Pirelli Dominates Pro Motocross at Ironman National

Pirelli Dominates Pro Motocross at Ironman National

Jeffrey Herlings Uses Scorpion™ MX for Perfect Sweep in U.S. Debut

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (Aug. 27, 2017) – Pirelli tires, and FIM Motocross World Championship rider Jeffrey Herlings, of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, made a dramatic statement at the final round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Series in Indiana. A surprise entry, Herlings made a striking first impression in the series after adapting to a new bike, set up and rules of the series. As the official tire of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series, Pirelli supported the Dutch rider with SCORPION™ MX32™ tires for his Factory KTM. Herlings earned the top qualifier, Moto 1 and Moto 2 wins on the way to his first overall victory in the U.S.

Herlings adapted quickly to the tough terrain of the Ironman track. With the SCORPION™ MX32™ Mid Soft front and SCORPION™ MX32™ Mud rear selected for the opening moto, Herlings nearly had the holeshot behind the point’s leader of the series. Before the first lap was complete, the No. 784 bike was out front and never looked back, winning by over eight seconds.

For Moto 2, Herlings opted to use SCORPION™ MX32™ Mid Soft front and rear tires as the track conditions deteriorated. Herlings faced a difficult race after crashing to avoid a down rider on lap one forcing him to rejoin the race in 39th position. Nevertheless he charged the field and by the penultimate lap found himself fighting for the top position. After an error from the race leader, Herlings seized the opportunity and ended his heroic day on the top spot of the podium.

“I came here to prove that I could run up front with these guys and was 100-percent all day,” said Herlings. “I faced a lot of adversity riding a bike setup that was different, but I was able to count on the Pirelli’s to be as consistent as they are in the MXGP. We tried a few different tire options and in the end, the Pirelli Scorpion™ MX32™ performed with the consistency I expect from my racing in Europe.”

Following his victories, Herlings will head to Jacksonville, Florida for the sole round in America at the U.S. Grand Prix at WW Motocross Park.

“It was great having Jeffery stateside for the final Pro Motocross and his impressive results speak for themselves,” said Josh Whitmire, Pirelli Motocross Manager, USA. “We race what we sell and sell what we race. Today proved the Scorpion™ MX range of tires wins at highest levels of racing – both in MXGP and here today in American Pro Motocross.”

Race results (in bold Pirelli riders): 

450 Class Race 1 

1. HERLINGS Jeffrey (NED)

2. MUSQUIN Marvin (FRA)

3. BAGGETT Blake (USA)

4. SEELY Cole (USA)

5. TOMAC Eli (USA)   450 Class Race 2 

1. HERLINGS Jeffrey (NED)

2. MUSQUIN Marvin (FRA)

3. BAGGETT Blake (USA)

4. SEELY Cole (USA)

5. WEBB Cooper (USA)

  450 Class Overall 1. HERLINGS Jeffrey (NED)

2. MUSQUIN Marvin (FRA)

3. BAGGETT Blake (USA)

4. SEELY Cole (USA)

5. WEBB Cooper (USA)

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ABOUT PIRELLI

Founded in 1872, Pirelli is among the largest global tire makers, and focuses its business on the high end, premium product segment where it is a world leader. Present in over 160 countries, Pirelli has 22 manufacturing sites and employs approximately 38,000 people around the world. Successfully competing in motorsports since 1907, Pirelli is currently the exclusive supplier of the Formula 1 championship, the Superbike world championship, and many other championships around the world.

Pirelli Tire North America (PTNA) services NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) member countries through its Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) facility and research and development center at its Rome, Georgia headquarters, its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Silao, Mexico and its New York City, Montreal and Mexico City sales and marketing offices. The company manufactures, distributes and markets original equipment and replacement tires for export and domestic car/motorcycle applications (US, CA, MX) and Agro/Heavy Truck platforms (MX).

For Additional Information Please Contact:

Scott Roegner

Pirelli Moto Communications and Media Relations

NAFTA Region

Tel: 949-365-5750

Mail: motopress.nafta@pirelli.com  

Emily Grannis

Marketing Director, Moto BU

NAFTA Region

Tel: 706-331-1585

Mail: emily.grannis@pirelli.com