Metzeler: Local

Fim Enduro World Championship 2010: Metzeler secures two titles in one weekend

Tue, 07Sep20109:00:00 +0200

Fim Enduro World Championship 2010: Metzeler secures two titles in one weekend Manxman David Knight wins the FIM Enduro World Championship E3 title at the penultimate GP in Turkey and one of three Metzeler front-runners are guaranteed the E2 title. Metzeler hold an incredible seven out of the nine series standing placings across the three classes.

David KNIGHT (KTM) and his Metzeler 6 Days Extreme tyres have secured enough points after the GP of Turkey to guarantee the 2010 World Title in the E3 class of the FIM Enduro World Championship, following in the footsteps of teammate Ivan CERVANTES (KTM) who is now racing for the E2 class title.

After competing in some World Enduro and Enduro Cross races last year without a solid finish in the standings, the professional enduro rider from the Isle of Man found his place on the KTM Enduro Factory Team. Winning over half of the fourteen rounds so far this season, David KNIGHT proved he still has the mental and physical stamina demanded by such extreme racing. KNIGHT completed a fantastic season with his KTM equipped with 6 Days Extreme tyres, and thus takes home the E3 World Championship title from Fethiye, Turkey with one race still to go.

And with a maximum of 50 points remaining to be assigned in the E2 class at the final race in France, the nearest competitor will be unable to surpass the German tyre brand for the title. The E1 class standings remain extremely tight, with 6 Days Extreme equipped riders Eero REMES (KTM) and Johnny AUBERT (KTM) just 11 and 20 points from the lead respectively. Metzeler's talented Enduro riders have already proven a consistency of winning in all weather, temperature and terrain conditions throughout the eight-GP season. The FIM Enduro World Championship is among the most demanding off-road competitions in motorcycle racing, and Metzeler continues its heritage as the enduro king as it continues to support riders in all three classes. The robust field of Metzeler riders in the E2 class has left riders Mika AHOLA (Honda), Ivan CERVANTES and Thomas OLDRATI (KTM) at the top of the standings, and could possibly lead to a clean sweep of this class in the championship.

Metzeler celebrates with David Knight and the entire KTM team for this championship, which is a pure demonstration of the continued superiority of Metzeler's 6 Days Extreme Enduro tyres.

2010 World Enduro Championship Standings (After 14 Rounds)

Class	Pos	Rider	Nation	Team	Pts	Tyre
E1	1	MEO Antoine	FRA	HVA	287
	2	REMES Eero	FIN	KTM	276	METZELER
	3	AUBERT Johnny	FRA	KTM	267	METZELER
E2	1	AHOLA Mika	FIN	HM-HONDA	333	METZELER
	2	CERVANTES Ivan	ESP	KTM	305	METZELER
	3	OLDRATI Tomas	ITA	KTM	249	METZELER
E3	1	KNIGHT David *	GBR	KTM	328	METZELER
	2	GUILLAUME Sebastien	FRA	HVA	263	METZELER
	3	NAMBOTIN Christophe	FRA	GAS-GAS	251

* Championship Winner

Round 10 of the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship sees another winner and yet another lap record smashed

Mon, 30Aug20102:00:00 +0200

Back from surgery, back on a bike and straight back to the top of the podium for Nottinghamshire rider Richard Cooper in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 championship at Cadwell Park. The vastly experienced Jentin BMW pilot topped the timing sheets all weekend and iced his Cadwell cake with a comfortable victory in the Metzeler-sponsored race series.

The Metzeler National Superstock 1000 championship took its second trip of the season to the Lincolnshire Wolds and Cadwell Park on Bank Holiday Monday as this hotly contested series lived up to its billing by producing its sixth winner of the year and yet another new lap record.

Back on track and right back at the sharp-end, Richard Cooper took that lap record and was on the pace right from the word go on his return to Superstock 1000 action. The ‘Cooperman' took the decision to have Carpal tunnel surgery on his forearms to alleviate arm pump, after the series supported the British MotoGP round at Silverstone in June. Showing no ill-effects at this, his first meeting back on the Jentin BMW S1000RR, Cooper consistently bettered his rivals in confident manner from the very first practice and topped the timing sheets in every session.

