Victory across three classes, along with numerous podium finishes, gave the team at Metzeler reason to celebrate following this year’s action packed North West 200 races.
Fantastic weather graced the circuit for practice and qualifying, allowing Glenn Irwin, Dean Harrison and Alastair Seeley to go under the existing Superbike lap record for an all-Metzeler front row on the grid. Seeley would also top the Supersport class, with Jamie Coward the fastest qualifier in the Supertwins.
On Thursday evening, Seeley unfortunately crashed out while battling for the lead in the opening race, while Harrison and Hillier would come home in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. In the Superstock opener, Irwin would take a solid 2nd, but it was Stefano Bonetti who took Metzeler’s opening win of the week as he took his maiden International Road Race win in the Supertwins, ahead of Coward and Michael Rutter.
On the main race day, rain delayed the action as it soaked the 9 mile road circuit. In a six lap Supersport race, Derek McGee was unfortunate not to taste victory as he set a new fastest lap on the way to 2nd place.
The opening Superbike race was reduced to 4 laps at James Hillier and Glenn Irwin battled it out right down to Juniper Chicane on the final lap, where Irwin was able to pass his teammate and take his fourth NW200 Superbike win in a row.
Christian Elkin and Michael Rutter then made the podium for Metzeler in the second Supertwin race, taking 2nd and 3rd, before James Hillier beat newcomer Richard Cooper in the last Superstock race to take a well deserved win.
With the weather closing in, the final Superbike race was cancelled.
METZELER UK Racing Manager Jason Griffiths commented:
“It’s been another fantastic North West 200 for Metzeler, taking three wins at the hands of three different riders. This week has seen the complete RACETEC™ RR range utilised; with Irwin setting Superbike pole on his slick tyres with the fastest ever lap whilst we saw victories come on our road legal treaded tyres, Intermediate and Rain; demonstrating the versatility and competitiveness of Metzeler.
It is a shame the final race had to be cancelled, but we now head to the Isle of Man TT where we look forward to challenging for further success.”
You can view the Metzeler Racetec range here.
