With the MotoGP season in full swing, Michelin are pushing hard to get their race rubber under the spotlight across the globe.
It might not be the biggest market in the world for tyres, but Barbados certainly knows how to hold a race event – with their 2016 Festival of Speed featuring a high profile race between Lewis Hamilton in his 2013 F1 Mercedes and Stuart Easton on his ePayMe Yamaha R1 from the British Superbike series as the highlight.
One of the biggest event’s of the year on the island there are an array of classic cars and bikes on display along with monster trucks and various stunt displays.
Flying out to the event was UK club racer Terry Merritt, running his favoured Michelin Power Cup tyres.
Terry said: “The track was very technical and the surface was slippery compared to what we’re used to over here, as they used coral in the tarmac. That said, the UK guys were flying, with a couple from our group already on lap record pace. The local guys also had use of the track and their track knowledge was obvious on the technical circuit. Although my pace wasn’t up to where I’d like, the weather was so hot that most of us could only manage around 6-7 laps before having to come in for fluids.”
With just four hours to learn the circuit, Terry qualified in 13th for both of his races on his Rideworx 2011 Triumph 675, and finished race one in 10th.
With two grids on circuit, the second race started at a different point on the track and was pushed back due to rain, with a number of local racers not having suitable wet tyres.
The British racers in the paddock including Terry were reportedly somewhat surprised at the reason for the late start, and many were disappointed at the lack of opportunity to take advantage of their wet-weather riding experience. By the time the race started, the track had dried out and Terry went one better to finish 9th amongst the faster group of riders.
Terry says: “I’ve always raced on Michelins, mainly because of their championship-winning reputation. I prefer the V profile front tyre of the Michelin Power Cup, as in my experience you only have to think about turning and the tyre lets the bike drop into corners with ease – I always felt I had to work harder at getting the bike to turn with other tyre brands.”
You can find out more about the latest Power Cup EVO here.
