24th May and the iconic Senior race on 6th June.

“Last year, riders shod with Dunlop KR106 and KR108 slicks as well as road-legal D212 GP Pro tyres took 14 out of 15 podium places, commented Andy Marfleet, Dunlop Brand Manager, “and Dunlop’s winning streak was reinforced by shattering three lap records in the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock classes.

“The status as the Isle of Man TT’s Official Tyre Partner is a fantastic opportunity for us as it is not only a great opportunity for brand exposure but racing in the TT gives us the opportunity to take our learnings from the road race and cascade the technology directly in to our road going products. What we love about the TT is that it is an open championship – meaning that those who ride on Dunlop choose to do so and our unrivalled success is testament to the consistent development that goes in to all of our products – our wins are no coincidence.”

20 times Isle of Man TT champion, John McGuinness, stated, “When racing around the Isle of Man at an average of 130 mph, it’s key that I have complete confidence the entire set up of my bike and the tyres that are gripping me to the road. I’ve enjoyed working with Dunlop for many years now and trust that I can push the tyres to the limits that are required to win at the TT – where every second counts.”

I’m looking forward to testing with Dunlop again at Castle Combe in May and getting to grips with my bike’s set up ahead of what I hope is another great year at the Isle of Man TT.”