The Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix starts this weekend. We can’t predict who will win yet, but it looks like Avon tyres is winning a lot already.
Avon Tyres Motorsport’s Steve Smith said, “Just about all competitors in the 350 and 500 races will be using Avon racing tyres, either the AM26 or AM22, or a combination of the two.” The AM26 and AM22 Roadrider race tyres are closely related, differing only in the sizes available. The Classic TT regulations specify the maximum tyre width on race bikes can be no wider than a 110/80 18 fitment. “The lap times on these tyres are phenomenal,” said Smith. “The 110 rear tyre is narrower than most road bike front tyres, yet the top racers manage 110mph laps on them.”
Some of the biggest names in road racing will be riding on Avons, including John McGuinness, Michael Dunlop, Gary Johnson, Keith Amor and Michael Rutter. Avon tyres’s own team will be led by rider Rob Hodson on the CMS Kawasaki Supertwin machine.
“The team wants Rob to continue using our Avon Xtreme race tyres, so hopefully he can get Avon on the podium. We will also have a good chance of podium places in the 400cc race with Nick Anderson on a Kawasaki and Alex Sinclair on a Yamaha, both up-and-coming stars of the TT course,” Smith added.