heir names say it, their performances prove it: Rut Buster, Mudwiser, Race Rail XC. Pirelli has entered the ATV market with tires of force, function and attitude.
Pirelli jumped into the performance-tire ATV ring with its Rut Buster and Mudwiser at the 2005 Indy Dealer show, following that in 2006 with the introduction of the Race Rail XC. Proof of Pirelli’s performance edge in the ATV market came quickly with the Rut Buster OE Upgrade tire winning a Field and Stream Magazine “Best of the Best” award for 2005.
     The new addition of Pirelli’s Race Rail XC to its ATV line provides riders with performance choices for utility, mud, trail riding and racing. The Race Rail XC’s adept advantage results from Pirelli’s race-winning tires in off-road and motocross, showing the sport ATV market why Pirelli is world-renowned for performance and value.
     The Race Rail XC’s 6 P.R. carcass has unique tread patterns front and rear, offering high performance for all trail conditions. The front tread provides enhanced braking with precise cornering, while the rear tread is designed for aggressive straight-line traction with predictable and smooth slide rate for cornering.
     Advanced rubber compounds make the Race Rail XC uniquely durable, with a longer life than existing sport tires. High performance is maintained throughout the life of the Race Rail XC, benefiting all ATV sport riders from the weekend warrior to the seasoned, top-finishing race veteran. Johnny Gallagher, widely considered one of the most popular riders in the GNCC ranks, said the new Pirelli Race Rail XC is “the best rear tire I have ever ridden.”
     To show off its Race Rail XC’s performance prowess, Pirelli has committed huge resources to supporting ATV racing in America in GNCC and AWRCS. Pirelli is sponsoring top GNCC pros Santo DeRisi, Bryan Cook, and Johnny Gallagher. Cook–the 2005 Unadilla GNCC winner–and DeRisi are members of the newly formed Team Excel Motorsports, while Gallagher rides for the GT Thunder team.
     In the up-and-coming American Woods Racing Championship Series (AWRCS) Pirelli is the exclusive tire sponsor for ATVs. The AWRCS is the fastest growing woods racings series in America, attracting pro and amateur riders and sponsors from the motorcycle and ATV industry. Already with 300-400 riders participating at its events, the infant AWRCS series has proven its popularity. Pirelli-sponsored riders Johnny Gallagher and Jeff Pickens are the defending 1st and 2nd place riders for the AWRCS Pro ATV division.
     In 2006, the AWRCS will host ten 2-day events, providing separate full days for quads and motorcycles. The full schedule, which is designed not to conflict with other cross-country series, is available at: HYPERLINK "http://www.awrcs.com" www.awrcs.com.
     Pirelli is the first tire manufacturer offering contingency support for racers in the AWRCS series, providing awards for both motorcycle and ATV classes. Tire support at each AWRCS event is provided by Rick Thompson’s Grove City Motorsports.
     Matt Thornton, Pirelli ATV Sales Manager, said, “We’re stoked taking this important role in the AWRCS cross-country racing program. They’ve shown huge growth already and look to have a great future. With our totally new ATV racing tire, the Race Rail XC just being released, the timing was perfect for us to become a significant player in this promising program.” The Race Rail XC is available in sizes: 22x7-10, 20x11-9, 21x7-10, 20x11-10.
     In addition to the new Race Rail XC product, Pirelli has added wheel/tire kits to its ATV arsenal for 2006. By combining the Mudwiser tires with the popular AMS machined aluminum wheels, Pirelli offers an easy way for dealers and consumers to have upgraded performance and great looks for new and late model ATVs. The Mudwiser tires provide enhanced handling and performance characteristics, while the lightweight AMS wheels dress up the looks of an ATV. The Mudwiser/AMS kits are available in both 26” and 27” combinations, giving customers the choice of how big they want to go.
    If it’s got handlebars, Pirelli has a high-performance tire for it and a championship to prove it.