Second Place for Metzler at IoM TT

9^th June 2009, Isle of Man, UK – Metzeler took second  place at the Supersport TT after lead rider Bruce Anstey (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) was denied what looked like a certain win for his team when he  dropped out of the race only six miles from the finish line.

Fellow Metzeler runner Guy Martin (Hydrex Honda) also encountered drama during the four lap race, when his head gasket blew whilst in the lead. Martin was encouraged by his team during his pit stop to keep going and hung on to take second place, meaning two podiums in as many races.

Guy Martin, Hydrex Honda rider commented, “I’m here to win but I’m over the moon with this second place. The tyres were mint but we had a bit of trouble with the bike. I didn’t know if I’d even finish so it was a really emotional second place for me. I’m so glad the team orders at the pit stop were to keep going.”

Anstey took the lead at the end of lap two producing a new outright Supersport lap record, despite slowing down for his pit stop, with an average speed of 126.549mph in a time of 17 53.32. On the final lap the Kiwi was leading on the road, having started from number five, and quickly extended his lead to ten seconds. Disaster then struck when a technical problem forced him to retire at Brandywell corner only six miles from the chequered flag.

With the Metzeler shod leader out of the race, Ian Hutchinson took the win. Second place went to Guy Martin on his Hydrex Honda, with third place spot taken by Scotsman Keith Amor.

The new Racetec with Interact™ technology tyre was launched earlier this year prior to the opening round of the ViSK British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch. The patented technology and engineering behind the tyre is the result of a sustained Metzeler research project aimed for maximum grip and stability. The tyre provides pure performance without compromising tyre life, the perfect traits needed to endure the longest and most demanding of road races in the world, the Isle of Man TT races.

Gianmarco Spigolon, Metzeler’s UK General Manager, commented, “We are here to win and that should have been a win for both Relentless Suzuki by TAS team and Metzeler. To have the win taken from us by a technical problem is very disappointing- but that is racing. It proves again how much of a challenge the Isle of Man TT course is. The great news is that the Metzeler tyre produced a new lap record and we are very proud of that fact. We expect that Bruce will be even more determined to do well in the Superstock race this evening. We look forward with great anticipation!”

For more information on Metzeler’s new RACETEC which features Interact™ structure and compound technology, please visit our website at: www.metzelermoto.com

Relentless Supersport TT result

1 Ian Hutchinson (Pagetts Racing Honda)

2 Guy Martin (Hydrex Honda Racing)

3 Keith Amor (Wilson Craig Racing)

New outright Supersport TT lap record

Bruce Anstey (Relentless Suzuki by TAS) 17 mins 53.32 seconds, 126.549mph