After more than five very successful years, EDR Performance has ended its relationship with Dunlop NA as the exclusive (Northwest) race tire distributor and trackside service provider. “Over the past few years I have seen the markets change drastically.” said EDR owner Eric Dorn. “I have also seen tire manufacturers change directions in regards to prices, availability and support for their customers. It was very hard for me to have to concede that i could no longer compete with Michelin and Pirelli with the support I was receiving from Dunlop. Since 1999 our shop has seen tremendous growth, going from just me, to now over five full-time employees. For us to try and continue to dedicate the massive time involved in tire sales and servicing, with the resources we were given by Dunlop, was just not feasible. “I want to thank all the many Dunlop Tire racers we worked with over the years, numerous championships we won with them, and look forward to seeing them at the track again this season. I hope many will choose to stay with what I feel still are the best tire available. I also want to whole heartily thank Dennis Smith, Terry Newby, and Jim Allen for their years of working with me and our NW racers. “Lastly, I want to stress this is only for our tire sales/servicing at the tracks. We, EDR Performance, will still be at each and every event in 2006. We will continue offering our support to all our racers as well as defending our numerous current championships! We also are going to be competing in several AMA, WERA, WSMC, and AFM events in 2006. I look forward to a great season for everyone ahead.” More, from a press release issued by Sport Tire Services: Sport Tire Services would like to thank Eric Dorn and EDR Performance for their 5 years service and loyalty to the Dunlop Tire brand. We wish him the best of luck in all his business endeavors and personally for the future. For those racers and or track day Dunlop riders in the Northwest U.S., please rest assured, Sport Tire Services will have a replacement dealer and or racetrack vendor named before the race season starts up again. In the meantime, questions regarding Dunlop racing tires pricing/availability and or orders, should be directed to Sport Tire at 800-776-8473. Thank you, Dennis Smith, President Sport Tire Services Inc. And now, some racer feedback: FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I would like to express my displeasure with the fallout regarding EDR and the Dunlop supply in the NW. I am one of many racers here who believe that Dunlop provides a great tire, but more importantly EDR provided a great service. Dunlop has not allowed EDR to buy direct, even though he sold a huge number of tires at three NW race tracks and countless track days. He has been forced to buy tires through Sport Tire Services in California who is not only able to buy direct, but also sells directly to racers in that region. This has made it impossible for EDR to compete with other NW distributors such as Tigershark Racing, the NW Pirelli source. In addition, Pirelli has really stepped up their contingency program, while Dunlop has been stagnant. I now see that they are pushing hard into MotoGP and have more riders in the AMA than ever, but are still alienating the club level racer. Apparently they are trying to line up another dealer in the NW. But as evidenced by the recent treatment to EDR and the lack of caring attitude by the guys at STS I would like Dunlop to know that they have lost my support. I don’t care if they do replace EDR, I will be bringing my business to Tigershark Racing and Pirelli. Luke Morgan Portland, Oregon ROADRACINGWORLD.COM EDITORIAL NOTE: Dunlop has contracted Sport Tire Services to handle U.S. race tire distribution and service west of the Mississippi River. Sport Tire Services has in turn contracted local vendors to handle race tire sales and service in some areas. Until now, EDR was one of those local vendors.