Alongside the impending retirement of longtime AMA paddock fixture Jim Allen comes the news that fellow Dunlop manager Dave Watkins, Dunlop Motorcycle Tyres UK’s Development Manager—Motorsport, will also ride off into the sunset effective May 3, 2010. A 46-year veteran of the company, Watkins was the man when it came to helping decide what numerous tire components needed to come together in order to build the racing (and road) tires that have built Dunlop’s domination of AMA roadracing and the U.S. market. In fact, Watkins’ presence in the AMA paddock was almost as ubiquitous as Allen’s for the past couple of decades, such was the interaction between the British factory and AMA racing. Watkins’ extensive experience in Grand Prix and World Superbike was instrumental in maintaining Dunlop’s reputation as one of the premier brands worldwide.
From the Vreeke and Associates press release:
After 46 years of dedicated service at Dunlop Motorcycle Tires 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, Dunlop’s Vice President, Motorcycle Tires Division. “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.