Michelin Man Busy at ALMS Finale

Avon Tyres are once more the only choice for classic racing, following some very impressive results.
At the recent Goodwood Revival the top ten finishers were all shod with Avon rubber, while the top five were utilising a new race version of the 100/90-19 Roadrider on the rear, with an AM20 front.
Top slot once more went to a Fred Walmsley machine, ridden by 1987 500cc GP champion Wayne Gardner. Fred remarked: “I know this is classic racing, but I’ve been using Avons & helping to develop them for the last 30 years. In all that time, I have to admit this recent development is truly impressive. In the past we’ve never had all the range of fitments we’ve required, but now we can get Avon’s latest in 18- & 19-inch sizes which are perfect for us – & they suit the bikes a treat! On classic machinery, no-one makes the original tyres anymore, so you’ve always got a trade-off when selecting rubber, but over the last 12 months Avon’s products have really come on.”
Fred & his bikes are legendary in the classic racing scene. Famous names that have enjoyed riding Fred’s bikes shod with Avon rubber include Barry Sheene – the 1976/77 500 GP champ – & Damon Hill, the 1996 F1 champion.
Fred added: “It’s a testament to the tyres that when someone of Wayne Gardner’s calibre races on them & has nothing but praise for them, that is saying something.”
Avon Tyres’ Steve Smith explains: “Most of the machines at Goodwood were running on 19-inch wheels – the same size that these British bikes had originally. Earlier this year we experimented with the 100/90-19 Avon Roadrider using a race compound & it proved to be very successful as a rear tyre. This tyre is now available for all & we have started work on a 90/90-19 Racing Roadrider for the front & we will have that ready for the 2010 season.”
Avon Tyres has a long & distinguished history in motorcycle racing on two & three wheels. Avon manufactured its first motorcycle tyre in 1911 & since then champions such as Geoff Duke, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood & Barry Sheene have used & won on Avon. More recently Avon riders have won 13 Supersport & four Production class championships, as well as Isle of Man TT victories on both three & two wheels – the most recent of which was Dave Molyneux’s historic 14th TT win at this year’s Isle of Man races in the Sidecar class.

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