Metzeler increases two-wheel British motorsport involvement

Following on from its five year deal with the MCE British Superbike Championship, Metzeler has announced that it will increase its involvement in Superstock 1000, 600 and the Triumph Triple Challenge, including a promotional brand unit in the trade areas of each event. Metzeler Racing manager Jason Griffiths commented; “This is a big year for Metzeler as the Superstock classes have never been bigger and we are also proud to supply the tyres for the Triumph Triple Challenge. Just like the bike manufacturers, Metzeler sees real importance in proving the quality of its road based products especially as lap times have continued to tumble. The class is very difficult to predict this year with so many potential winners, it’s going to be a real battle out there I’m sure! We are also supporting the fans more this year with a promotional unit and competitions at every round with top prizes.”

The National Superstock series has seen fast, competitive racing on Metzeler Racetec Interact tyres with lap records tumbling throughout last season; the tyre brand believes the early signs in pre-season testing show that these times will continue to fall in both the 1000 and 600cc classes. Metzeler has been confirmed as the control tyre supplier for the 1000ccc and 600cc National Superstock championships until 2015.

The Metzeler Racetec Interact tyre range has three compounds; the K3, a durable fast road tyre as used as OE on the BMW S1000RR road bike plus the K1 and K2 race compounds. In Superstock 1000 riders can choose from the K1 or K2 front and all use the K2 rear whilst the 600 class have a fixed K1 front, K2 rear option for these smaller machines.

The Interact tyres will also be used in the Triumph Triple Challenge which has attracted increased entries. The Challenge is seen as a developmental series, with training sessions on racecraft, diet and fitness, media training and sports psychology. The winner of this year’s Challenge will step up to either Superstock 600 (if under 26) or Supersport Cup (if aged 26-32), with funded support for the 2012 season.

In recent tests Superstock teams have been under the current lap records at several circuits with unofficial times. With 2010 Metzeler National Superstock Champion Jon Kirkham now in the top Samsung Crescent Suzuki Superbike squad, several riders are looking to make their mark in this well followed series. HM Plant Honda Superstock rider and ex Australian Supersport Champ Jason O’ Halloran has the form to be a series winner but will face a number of strong challengers.

Kawasaki have two top teams competing with MSS Colchester Kawasaki riders Howie Mainwaring and young team-mate Danny Buchan circulating well in pre-season testing, while Blackhorse Kawasaki duo Victor Cox and Conor Cummins look to make it a Green Day for the new ZX-10R. Isle of Man hero and Manx resident Conor has been building up his confidence and fitness after a massive accident at last year’s TT.
Other riders to watch in the class include BMW favourite Richard Cooper running the S1000RR for the renamed Buildbase BMW Hawk squad whist David Johnson and Tristan Palmer have joined forces with Honda machinery, for GB Moto Racing.

Metzeler’s promotional unit in will show new products, racing videos and running competitions to win Metzeler tyres and clothing.