Michelin Seeking to Boost UK Motorcycle Motorsport at Grass Root Level in 2010

Michelin will look to “re-establish” its two-wheel motorsport involvement in the UK in 2010, with the manufacturer introducing The Michelin Power Cup having already achieved notable success in France, Italy and Spain with similar race series. The series offers motorcycle racers a welcome Power Pack valued at £700, plus unprecedented amounts of track time and prizes including cash and products. Commenting on the new series, Olivier Gros, head of Michelin’s UK motorcycle department says: “This is a very exciting opportunity for us to re-establish Michelin at the grass-roots of motorcycle racing in the UK. We want the Power Cup to stand out as offering the best value for money for racers both in terms of track time and prizes, and based on the calibre of sponsors we are confident that this will be the case.

There will be six rounds throughout the season with three 12-15 lap sprint races for 600cc and 1000cc classes at each round. The season will run from April to October with provisional venues being Snetterton (2/3 April), Cadwell Park (8/9/May and 30/31 October), Mallory Park (5/6 June), Anglesey (28/29 August) and Pembrey (18/19 September). “Not only will there be great prizes but we also want to create a fun atmosphere with regular get-togethers on the Saturday night at each meeting. These will include free refreshments and will give riders the chance to swap stories about their heroic racing exploits,” Gros concludes.

Sponsors for the series include Alpinestars, Arai, Putoline Oil and Race Products so the welcome Power Pack and prizes for each meeting and for the series winners will be of the highest quality. Overall series prizes for each class winner will include an Alpinestars leather race suit and Supertech R boots, and a top-of-the-range Arai RX-7 GP helmet. In addition, the top three riders in each class will get the opportunity to represent the UK at one of the other European series rounds.

Michelin has launched a dedicated website to help promote the series, www.michelinpowercup.co.uk. It will include race reports, a photo gallery and an area where riders will have their profiles online and will be able to follow their progress in the championship. The maximum grid in each class will be 36 riders and representatives from Michelin and the organisers, Hottrax Motorsport, will be on stand F67 in Hall 1 at the NEC Motorcycle Show where riders can get more information and sign-up for the series.