Tires Developed In International Racing Enjoying Success in U.S.
GREENVILLE, S.C. (August 22, 2012) – Michelin North America has introduced a new line of racing motorcycle tires called MICHELIN Power Cup, MICHELIN Power Slick and MICHELIN Power Rain. The new tire lineup was developed using extensive knowledge gained through years of participation in international races.
“The new Power Cup, Power Slick and Power Rain lineups provide racers with the four primary benefits they’ve told our researchers they are looking for – stability, responsiveness, durability and safety,” said Ross Shields, director of motorcycle tire sales, Michelin. “Riders don’t have to sacrifice any of these attributes in favor of another; these tires have incredible balance and unmatched performance.”
The new lineup includes the following models and sizes:
MICHELIN Power Cup - Developed to provide excellent grip when cornering and accelerating, the MICHELIN Power Cup enables faster lap times than its predecessor, the MICHELIN Power One Competition. The front tire provides maneuverability, stability and progressive responsiveness, especially when braking, while the rear tire improves grip when cornering without sacrificing longevity.
Front:
- 120/70 ZR 17 Power Cup A
- 120/70 ZR 17 PowerCupVA; 120/70 ZR 17 Power Cup VB
Rear:
- 180/55 ZR 17 Power Cup A; 180/55 ZR 17 Power Cup B; 180/55 ZR 17 Power Cup C
- 190/55 ZR 17 Power Cup A; 190/55 ZR 17 Power Cup B; 190/55 ZR 17 Power Cup C
- 200/55 ZR 17 Power Cup A; 200/55 ZR 17 Power Cup B; 200/55 ZR 17 Power Cup C
MICHELIN Power Slick - the Power Slick offers easier handling as well as safety in all phases of track riding.
Front:
- 12/60 R17 Power Slick A; 12/60 R17 Power Slick B
Rear:
- 19/69 R17 Power Slick A; 19/69 R17 Power Slick B; 19/69 R17 Power Slick C
- 20/69 R17 Power Slick A; 20/69 R17 Power Slick B; 20/69 R17 Power Slick C
MICHELIN POWER RAIN - This rain tire reveals its outstanding performance features on wet tracks, with a “fountain” tread design that disperses a maximum amount of water
Front: 12/60 R17 Power Rain
Rear: 19/69 R17 Power Rain
The new line of tires has already hit several high-level amateur racing circuits in the U.S. and the results and feedback have been impressive.
“Established racers loved the confidence inspiring stability and improved grip of the Michelin Power Cup front,” said Stoughon Snead, Motorace. “Some riders achieved their personal best lap times ever. Spring dry, cold events all went well with the Power Cup 120 VA. June was first hot weather event and transition to Power Cup 120VB went without any complaints, only compliments.”
"Michelin makes the most confidence inspiring tire on the market,” said Scott Tillery after winning the 20 lap Heavyweight solo race using Power Slick tires.
“Danny Kelsey turned the fastest lap of the weekend on the Power Cup DOT tires at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit on his way to the win in B Superbike,” said David Hirsch, Island Racing.
"I was really impressed with the feel and durability of the Michelin tires at a track as tough on tires as Willow Springs,” said Karl Lowery following his 3rd place finish after starting on the 13th row at C Superbike event at Willow Springs. “The tires had excellent grip and gave remarkable feedback. With temperatures at or above 100 degrees, the tire wear was better than I expected. I'm sure there is more speed in the tires than I was able to get from them on my first weekend on them.”
These tires are available exclusively through the following Michelin Motorcycle Tire Race Distributors:
US Distributors
Motorace - 800-628-4040 or www.motorace.com
Sportbike Tire Service - 888-390-4020 or www.sportbiketireservice.com
Island Racing Services - 409-771-3950 or www.islandracingservices.com
US Sub Distributors
Walt Schaefer Enterprises - 256-538-5906
AF Motorsports - 650-400-3461
Fastline Race Tire - 208-766-3578
Fastline Racing - 505-980-2123
Frank Kinsey Racing - 321-267-4787
Podium Tire - 805-237-8473
Vanmar Racing - 303-944-0334
Canadian Distributor
Kennedy Motorsports - 519-836-2763 or www.kennedymotorsports.com