According to knowledgeable insiders, three-time World Champion Freddie Spencer will take over distribution of Michelin racing tires in the western United States. The sources say that Spencer’s long-time association with Michelin and his successful riding school business made him a natural to take over the distribution duties abandoned by Graves Motorsports last month. Michelin spokesman Randy Richardson would not comment on Michelin’s race tire distribution plans for the Western United States, but said that a public announcement will be made “very soon”. In the meantime, Michelin riders at this weekend’s WSMC event are out of luck because no Michelin race tire sales and service operation showed up at the Rosamond, California track. Several long-time Michelin riders have defected to Pirelli/Metzeler, and many others are buying Dunlops at the racetrack.