All competitors will race the same model of bike, the Ducati 848, which, with the exception of race fairings, tyres and exhausts, will remain predominately standard to keep costs down and ensure a close field. The Dunlop control tyre will be the Dunlop D211 GP Racer. The tyre, which features NTEC and MultiTread Compounds, will harness the 134hp and 70.8lb-ft of torque and will enhance the handling on the Ducati 848s. As part of the deal, Dunlop is offering the winning rider from each round a pair of Dunlop tyres for their race bike.
Kate Rock, spokesperson for Dunlop said: “We are pleased that Ducati chose to partner with us for the provision of tyres to the 848 Challenge. It is a testament to our tyres that manufacturers choose Dunlop for their race series. The tyre selected for the 848 Challenge is designed and produced here in the UK in our Motorsport factory in Birmingham. The technology from this tyre has recently been used in a road legal version of this tyre entitled GP Racer D211 which is perfect for track days.” Chris Bushell, of the Ducati 848 Challenge, said "We are really excited to have Dunlop with us for the Ducati 848 Challenge this season. Their D211 GP Racer will prove to be the perfect tyre for the Ducati 848s, providing huge levels of grip in racing conditions, and ensuring the best riders win through."
The Ducati 848 Challenge kicks off at Silverstone on 24th April. For more information about the series and details about how to enter, please email
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** The Ducati 848 Challenge has been launched by New Era Motorcycle Club and is supported by Ducati UK and administered by Chris Bushell. The regulations for the series are based on the FIM World Superstock regulations. They have however, been updated to reflect the fact that this is a one make series. The series is open to both new and second- hand Ducati 848 models. There will be two races at each of the UK rounds. At Assen there will be one longer race and at Misano it is anticipated there will be two races. Any new 848 purchased before the 31st of March 2010 will be eligible for the Ducati Corse Riding Gear Package (Ducati Corse leather suit, Arai Chaser helmet, Ducati Corse gloves, Puma boots and Dainese-Ducati Back Protector)
Dunlops D211 now shods the Ducati 848 race series
Dunlop
The leading tyre manufacturer agreed a deal with New Era Motorcycle Club and Ducati UK to ensure all bikes racing in the new championship are shod with Dunlop rubber. The series, known as the Ducati 848 Challenge, will be run over eight rounds in 2010, including two televised British Superbike rounds, a round at Misano during World Ducati Week and a long race at Assen during Europe's largest racing festival.
Leigh Godson
Technical Editor and Lead Product Reviewer for Bikechatter, is responsible for the team of rabid Bikechatter.net reviewers and partial to the odd product test himself.
Leigh rides a 2005 ZX-10R while his (poor old) aching body will still allow and puts in a decent amount of road miles each year - if only he could get more track miles though!
Website: bikechatter.net
