Maxxis’ Victra R19 tyre has secured its first UK win, after rally racer, Pat Naylor, took the podium at the Somerset Stages Rally last weekend. The event, which took place on 8 April at Kennisham Forest, was the third competition of the BTRDA Series this year, and round one of the Maxxis MSA English Rally Championship. While here, Pat, who was introduced into Maxxis’ cohort of sponsored riders, racers and teams this year, approached the competition rolling on Maxxis tyres for the first time.
The event was made up of 11 stages, where 116 drivers took on the forest-lined tracks, in a bid to dominate their respective classes. In a display of power, speed and control, Pat ruled the NR4 class in his Mitsubishi Evo 9 car, marking the first UK win for the Victra R19. This secured the racer 6th place overall in the competition; only behind World Rally Championship spec cars.
Commenting on this, Pat said: “I’m extremely happy with the result of the weekend. Having been welcomed into a Maxxis partnership this year, I was really excited to take on the competition on new wheels, and put on a performance that would make both myself and the brand proud. To have only been beaten by WRC spec cars is a great achievement, and has given me a hunger to seek even more race successes.
“It was interesting racing on the R19 tyres; I’ve never raced on Maxxis tyres before, and with this being the first competition using them, I was a bit nervous about how they’d handle. Seconds into my first ride with them, I knew I needn’t have worried; I felt confident and comfortable on them straight away.”
The Victra R19 was introduced into Maxxis’ already extensive tyre range in 2014, with an aim to fill a gap in the market for a product that is able to perfectly combine performance with durability. Addressing this need, the tyre benefits from an independent block pattern and wide stripes, which provides excellent traction and braking. As well as this, it has angle defined blocks and a steel reinforced side for optimum driving, and a composite shoulder belt – specifically designed to improve the capability against impacts and punctures. Combined, these key features allow the tyre to endure the toughest competition tests, without suffering any major wear.
Commenting on the result, Maxxis’ managing director, Derek McMartin, said: “We’re really pleased to have welcomed Pat into the Maxxis family this year, and already he is making waves for the brand. This is a fantastic result for both Pat and the R19, and again has proven our commitment to produce great quality tyres that are able to deliver exceptional performance. We can’t wait to see Pat throughout his future endeavours, and have no doubt that he’ll continue to be a great ambassador for us.”
Starting the season as he means to go on, Pat will be taking on the BTRDA Championship and Maxxis English Championship later on in the year, with plans to expand on his growing race success.
More information on Maxxis’ competition tyre range can be found at www.maxxis.co.uk.
