Michelin launches Power Cup 2011

Michelin has announced a provisional schedule for the 2011 Michelin Power Cup race series, whose entry list has grown to almost 60 riders following its first UK season last year. The series offers motorcycle racers “unprecedented amounts of track time and prizes, including tyres and sponsors’ products,” says Michelin, with TV coverage courtesy of Motors TV. The season consists of eight rounds with three 12-15 lap sprint races for 600cc and 1000cc classes at each round. The season will run from March to October with provisional stages at Brands Hatch (12-13 March), Mallory Park (16-17 April), Anglesey (28-29 May), Snetterton (18-19 June and 29-30 October), Pembrey (16-17 July), Cadwell Park (20-21 August) and Oulton Park (17 September).

Sponsors for the 2011 series include Alpinestars, Arai, B&C Express, Putoline Oil and Race Products, all of whom will provide high-quality prizes. Overall series prizes for the top three in each class will be an Alpinestars leather race suit for first, an Arai Chaser V helmet for second and a pair of Alpinestars race boots for third. In addition, the top three riders in each class will get the opportunity to attend a winners’ event – this year’s winners flew to Cartagena in Spain for three days on track with race legend Freddie Spencer as their mentor.

Commenting on the 2011 series, Chris Mason, Michelin’s UK motorcycle race manager says: “We are extremely pleased with this year’s entry list as it shows that we have the right package to attract UK club racers of all levels. The high number already signed-up means that we are likely to see some close and exciting racing and the TV coverage should add a bit of spice for the riders and valuable coverage for our sponsors.”

In a change to the rules from last year, riders are now allowed to run slick tyres as well as the treaded Michelin Power One production tyres. As an extra incentive the entry fees have been reduced to a series entry fee of £99 and £199 per round thereafter. All the details of the series can be found at www.michelinpowercup.co.uk, with race reports, photography and more updates throughout the season.