Though its Birmingham factory is set to close, Dunlop Motorsport says the continued supply of its popular CR65 racing tyre will not be an issue.
Despite the news that Dunlop’s Birmingham factory will soon close, concerns over the continued supply of racing tyres – and specifically the CR65, as used in practically all pre-1966 racing – are unfounded, according to Dunlop Motorsport.
Dunlop has made tyres in Birmingham since 1902, but its Erdington site has been sold by the landlord to Jaguar Land Rover and is scheduled for closure on 1 September. Sources have told Octane that health and safety rules make it impossible to relocate the machines on which the CR65 is made, so simply moving production would not appear to be viable at first glance.
Dunlop, which has been under the control of US-based Goodyear since 1999, has been stockpiling tyres but admits it is prioritising the CR65 over later types for which there is alternative supply.
James Bailey of Dunlop Motorsport would not confirm Octane’s figure of 9000 tyres, estimated as about two years’ supply. Retail suppliers have told us that they see no immediate problem getting hold of the CR65.
Bailey noted: ‘Since we found ourselves in the position of having to relocate production, historic racing tyres have been high on the agenda. We are evaluating sourcing options to ensure continued supply of tyres such as CR65 and the vintage road tyres. We activated a contingency plan, including building inventory for the forthcoming season. We are currently in consultation with our unions and we expect to be able to announce the future production location of these tyres soon.
‘We are committed to motor sport and our heritage is very important to the brand.’