DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Racing series organizer American Flat Track (AFT) has renewed a long-time tire-supply relationship with Dunlop Motorcycle Tires for the dirt-track racing series for multiple years.
At the same time, Dunlop Motorcycle — a unit of Sumitomo Rubber North America — disclosed the development of the DT4 tire, the first new flat track tire in 40 years, for use by riders in all three AFT classes in 2020. Financial terms were not disclosed.
"We are delighted to continue our association with Dunlop," American Flat Track CEO Michael Lock said. "Their R&D and manufacturing here in the U.S.A. is an important advantage for us and has resulted in a brand new tire for our sport.
"Better durability, more rider confidence and a superior performance envelope give the promise of even better racing in AFT in 2020."
Mike Buckley, senior vice president, sales/marketing of Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, said, "We cannot be more excited to be extending our partnership with AFT. The sport is poised to reach new levels and we hope that America's 'original extreme sport' will attract many new riders to our industry.
"To be bringing a new product for the first time in over 40 years — one fully designed by the same R&D unit that has brought legendary tires like our Q4 and Q3+ ranges — is particularly gratifying," Mr. Buckley said.
"We believe AFT competitors will appreciate these new tires and we look forward to working with AFT and the competitors to continue to innovate in the area of tire development in the future."
The DT4 design replaces the DT3 that has been the benchmark for professional and amateur flat track racing alike for years. The tubeless DT4 features all new tread patterns for both front and rear tires and will be offered in all current DT3 tire compounds, allowing racers to match tire setup to specific track conditions on race day, Dunlop said.
Dunlop produces the tires at the SRNA factory in Tonawanda, N.Y.
AFT calls itself the "guardian" of the Grand National Championship series, formally established in 1954 but with roots reaching back to the original speed demons of the early 1900s. Professional flat-track racing is a style of motorcycle sport featuring customized and production-based motorcycles capable of 140 mph speeds on the straights and 90 mph in the corners.
The 2020 AFT season comprises 20 race meetings, starting March 14 at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla., and wrapping up Sept. 26 at Meadowsland Racing & Entertainment in East Rutherford, N.J.