Bridgestone pulls out of major US event

Bike insurance customers have seen a veteran tire supplier pull out of one of the USA's major biking events.

Bridgestone has announced that it will cease supplying tyres to the AMA Supercross and Motocross, after 18 successful seasons of competition in the American events.

The company blames the current economic difficulties for its decision.

Bob Graham, senior manager of Bridgestone Americas tyre operations, thanked the teams and staff who contributed to the success of the brand.

"The Bridgestone brand has left an indelible mark in the world of off-road motorcycle racing," he said, though he assured competitors in this year's event that the company would continue to support them.

Since 1991, riders on Bridgestone tyres have claimed victory at a number of off-road biking events, including the last five Supercross and the last four Motocross championships.

The AMA Supercross event continues in New Orleans, as reigning champion Chad Reed recently kept his podium record intact after beating challenger James Stewart.