Ohio Mini Roadracing League, Kenda Tires USA announce partnership to develop spec mini road racing tire
Two-year collaboration to feature engineering support at league events, national distribution rights
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new partnership between the Ohio Mini Roadracing League and Kenda Tires USA brings high-quality and affordable spec tires to the league’s Stock Moto Class for 2020 and hopefully to mini road racers across the nation in the years to come.
The two-year partnership agreement between the nonprofit OMRL and tire manufacturer Kenda aims to develop a standardized tire for a popular mini road racing competition class. Prototypes of the tire were tested by select OMRL competitors in 2019, and the new model, named Kuza, will be the spec tire for the OMRL’s Stock Moto Class for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
Development of the new tire includes having Kenda engineering personnel on-site at OMRL events to monitor tire performance in real-world racing conditions and obtain rider feedback.
The OMRL’s Stock Moto Class is designed to provide an easy, low cost way to participate in mini road racing. Minimal modifications to readily available small displacement motorcycles, such as the Honda XR100/CRF100, ensure close racing and showcase rider talent, not mechanical skills or machinery.
The partnership’s goal is to develop a race-proven spec tire that can be distributed by the OMRL to mini road racers across the nation.
“The Ohio Mini Roadracing League’s mission is to provide a fun, family-friendly and affordable platform for road racing enthusiasts,” OMRL President Travis Evans said. “Our partnership with Kenda Tires USA will help us advance that mission by providing our Stock Moto competitors with tires that level the on-track playing field at a very affordable price. We thank Kenda for agreeing to partner with us on this project and look forward to having their personnel at our events for the next two seasons.”
Kenda Kuza tires will be produced in a 100/90R16 size and will feature a semi-soft rubber compound. Additional sizes and compounds may be released at a later date. The price for the Kuza tires will be announced at a later date, and tires are expected to be available in early 2020.
Check the Ohio Mini Road Racing League website at www.omrlmoto.com for the latest information on tire pricing and availability.
About the Ohio Mini Roadracing League
Our goal at the Ohio Mini Roadracing League (formerly Ohio YSR League) is to offer a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for all ages and levels of motorcycle enthusiast. The league feature competitive racing classes for 50cc minis all the way up to 650cc motard motorcycles. Racing is divided into 7 classes; Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Stock Moto, Grom/Z125, Supermoto, and Kids 50. We also offer exhibition classes; Stock YSR50, Scooter Stock, Scooter Specials, and Kids 50 depending on turnout. All classes, except Formula 1, are open to Beginner and Novice divisions. Excluding exhibition classes, riders in each class compete for series points, trophies, and awards. Medical personnel are present at all race events to support an enjoyable race experience for all participants.