Pro 6 Dunlop Challenge now on NTEC Slicks!
The Pro 6 Dunlop Challenge returns for its third season of competition in the SOAR series with a big change, using the new U.S. made KR 448 and KR 449 dunlop slicks as our spec tire. With an increasing amount of riders riding slicks to take advantage of SOAR's open tire rule, and Dunlop's introduction of the new U.S. made NTEC slicks, this change could not have come at a better time.
These tires have generated a huge amount of buzz in the US:
"Testing of these new slick tires encompassed exhaustive efforts including multiple tests with many riders at AMA test sessions and private tests. Some of the more notable riders included Josh Hayes, Ben Bostrom, Josh Herrin, Roger Hayden, Larry Pegram and Martin Cardenas, and test tracks included Miller Motorsports Park, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Barber Motorsports Park, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Jennings GP, Roebling Road Raceway and Summit Point Raceway." Dunlop USA
" The 2011 WERA National Endurance Series served as a demanding real-world test for the brand-new USA-built Dunlop KR448F and KR449 racing slicks, and the final result was more—much more—than a passing grade. Using these new tires all season long, the BEI Racing Team earned this year’s WERA National Endurance Series championship in spectacular fashion aboard their Suzuki GSX-R1000. Out of seven races that spanned from four to six hours long, BEI Racing Team members Tim Bemisderfer, Billy Etheridge, Mark Junge and Brian Stokes won five races and finished second once, truly dominating results." Dunlop USA
On the side of the border, the new slicks were tested top CSBK pros at Calabogie Motorsports Park. The riders rode 100 laps of Calabogie on a set of the new slicks. The tires produced 65 laps at national race pace or better before falling off only slightly for the remainder of the day. That's over 2 hours at a pro pace, proving the KR449/448's durability grip and speed.
Pro 6 Dunlop Challenge riders will have a choice of running 200/55-17 or a 190/55-17 series KR449 rear tire, with the 125/80-17 KR 448, and the choice of several compounds. Dunlop recommends both the 190 and 200 for 5.5 and 6.00 rim sizes, depending on track and rider preference. The KR 449/448 tires are priced at an unbeleivable $345 per set with the 190/55 rear, and $380 per set with the 200/55!!!
Apart from the new slick tires the dunlop challenge rules remain unchanged. The challenge is a novice class with bikes confirming to novice 600 extreme, lost era heavyweight, or BOTT heavyweight specifications. At each round tire prizes are distributed to the top finishers. 1st place receives 2 sets of KR448/449 slicks, 2nd receives 1 set, 3rd 1 rear, 4th 1 front, 5th will get a 50$ coupon for their next challenge tire purchase . Total tire prize payouts for this class, top $3000 per round, unheard of at the club level.
For more information about rules, prizes and contingency, please contact me through PM, email tirewhisperer@gmail.com, call me at the shop, Competition Cycle (905)728-1714
