Michelin tires at VIR Weekend

[rogers1323]

Just for everyone's knowledge, there were some major issues with Michelin tires (and Bridgestone) at VIR this past weekend. 

The Michelin rep did not arrive on Friday with the Dunlop or Pirelli vendors.  While this isn't a major problem, it is frustrating when your vendor is the only one who doesn't come for the practice day.  He was there on Saturday morning however, and was mounting tires.  I always run my scrubs from the prior weekend during practice, so I don't need new tires mounted until after lunch on Saturday.  However, because I have a second set of wheels that I use, I went to the Michelin rep at about 8:30 Saturday morning to get new tires mounted so that I would be ready for racing after lunch.  It was at this time that he informed me that he had no more Michelin tires. 

My plan was to run 3 sets of tires over the course of the weekend because I was also competing in the Team Challenge.  My plan was greatly altered when I did not have tires available to me.  As is the case for most of you, I come to the track expecting tire support from the vendor who serves that track.  After speaking with several representatives in the Michelin network, including some in the direct chain of command for this weekend's vendor, and some outside that command, it was recommended to me that I should order tires ahead of time.  I don't call that support.  I neither have the money, nor do I feel like I should have to front the money, just to make sure I have tires.  The decision to run the TC was also made just before the race weekend, so it isn't a guarantee that I could have had the tires reserved quickly enough regardless.  Offering tire support for a major brand means showing up to the track on time and having enough tires for the weekend.

I do not feel the need to lay out names in this, though I'm sure some of you already know.  I'm simply putting this information out there as an FYI.  I have been happy with Michelin tires, and have been happy with some of the people in the Michelin tire network.  I am in the process of attempting to fix this situation, and possibly work on a solution to keep this from ever happening again.  If anyone would like information about people in the Michelin network that provide good support, feel free to PM me and I will be more than happy to let you know.

[steelcityracer]

So switch brands.  Dunlop and Pirelli's tires seem to work better any way.

[Headdog122]

I run Bridgestone and was forced to run only one set for the weekend, as the vendor at the track had little to no tires on hand.  VIR is always has a large turnout and should be regarded as a great oppurnity to provide service to the guys running your product.  

Not to start a flame on the list, but I would like to say that I was kinda put off by a statement the Michelin/Bridgestone vendor made to me, quote: "I raced at a pro level and do not have to serve a bunch of guys chasing a plastic cup!"  

Sorry...  But I have spent a lot of money with these guys this year and I felt like I got kicked in the teeth.....!!

For the record, none of this should reflect the excellent service I get from Stickboy.  Both in sales and technical information.  He is a standup guy.

[Sig]

From what i heard from Leon at Pirelli.....who by the way showed up with 250 tires and drove all the way to western NC to pick up 80 more tires saturday night.....was that the michelin man went to summit and sold very few tires.....then showed up at VIR and sold out his tires on the first day. Kind of damned if you do, damned if you don't.

[Sig]

Not to start a flame on the list, but I would like to say that I was kinda put off by a statement the Michelin/Bridgestone vendor made to me, quote: "I raced at a pro level and do not have to serve a bunch of guys chasing a plastic cup!"   

What a dick! Obviously he didn't do too well. :)

I think a lot of people could say they raced at the pro level if they went for their AMA license so probably was just claiming more than he was.

[stickboy274]

That bites. I know I try to keep two weekedns worth of tires in my trailer at all times just in case the weekend turns out better than I expected.

Sorry ya'll had to deal with the shortages. I was off at Barber so I couldn't have helped much.


Leon is a good guy. He's helped me out in the past. I still think it's funny he comes from Fla to VIR. That's a long haul for him.

[brotekind269]

Which one of you spit on him.??  That is also a little uncalled for.
The guy hooked me up and helped me out all season, he's not mr.bib and couldn't make the tires there. I talked to him and he said he grabbed everything that was avalible to him, they were stocking up for Daytona.
I thought it sucked but that's the way it goes.

[Headdog122]

No one actually "spat / spit" on him.  He was just crying to the CCS officials when several folks reacted to the lack of tires.  The CCS oficials did a good job explaining that no one deserves to be talked down to, but I feel like they only got one side of the story.  CCS handled things just fine.

I understand that no one can predict how many tires are gonna be sold on any given weekend.  However, it would be nice for the vendor of said product(s) to take the time and post a message on this and other boards.  As racers, we all may not see the message but I am confident the word would spread quickly among friends via email/phone.  Then we can come into the weekend having planned accordingly.

I'm gonna excuse myself so I can help my "poser" buddy prepare his bike to chase a "plastic cup" at Daytona!!   

Jamie...

P.S.  Where do I fill out the paper work to become a vendor..??

