From a press release issued by Dunlop:

Dunlop increases AMA road racing support in 2004

Daytona Beach, FL, – Dunlop Motorcycle Tires has intensified its tire development program in the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship, and Dunlop-sponsored tire tests in the coming 2004 season. In the past, Dunlop’s U.S. racing effort has been supported by product and technical assistance from Dunlop United Kingdom (U.K.). This collaboration has resulted in the development of specialty tires for the vast majority of racetracks on today’s AMA calendar. The uniqueness of many American circuits demands this specialized development program. As a result of our commitment to this ongoing program, Dunlop has won more AMA road racing championships than all the other tires manufacturers combined.

For 2004, Dunlop will increase its commitment to AMA road racing with additional support from Dunlop U.K. This support will include technical engineering and service engineering personnel on hand at every AMA Superbike round. “As a result of the regulation changes in the World Superbike Championship, we now have the opportunity to acquire the services of those individuals previously responsible for Dunlop’s World Superbike tire development,” said Dunlop Senior Road Race Manager, Jim Allen.

“The combination of top riders, and world class equipment with unique power and weight characteristics provides an opportunity to further our tire development,” remarked Dunlop U.K.’s Manager ­ Motorcycle Race, David Watkins.

“Dunlop recognizes the AMA Superbike series is now the premier Superbike class in the world,” said Dunlop’s Mike Buckley, Vice President of Motorcycle Tires. “We are excited that the AMA series will represent the cutting-edge of our tire development, and are looking forward to an increased level of development with the talented teams and riders on the AMA circuit. Increasing Dunlop’s technical support in the U.S. to the World Championship level could not have come at a better time. Motorcycle technology is growing rapidly and the riders in the AMA series are pushing the limit.”

In preparation for the upcoming year and for the 63rd Daytona 200, Dunlop is proud to host the 2003 Dunlop Daytona Tire Test, December 8-10. The annual three-day event, which started over a decade ago, is used to develop and test racing tires specifically for use during the series opener at Daytona International Speedway on March 6. On hand for the Daytona Tire Test are Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha factory teams, as well as the Attack Kawasaki, Graves Motorsports Yamaha, and Erion Racing Honda teams.

In the AMA’s 600 Supersport and 750 Superstock classes, Dunlop racers have won a mind-boggling 32 out of a possible 33 championships, including both titles once again in 2003. In the ultra-competitive, high-profile AMA Superbike class, Dunlop has won 18 titles, including the last 14 in a row – an unprecedented streak.