Monday, Jan 31, 2011 at 09:29
John & Lil, you have touched on an important point.
In another series Pat Callinan was using Pirelli Scorpion ATRs and swearing by them too. In each case he was sponsored by the manufacturer (which, quite properly, he disclosed). The same goes for other people like Ron Moon and Vic Widman, who also have sponsorship deals.
The tyre companies (or, in the case of Coopers, tire company) exploit the reputation of such people for marketing purposes. Nothing wrong with that, but you need to bear it in mind.
I don't doubt Pat's integrity. (Or Ron's, or Vic's.) Coopers, BFGs and Pirellis are probably all very good tyres. But if you accept sponsorship, you lose your status as an independent expert commentator in that field, because of the appearance of possible partiality. I would never base a purchasing decision on the opinion of someone who is receiving sponsorship.
BTW, I have a set of the Pirelli Scorpion ATRs that need replacing. If anyone from Pirelli (or BFG or Coopers) is reading this, please get in touch: I am sure we can do a satisfactory sponsorship deal.
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