As previously reported by Roadracingworld.com, AMA Pro Racing has made Goodyear the spec tire of the AMA Flat Track Championship. See related posts, 12/08/01 Filice Named AMA Professional Sportsman Of The Year and 9/29/01 AMA Pro Racing Considering Spec Tire Deal For Dirt Track.

Ironically, a proposed deal that would have made Yokohama the spec tire of AMA 600cc Supersport circa 1989/1990 was quashed in the face of objections from Dunlop, which is now owned by Goodyear, and the prevailing argument at that time was that spec tire classes are a very bad, anti-competitive idea.

Text of a January 7 AMA press release announcing the spec tire deal follows:

AMA PRO RACING NAMES GOODYEAR OFFICIAL ‘SPEC TIRE’ PROVIDER FOR PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE U.S. FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Pro Racing, the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the U.S., announced today that the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. will provide the official “spec tire” for the Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship beginning in 2002.

Under terms of the agreement, all competitors in the Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship will be required to use the same brand and model of Goodyear tires. In addition, Goodyear will make a significant contribution to an annual fund as a bonus to the top flat-track teams. The agreement runs through 2006.

“This deal with Goodyear was made to level the playing field for our flat-track riders,” said Bruce Bober, AMA Pro Racing flat track mananger. “Having one official ‘spec tire’ will ensure that all competitors are using uniform equipment, and also lower the costs for our competitors by reducing the number of wheel/tire combinations needed. The bonus money from Goodyear will also help offset costs for top teams.”

“Goodyear and AMA Pro Racing have enjoyed a long and successful relationship for many years, and we are glad to be able to continue that relationship as the ‘spec tire’ provider for the flat-track championship,” said Paul Lauritzen of Goodyear. “We are also excited about the opportunity to reward each season’s top performers through our bonus fund contribution.”