After 46 years of dedicated service at Dunlop Motorcycle Tyres UK, Dave Watkins, Development Manager-Motorsport, will retire on May 3, 2010. In addition to his duties in MotoGP, WSBK and other national series around the globe, he has represented Dunlop at various AMA race events in the United States for more than 25 years.
Watkins has served as the key interface between Dunlop’s racing personnel and the worldwide research staff. For decades, he has directed Dunlop UK’s motorcycle race/road tire design; specifically, the manner in which the various tire components, shapes, carcass designs and compounds come together to build Dunlop tires. A resident of Birmingham, England, Watkins has thoroughly enjoyed the times spent at racetracks in America. "One thing I really enjoyed about working in the United States is the positive attitude here. If a problem ever cropped up, the whole team pushed forward to fix it."
"Over the decades, Dave Watkins has made huge contributions to the AMA road race paddock, worldwide racing and the entire sport," said Mike Buckley Vice President, Motorcycle Tires. "Dave’s knowledge and expertise have enhanced tire technology for racers and street riders alike. We have long been staffing up in anticipation of Dave’s retirement, both here in the USA and in the UK, and we wish him well in future years."
Watkins will attend the upcoming Daytona AMA races as his final official visit to the USA.