[GregR6]

I became a Michelin fan last year, swapping from Pirelli. The tires are awesome IMO... but I'll gladly swap back to Pirelli simply because of the support by Moose and Leon. Both are great guys who provide excellent support. I have had nothing but issues when trying to get ahold of Michelin tires. I don't think there's any room for excuses...i.e. there are 2, 3, 4 or more race events going on throughout the east coast... who cares... Dunlop showed up with a truckful...Pirelli showed up with a truckful... And I'm sure they're still at all the other races too...
Prepping for Daytona is the lamest... a month away?

[rogers1323]

Which one of you spit on him.??  That is also a little uncalled for.
The guy hooked me up and helped me out all season, he's not mr.bib and couldn't make the tires there. I talked to him and he said he grabbed everything that was avalible to him, they were stocking up for Daytona.
I thought it sucked but that's the way it goes.

I agree that it was completely uncalled for that someone spit on him.  I would never do that to anyone, and I'm not sure I'd be able to control myself if someone did it to me.  However, we can't excuse the original problem just because someone didn't handle themself properly.  There are specific issues in the distribution line, and this is not a Michelin problem.  "Michelin" was not stocking tires for Daytona.  It is also not the fault of the specific individual that was at the track mounting tires.  It is, however, an issue among those just above him.  I've had nothing but GREAT support from some of the Michelin vendors.  And next year I'll make sure I get all my tires from those individuals.

So switch brands.  Dunlop and Pirelli's tires seem to work better any way.

I ran Pirelli all weekend, and did not like them as much as the Michelins.  Personal opinion, but I couldn't get used to the feel that they offered.  I was at least 1/2 second off my normal pace and was sliding the rear in about 4 different places on the track.  It is your opinion that Dunlop or Pirelli work better.  The bigger issue is that I should not be forced to choose a different tire b/c the vendor for my brand doesn't do his job.

[Hollywood]

If Michelin and Bridgestone won't have tires or enough "projected tires" for a weekend, it should be in their interest to advise at least the "Team" supported riders and the racing organization of their situation. I had to call my vendor to ask for supply, as he didn't get into specifics about not having enough there but kind of hinted that supply would be low.

It's unfortunate that major brands don't supply the vendors with as much as we may want to have at the track, but unfortunately there is a larger picture here. Brands commit to supply in their major markets, and motorcycle roadracing is not at the top of the list. This realization doesn't excude their attitude towards the needs of the riders in the series, but imagine if they leveled with everyone and said that their supplies were as off as they were? People would have to order far in advance and run the risk of never using them OR they would jump ship onto another brand. Imagine if trackside support of the future only included tire mounting and balancing, because everybody ordered their stuff online? Is that the direction some brands are headed? 

I think that some of the people you talked to Joel should be held accountable for their comments. Degrading us as lowly "plasctic cup chasers", that guy can pack sand. We have the right to choose to spend our money (and for some it's a LOT of money) anywhere we want. Why should we support a brand if judging by it's actions regardless if it's verbal intent doesn't support us? The answer is; you shouldn't. And after hearing about it, neither should your friends. The tire business should be even more tough than it is. Tire manufacturers need to EARN our business, or get out of motorcycle road racing completely. Don't produce a product that people get used to liking, then fall apart (pertaining to supply) at the last few (and often busiest and most needed) rounds of the year.

The bottom line is that if enough people voice their opinions, the brands in question will have to listen. At this point, I think it goes way beyond what the vendor can do for us. My Bridgestone contract expires in Nov of 2007. I will be taking a hard look at who deserves my business in 2008.

Good luck at Daytona J.R.- go kick ass!

[MELK-MAN]

it was a sad situation. Having ran Michelin tires for my 5 racing seasons in the Florida region i have had nothing but great service from Frank Kinsey and Walt S. over the years. Ron Wood (Mr. Michelin USA for those in the know) is aware of the VIR problem. As stated earlier by some, and as i heard it from CCS it was a "damed it you do, damed if you dont " issue. This independent Michelin dealer went to Summit earlier with 60 tires and sold 6 tires TOTAL. Comes to VIR with 70 tires and sells out before the 1st Sat practice session. Maybe he made up the "spitting " issue but who knows. Im sure there were some pissed off people. I was glad in a way that the NE distributor never returned my call mid week to say he would be there as i picked up tires from my trusted Florida distributor Frank Kinsey. He will ship you tires for little cost AND discount the mounting fee so you can have them mounted by whoever you want.
Frank 321.267.4787 OR walt Shaefer 256-538-5906 Buying tires AHEAD of time is not as crazy as it sounds.
I offered a front to a guy and some good take offs to others having picked up my tires from Frank on the way up. Brian Stokes sold a couple very good take offs as well to a rider.
If you have specific concerns, email me and i will forward your concerns to Ron Wood. (dont want to post his email publicly until i find out if it is ok). gmelka@tampabay.rr.com
For those that really like the tires now, you will be BLOW AWAY by the new tires that will be available at Daytona.

Photos by Mike. http://mkfotos.com/albums/2007.09.21-23%20VIR/index.html