The Motor Sports Association (MSA) is pleased to confirm that it has entered into negotiations with Dunlop as the preferred supplier of tyres to the Formula Cadet kart class from 2017.
The move follows an open tender process that the MSA launched last July. The tender document required a half-second increase in average lap times, and extensive tests carried out by the MSA showed that Dunlop met this criterion.
Rigorous testing also showed that the proposed Dunlop tyre is very durable, with minimal performance drop-off – all tyres were put through the equivalent of 500 laps of use during the testing process. Consequently one set of tyres could theoretically be used for multiple race meetings, and the environmental impact will also be reduced by limiting the number of tyres disposed of.
The new tyre will be mandatory in the Formula Cadet class from 1 January 2017. It has been decided almost a year in advance to help manufacturers develop new 2017 chassis that are suited to the new tyre.
Simon Blunt, MSA General Secretary and Chairman of the Selection Panel, said: “We were delighted with the level of interest from tyre manufacturers, and with the quality of all their proposals. This made the selection process tricky, but thorough testing revealed that the new tyre proposed by Dunlop exceeded the criteria. This left the Panel in unanimous agreement.”
FAQ
When will the tyres be in use?The tender process has been run in good time for the development of the 2017 new chassis homologation – manufacturers will have early access to the Dunlop tyre from mid-2016. The tyre is then compulsory in all MSA Formula Cadet racing, including both IAME and Honda, from 1 January 2017 for a three-year period, up to and including 31 December 2019.
What will be the price of the tyres?Dunlop has offered the following fixed retail prices (exclusive of carriage) for the duration of the three-year contract:
Slicks• Front: £24.55+VAT each• Rear: £30.30+VAT each• Complete set: £109.70+VATWets:• Front: £26.07+VAT each• Rear: £32.11+VAT each• Complete set: £116.36+VAT
This is less than the current tyre, and Dunlop will also continue to support the promotion of the Formula Cadet classes.
Will the wet weather tyre change?No, the wet weather tyre will remain the same as it is currently.
How would you sum up this change?The MSA believes the choice will both reduce costs in the Cadet classes and enhance the driving experience, leading to better and more exciting racing.
