Avon Tyres back in Isle of Man action at Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix

The Isle of Man is getting ready for the roar of racing motorbikes once more. The 2015 Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix kick off this weekend, and Avon Tyres, which has a history of participation dating back to before WWII, will be there, providing tyres for the vast majority of competitors in the 500 and 350 Classic TT races. Avon Tyres Motorsport’s Steve Smith said, “Just about all competitors in the 350 and 500 races will be using Avon racing tyres, either the AM26 or AM22, or a combination of the two.”

The AM26 and AM22 Roadrider race tyres are closely related, differing only in the sizes available. The Classic TT regulations specify the maximum tyre width on race bikes can be no wider than a 110/80 18 fitment. “The lap times on these tyres are phenomenal,” said Smith. “The 110 rear tyre is narrower than most road bike front tyres, yet the top racers manage 110mph laps on them.”

Some of the biggest names in road racing will be riding on Avons, including John McGuinness, Michael Dunlop, Gary Johnson, Keith Amor and Michael Rutter. Pete Boast will be riding his MCN Sport-sponsored Honda 500, and Maria Costello is also competing on a Paton 500 machine.

Avon is looking for success in the Manx Grand Prix races too. Rider Rob Hodson will ride the CMS Kawasaki Supertwin machine which Dan Cooper rode to sixth place in this year’s Lightweight TT.

“The team wants Rob to continue using our Avon Xtreme race tyres, so hopefully he can get Avon on the podium. We will also have a good chance of podium places in the 400cc race with Nick Anderson on a Kawasaki and Alex Sinclair on a Yamaha, both up-and-coming stars of the TT course,” Smith added.