Dunlop tyre supplier to EWC Superstock class

The Superstock class of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) is set to become a Dunlop-shod contest thanks a broadening of the partnership that began in 2016. In addition to extending its agreement and EWC Official Partner status with championship promoter Discovery Sports Events for a further three years, a three-way deal between Dunlop Motorcycle Tyres, the promotor and the International Motorcycling Federation also confirms Dunlop as the exclusive tyre supplier to the popular Superstock class for near-standard superbikes.

This means that every team competing in this category will use Dunlop’s KR range of race tyres. Dunlop already supplied tyres to 85 per cent of the Superstock teams this season and says the new supply arrangement will thus “strengthen its presence and above all its support of independent teams.” To continue this support of privateer teams, the EWC Dunlop Independent Trophy will be replaced by the Dunlop Superstock Trophy. During the season, 345 sets of tyres will be provided to teams as prizes.

Encouraging close competition

“For five seasons we have promoted independent riders with the Dunlop Independent Trophy initiative,” comments Wim Van Achter, Dunlop motorsport manager. “With almost all of the championship’s independent teams racing in the Superstock class, it makes sense to replace the Trophy with a programme to support all teams in the class equally. This will encourage close competition, reduce testing costs and ensure every team can benefit from championship-winning level tyres and support. It also proves Dunlop’s tyres on a wide range of showroom specification superbikes, giving track day riders the confidence they are choosing a world championship level tyre.”

Whilst the Superstock class will be exclusively Dunlop, the top Formula EWC class will remain an intense open competition between tyre manufacturers. Dunlop notes that it has been the choice of more EWC champions than any other tyre brand and was the winner’s choice in the most recent race at Most, Czech Republic, where the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team took a maiden victory in a thrilling season finale.

Van Achter adds: “The open competition in the top class allows Dunlop to test and develop new technologies in the heat of world championship level racing. This technology then cascades into our tyres for one-brand categories, such as EWC Superstock, and also into our acclaimed range of track day and hypersport tyres such as GP Racer D212 and SportSmart TT.”