Metzeler sponsored riders enjoyed a very successful visit to the prestigious North West 200 this weekend, with Alastair Seeley equalling Robert Dunlop’s winning record following a string of victories.
The man from Carrickfergus was on fine form using the new Racetec RR tyres, winning both Supersport races and the Superbike race, with Ian Hutchinson and debutant Glenn Irwin also taking podium spots for the German brand.
Saturday’s race day was severely affected by a mix of showers and accidents, with the postponed Superstock race moved back to later in the day. The Supersport race was a thrilling affair as Seeley, Lee Johnston and Glenn Irwin all took the lead in a high speed slip streaming spectacle.
The first Superbike race of the programme saw Seeley take the holeshot before a confident Ian Hutchinson moved into the lead. The race was red flagged but the re-start saw an identical scenario develop as Metzeler rider Hutchinson then went on to lead much of the race on his PBM Kawasaki. Seeley showed his local knowledge by outbraking the TT star into the Magheraboy chicane on the final lap to take the win, equaling Robert Dunlop’s long standing record of 15 wins at the event.
After yet more showers, the Superstock race saw another titanic battle between the lightweight local racers Seeley and Johnston, joined at times in the slipstream by other riders. This time round Johnston turned the tables on Seeley, and they were joined on the podium again by Hutchinson, who logged a new lap record for the class.
The final race of the weekend, the Vauxhall NW200 Superbike race was postponed after strong winds hit the area, a decision made by organisers after a consultation with riders.
METZELER UK Marketing Manager Simon Carter commented; “This has been a fantastic event for METZELER as our many riders have put in a series of impressive performances. Alastair was of course fantastic throughout and I’m sure he will be wondering ‘what might have been’ with two key races cancelled.
The conditions have been very difficult throughout, with high winds and tricky mixed wet and dry patches of tarmac. Against this backdrop it’s been very pleasing to see the performance of our RACETEC ™ RR and Slick tyres; both in terms of outright speed and durability. This event has certainly given us important extra data to go forward strongly to the Isle of Man TT, in only two weeks time.”
Find out more about the Racetec RR here.
