Dunlop runners are provided with spike rubber
By Ben McCook
Less than 48 hours before starting practice for the Isle of Man TT, Dunlop sensationally withdrew their KR 108 slick tire from competition at the event, citing safety concerns.
A Dunlop statement said:We are racers with heart and safety is our first consideration.
“With our long history of success at the Isle of Man TT, we know what it takes to win and set a lap record in one of the most challenging races in the world. Follow the tire condition three Superbike riders experienced on the slippery Dunlop KR108 rear tire at the North West 200 and understand the importance of giving riders the confidence they need to perform on the fast track Due to such extreme altitudes, we have made the decision to withdraw the KR108 slick rear tire strip from the Isle of Man TT Races 2022 and offer the D213 GP PRO spiked rear tire strip as an alternative.. ”
Just a week ago, Dunlop announced that they have the ‘full confidence’ of their drivers in the TT after an investigation found it was simply a ‘lot of bad tyres’ that had caused problem at North West 200. Apparently things happened. good to go to Island.
Few could argue that Peter Hickman, Dean Harrison and Michael Dunlop will be the most popular runners to line up Glencrutchery Road on June 4 for the SBK TT. But will that still happen if they ride on spiked tires? Padgett’s Honda men Conor Cummins and Davey Todd will also be in effect.
The likes of 50-year-old Ian Hutchinson, James Hiller and John McGuinness must have rubbed their hands when Dunlop’s announcement was made on Friday. The Metzeler-wearing trio will certainly sense an opportunity, but it remains to be seen what Hickman et al’s next move will be.
Will Dunlop allow the likes of Hickman and others to jump ships? Would those racers want to? Hickman has been vocal in support of the London-based company since North West. He said this just a few days ago: “I for a person am very happy to race with Dunlops, yes there is no doubt but did you know that even if there is a problem all the tires are still on the rim and that is because Dunlop has developed body/tire like. This is ultimately what saved us riders and if it had happened on other brands (it has happened to All Brands over the years) the outcome would have been different. 100% trust from me. ”
Will Hickman run on Dunlops already walking or jump to another brand?
Michael Dunlop has been tight-lipped since footage emerged of his rear tire blowing into the seat of his Hawk Suzuki at the North West as he negotiated the fast coastal stretch of course. Dunlop has a history of jumping ships when things don’t go his way. He famously turned down the Milwaukee Yamaha during the 2015 practice week, deciding that his old Hawk BMW team would be a better fit for the job. And of course, just a few weeks ago Dunlop struck a deal with PBM Ducati to make it to the top of this year’s North West and once again the Hawks came to his rescue, this time with the Suzukis.
Dunlop’s teammate, Richard Cooper, is from Metzeler in the North West and finished in 2nd place after the controversial 2nd Superbike race that took place earlier without Dunlop riders participating. You’d have to assume that Michael Dunlop would have no qualms about giving up his namesake rubber supplier if he felt things weren’t right. However, the last minute chopping and dressing is not the ideal preparation for TT.
Dean Harrison must be kicking himself. He became the first non-Dunlop driver to win the Senior TT since 2005, when he won the 2019 edition of the prestigious race. Then Metzeler held him aloft like their golden boy. However, in 2021, Harrison defected from Metzeler to Dunlop…
Like Michael Dunlop, there is little information out of the Harrison camp about the current controversy, but you’ll have to assume that of the three favorites, Deano will be able to convey the smoothest information to Metzelers if that was his act. so want to take.
The Honda team will keep a close eye on the situation and the situation may be in their hands. McGuinness arrived at TT after a strong performance at the North West, where he scored a pair to finish in fifth. A solid performance by McPint at a race he is not known for having try to rise to the top TT. Perhaps the stars are arranging for a fairy tale return with the Morecambe rocket. He returned to Honda after a few years to try other things (relationships with Honda turned cold because McGuinness felt he was being treated unfairly when a faulty electronic device caused a serious accident). at North West in 2017 – an incident that nearly ended his career). Before NW200 2017, he has been with Honda every year at TT since 2006.
However, now that’s all been forgotten and McGuinness is back where he belongs, he said: “It’s like stepping back into an old pair of sandals. The stars arranged for me to get back on a Honda for my 100th TT warm-up.”
If John McGuinness MBE can hold the doomed woman once more at this year’s event, few will deny his glory.
Hutchinson and Hillier, that double H won’t make it easy for him or the others. Hutchinson hasn’t had an easy time since he crashed in the mountains in 2017 Senior TT. Like McGuinness, however, he returns to familiar surroundings with the TAS BMW team, which this year is sponsored by Milwaukee. The Bingley Bullet originally signed to run for TAS in 2020 but the deal has stalled for obvious reasons.
“It’s been a crazy five years for me since I last played for Team TAS,” said Hutchinson. “Returned from injury in 2018, then re-signed to TAS in 2020 but never cycled because of the Pandemic. It’s all up to us this time, and to TT. Going back to the team, where I enjoyed my most recent success at TT, is something I hope to be able to do this winter and knowing that title sponsor is Milwaukee, I really did. feel very happy. Both TAS and Milwaukee have brought me much success in the past, so I look forward to all of us working together again in 2022.. ”
Conor Cummins has consistently appeared on the big bike podium at TT up until 2019, and he must have thought he was better prepared for the event than ever. Dunlop’s glossy problem will come as a real hit for the Manx hero. The same goes for Davey Todd, who has come of age in the North West, competing forward in most of the races he started despite not actually winning one.
Perhaps James Hillier will be the dark horse riding to take the spoils of all of the above. After his career riding Kawasakis, he transferred to the OMG Yamaha team. Davo Johnson has been tipped to be his teammate, however, the injury sustained at Brands Hatch in a bad crash meant Ozzie was unfortunately sidelined TT.
Hiller has always been the one on the podium but never seemed to win a TT superbike even though he did succeed in the Twins category. Arriving on the island equipped with machines provided by championship-led team BSB, it may just be the change he needs in the end to cement his place as a real contender.
“I can’t wait to get back to doing what I love to do, haven’t seen everyone involved in a long time and it will be something special for myself and RICH Energy OMG Racing Yamaha is finally starting their racing journey. our school road. The practice week at TT will be a challenge to relearn the circuit and develop a new bike but with a strong team around me, I’m excited to ride Yamaha machines this year. The Yamaha R1 and R6 are proven race-winning motorcycles and our sole goal is to continue that success by bringing the Yamaha R1 back to the top of the podium. school road.”
Although OMG is new to TT and Hillier is new to R1, he is possibly the best preparer of them all. Considering Hutchy’s injury history and taking into account McGuinness’s age, and the lack of slick tires for the rest, it’s probably Hillier who has it all dotted and Ts come through. Thankfully we won’t have to wait long to find out, as qualifying week will be on Sunday…
