Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1035029
IN THE WIND P48 DUNLOP RACE TIRE SERVICE TO CEASE OPERATIONS R ace Tire Service of Antioch, Tennessee, Dunlop's primary road race and flat track tire distri- bution partner, will cease opera- tions at the end of 2018. "After much thought, Steve and Betsy Brubaker have taken the decision that it's time to retire and focus on the next chapter in their lives," said Mike Buckley, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Dunlop. "Dunlop owes a huge debt of gratitude to Steve and Bet- sy for their tireless efforts running RTS over the past 25 years. They have been with Dunlop exclusively through many different stages of the business and have consis- tently delivered for us throughout that time demonstrating steadfast loyalty. I wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavors." "I have always believed in the Dunlop Product, from my first amateur race in 1985 through helping Dunlop win its 30th Daytona 200 this past March," said Steve Brubaker. "It's been an honor to work with all the racers and track day riders. From mount- ing tires for Wayne Rainey at Laguna Seca while testing in the early 90s, to winning 30 Daytona 200s, it's been a fulfilling career with endless highpoints and ac- complishments." Race Tire Service will continue to deliver Dunlop road race and flat track tire services at all sched- uled events either directly onsite or through their sub-distributor network through the end of 2018. Additionally, RTS will still offer sales via their website through year end as well. Dunlop says it will now "begin the search for a new partner(s) to assist the brand in continuing the tradition of delivering the fin- est performing road race tires to all our customers nationally with the customer service that they have come to expect." Interested parties should send inquiries to: Rob Montasser, Director of Sales rmontasser@dunlopmotorcycle- tires.com. CN WEBB SIGNS WITH KTM I t's now official—Cooper Webb is now a member of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team. The rumor is no longer a rumor. KTM made the announcement, Monday, October 1. Webb will be teamed up with long-time KTM resident Marvin Mus- quin in the 450cc class in both supercross and motocross. "It was an honor when Roger [DeCoster] and Ian [Harrison] reached out for me to be the next guy on the Red Bull KTM team. It's really encouraging to know what this team has achieved—they really have been there and done it, so I don't see any reason why they can't do it with me. I will be putting in the work and doing everything possible to come into the year as strong as I can be. With everything around me, I know I have put my- self in the best possible position for winning on the track again. I had a very comfortable feeling with the guys from the very first moments and that just gives you confidence. Working with Aldon at the Baker's Factory is another strong part of the whole KTM set-up. I have an opportunity that really involves the whole package, so the plan is to 'stick to the plan' and focus on getting ready with the bike for Anaheim I. I don't want anything to take me away from that!" Webb will make his KTM debut at the Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas, October 13. CN Cooper Webb will be Marvin Musquin's new teammate at Red Bull KTM.