Motorsports will become more well known in the SEA region thanks to Michelin and KTM
Michelin Malaysia and KTM Asia have announced an exciting new partnership that promises to elevate the world of motorsports in Southeast Asia. This collaboration will debut at the 2024 Rimba Raid, the world’s largest motorcycle adventure race, which will take place from 25 to 29 September in the stunning Lenggong Valley, Malaysia.
The partnership will spotlight Michelin’s top-tier tire technology paired with KTM’s high-performance motorcycles, underscoring their shared commitment to pushing the limits of innovation and endurance. This year, Rimba Raid will see Michelin and KTM’s combined expertise showcased through a team of five elite racers from Singapore, Malaysia, and the Republic of Korea.
Moreover, the competitors will ride KTM 890 ADVENTURE R motorcycles, fitted with Michelin’s Michelin Enduro Medium tires. These tires are designed with advanced tread blocks to ensure exceptional grip and stability on challenging terrains.
True to KTM’s “READY TO RACE” ethos, the motorcycles will be nearly stock, featuring only select enhancements from KTM’s official POWERPARTS catalogue. Both Michelin and KTM Asia will provide dedicated technical support throughout the event to maximise the performance and reliability of the race bikes.
On top of that, Prichapakorn Dangrojana, Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, emphasised the significance of the partnership, saying, “Michelin’s tires are engineered for peak performance and endurance in the harshest conditions. By teaming up with KTM Asia, we aim to enhance the racing experience while advancing our #WeRaceForChange initiative.”
“This initiative focuses on driving sustainability, diversity, and innovation within motorsports. Our collaboration with KTM is not only about pushing performance boundaries but also about contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future for racing.” Dangrojana concluded.
What’s more, Rimba Raid is renowned for its gruelling challenges, often pushing both riders and machines to their extremes. With a history of demanding races and a reputation for difficulty, less than half of the participants have finished in previous years.
The 2023 event attracted 279 competitors from 24 countries, including 21 pioneering female racers, highlighting the event’s global appeal and inclusivity. The race also serves as a platform for motorcycle brands to showcase their latest innovations, with 19 manufacturers participating in the event.