Dunlop Control Tyre For AFTN 450 Class

Dunlop are set to be the sole supplier of the 19″ flat track control tyres for the Pro 450 class in Aussie Flat Track Nationals this year, after an immense amount of feedback from competitors. The appointment will see riders provided access to technical support, special pricing and additional prize money throughout the 2025 series.

Pro 450 riders will be restricted to certain compounds of the well-known Dunlop DT-4 flat track tyre range at each round of the championship, while Dunlop distributor in Australia, Ficeda Accessories, has secured stock of the tyres to ensure competitors have access via their usual tyre retailers throughout the season.

All other classes in the Aussie Flat Track Nationals remain open for competitors to choose whichever brand of tyre they like from the growing range of options available on the market.

Robert Bugden:
“We’ve been involved at varying levels since the AFTN began in 2022 as it falls in line with our commitment to supporting the growth and excellence of motorsport in Australia, so we’re proud to be able to step up even further in 2025 and become the sole tyre supplier for the AFTN’s Pro 450 class. The DT-4 flat track specific tyre is already a proven performer as the control tyre in the American Flat Track championship, so with this appointment, we strengthen the connection between Australian and international flat track racing, delivering unmatched reliability, consistency, and performance. I’m looking forward to working more directly with the riders and teams as we look to continue developing the sport and riders as they graduate internationally.”

2024 Pro 450 Champion, Thomas Herrick:
“I’m all for the move to a control tyre in the series. The series is growing, and although I’m lucky to have great support via Davies Motorcycles, we need to keep the costs down a bit. As racers, we’ll all do whatever it takes to win so this brings us all back to equal again, and if I’m honest, makes it a little easier for us to prepare knowing what tyre we will race on. Personally, I have goals to race in the US so for Dunlop to come board here is a real positive in that I can keep racing on the same tyre wherever I go.”

Series Organiser, Dave Maddock:
“As the championship grows, we keep learning, and it was clear that if we want to continue to see this part of motorcycle racing grow, we needed to remain vigilant on competitor costs. While 19″ flat track tyres are durable and last well, it was evident competitors, in an effort to win, would bring multiple tyre types to every round, increasing their costs. With Dunlop coming to the table, it creates an equal playing field to see who the best rider across all track and surface types is. I wanted to take a moment to also thank the other brands that put in a submission. It goes to show that this part of the sport is gaining attention and growing, and we hope to see you at the track supporting the other AFTN classes this season.”