The Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State is seen as one of the major growth areas in Australian motorcycle road racing, and it is this continued growth and professionalism that has attracted companies such as Michelin to become involved.

"A crucial element in our decision to support the 2001 Formula Xtreme Tri State Series is the passion of competition. That, I am sure, is something we share with the organisers and competitors," said Michelin Australia's Communications Manager, Liz Whiteway.

"The unique objective of Michelin's motorsport involvement has always been to show our customers what we are capable of. In competition, Michelin doesn't just reap success in terms of results on the track. We have earned the confidence of an overwhelming majority of teams through the quality of our products, and the constant exchange that takes place between our engineers and our partners."

Michelin has gained considerable success in Australia with their most recent victory being Steve Martin's win in the Australian Superbike Championship in 1999 aboard the Ducati Dealer Team Ducati 996RS superbike.

"To have a major tyre manufacturer such as Michelin throw their support behind the 2001 Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State, is fantastic news," said event promotor, Terry O'Neill. "The continuing growth of the category is evident of the support given by major companies such as Michelin, along with our other sponsors Yamaha, Buell and Gateway Computers."

Joining Michelin are Gateway Computers, who have extended their initial sponsorship arrangement with Formula Xtreme from 2000. One of the world's foremost computer hardware companies, Gateway will sponsor the Formula Oz category, which features the awesome FIM specification superbikes and Grand Prix bikes.

The first of five events which form the 2001 Yamaha Xtreme Tri-State will be held at Sydney's Eastern Creek Raceway on Sunday February 18.