Metzeler announces 2013 road racing programme

The Isle of Man TT, Post-TT races and Ulster GP and North West 200 are amongst the racing activities Metzeler has planned for its anniversary year. The tyre maker, which started in 1863 as a firm selling rubber and elastic goods in the German city of Munich, says it will hold a ‘Road Racing’ summer spectacular to mark its century and a half.

Those attending a Metzeler event at the Ace Cafe London (which, incidentally, celebrates its 75th anniversary this year) last Friday were amongst the first to learn the motorcycle tyre brand’s 2013 racing plans. These get underway with the Isle of Man TT races; Metzeler says visitors to the event can “savour the race action and atmosphere in two exciting, unique ways.” The Metzeler Village will offer 300 free camping places in unmistakable Metzeler blue tents at the National Sports Centre, Douglas. Visitors can book these online at www.metzeler.com/roadracinglive, and places are free to anyone who turns up with Metzeler tyres fitted to their bike.
 
The company will also host a special 150th Anniversary party, free to all bikers, at the Villa Marina on the main Promenade, on Friday 7th June, the date of the Senior TT. A full itinerary of activities, entertainment and bands will be announced soon.
 
After the TT, the traditional Southern 100 event will have Metzeler title sponsorship at this unique wall lined course at Castletown, where massed starts and tight turns thrill the knowledgeable crowds. The 4.25 mile Billown course will now host the Metzeler Post TT Races on Saturday 8th June. Metzeler will also be headline sponsor of the ‘Fastest Race in the World’, the Metzeler Ulster GP in Northern Ireland. Attracting 50,000 spectators during Bike Week, the 7.4 mile Dundrod circuit regularly witnesses racers clock 133mph average lap speeds.
 
Hand in hand with these activities, Metzeler has chosen key race teams and riders to support in a comprehensive attack on the main road racing events, which the German tyre maker says usher in “a new era of focus and development.” Extensive support from a dedicated Metzeler research and development team means the cutting edge Metzeler Superbike slicks and RR road legal tyres for Supersport and Superstock will be ready for high speed action at all the season’s road race events.
 
British Superbike contender Josh Brookes entertained the Ace Café crowd as he explained the reasoning behind his anticipated TT debut this year, which he will ride in Metzeler colours with Tyco Suzuki teammate Guy Martin. Brookes reflected the tone of the forthcoming Metzeler events when he said, “I’m all about experiences, whether that be racing, jet-skiing, motocross or whatever. One day I want to experience racing a MotoGP bike but right now I want to experience the Isle of Man TT. It’s been great to help Metzeler announce all these activities this evening and I’m looking forward to meeting as many fans as possible at the TT.”
 
Guy Martin will campaign his triumvirate of Suzuki machines in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport classes at the four ‘Classics’ – the TT, Southern 100, Ulster GP and North West 200- also held in Northern Ireland.
 
The North West 200 also attracts a high calibre of racers including eight-time winner Alastair Seeley, who will be competing in green for the first time on his Gearlink Kawasaki. Alastair will be Metzeler shod as will Scottish rider Stuart Easton, who returns to the ‘Triangle’ on his Mar Train Yamaha machines after a serious injury there in 2011.
 
Other Metzeler supported ‘roads’ riders include TT winner Gary Johnson who spearheads the return of MV Agusta to the Island, James Hillier- Quattro Plant Kawasaki, Dean Harrison- RC Express Kawasaki and Martin Jessop- Riders Motorcycles BMW (NW200 only).

“Tonight has been a very different sort of event as an interested biking crowd enjoyed typical hospitality here at the Ace, while the whole ‘show’ was streamed live over the web on the new roadracing section of the Metzeler website,” said Metzeler UK marketing manager Jim Worland regarding the Ace Café event. “What a great way to start the racing year and, no-one can be in any doubt that Metzeler is taking road racing very seriously, both on track and in terms of exciting events for the fans. Accommodation can sometimes be tricky so we’re pleased to be able to offer 300 free places at our Metzeler Village while our Villa Marina party should be one to remember for quite some time.
 
“We are looking forward to sharing our 150th anniversary not just with our racing heroes but the legions of bikers who love the racing as much as we do,” continued Worland. Metzeler UK racing manager Jason Griffiths added: “The worldwide interest in the three International Road Races continues to increase year on year. Each of the three events has a unique atmosphere and provides a real test for our tyres. I’m thrilled that Metzeler will be present this year with dedicated product development and a fantastic rider line up. The testing has been very positive and we’re now focussing on the first appearance of the new Metzeler range at the North West 200 where Alastair Seeley is a proven race winner in all classes. The line up of Metzeler supported riders provide us with real strength in depth. May can’t arrive soon enough.”