A chilly North Sea wind didn't deter lap record-breaking action as Metzeler Superstock 1000 racing kicked-off on the Bank Holiday Monday meeting. A quartet headed by Championship leader Jon Kirkham followed by Cooper, fast-starting Scott Smart and former Supertock 1000 champion Glen Richards pulled clear of the field early on to set the pace. Cooper scythed past Kirkham as they started lap five and instantly upped the pace to pull a decent gap and set a new lap record of 1.30.180 on his first clear lap at the front. Cooper then broke that new lap record on his next time around, to make himself the first Superstock 1000 rider under the 1m30 barrier with a time of 1.29.956.

As Cooper pulled clear of the rest, the battle for second hotted-up between Kirkham and Ducati rider Smart, who battled hard on the Ducati 1098. For his efforts Smart also managed to dip under the magic 1m30 with a 1.29.959 lap but the race-long battle was brought to a dramatic end on the final lap when Smart's Moto Rapido Ducati cried ‘enough' and gave up the ghost, close enough to the finish line for Smart to cross the line in sixth.

That allowed Padgetts Honda rider Glen Richards to step up onto the podium alongside series leader Jon Kirkham who won't be too disappointed with second place and a now commanding lead of 65 points in the championship.

Race winner Richard Cooper , said, " It's been a very difficult six weeks for me. We took the decision after Silverstone to have the surgery and it was hard watching Tristan get on my bike at Snetterton and win when I'd been in hospital that week. For three weeks I couldn't do anything and even after that it was difficult because you don't know if it's going to work and if it will be an improvement.
But the team has been behind me all the way and put no pressure on me at all, in fact the only pressure I've felt came when I turned up and set the fastest time in first practice! At that point you think ‘what am I going to do now, the only way is down!' But I've been on top of the sheets all weekend and it's been brilliant, even if I did fall off in qualifying and break my thumb. But it was a mega, mega race to be honest. You dream of a race like that when you see the gap growing each lap on your pit board. It was the perfect result. The tyres really hold together, my pole position time was on an eleven lap tyre, you can't say more than that!"

Jason Gri ffiths, Metzeler Racing Manager summed up the weekend, " It's amazing to see the lap record smashed for the second time here at Cadwell in the same season. It's good to see Richard Cooper back in the series and he's put in a dominant performance all weekend to take that win. The youngsters in the Superstock 600 series were well on the pace too and it was good to see the Metzeler Interact breaking lap records on the 600cc bikes as well ."

Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship Round 10, Cadwell Park

Race result:

1          Richard Cooper 21:12.772
2          Jon Kirkham + 0.231s
3          Glen Richards + 6.403s
4          Jimmy Storrar + 8.916s
5          Tristan Palmer + 9.694s

Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship standings after Cadwell Park:

1          Jon Kirkham (JK Racing BMW) 178
2          Tristan Palmer (Jentin Racing BMW) 113
3          Howie Mainwaring (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) 110
4          Glen Richards (Padgetts Honda) 108
5          Luke Quigley (Formwise/Astro Racing BMW) 85

The next round of the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 championship is at Croft on September 12th.
The evolution of the latest Racetec Interact tyres are available in four compounds: K0, K1, K2 for the racer and track day enthusiast and the K3 for general road use. All are available for normal purchase via your local Metzeler dealer and for more information visit www.metzelermoto.co.uk

Action-Packed Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship sees yet another lap record for dominant Kirkham

Sun, 08Aug20102:00:00 +0200

It was ‘ situation normal' for the leading protagonists in the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship at Brands Hatch but it was far from plain sailing in what turned out to be one of the most eventful races of the year.

The Metzeler National Superstock 1000 championship continued where it left off at the previous round with an action-packed race,plenty of crashes and, as expected from the Metzeler Interact tyres, yet another new lap record.
Back on the money after what was for him a relatively ‘poor' result at Snetterton, John Kirkham set a blistering time in qualifying over half a second faster than his rivals and 0.8s under the existing lap record. None came close and it proved so good John had the luxury of being able to sit out the damp second qualifying session.

In the race, the with Glen Richards third and Luke Quigley in second, Kirkham was looking good at the front when rising track temperatures took their toll and riders began to tumble. After a safety car was deployed to clear the circuit, Kirkham set about increasing his lead once more. monumental slide all-but saw John off his bike at the incredibly fast Clearways corner. But the monumental moment became a monumental save and Kirkham, somehow stayed aboard to re-group behind a startled Quigley and Richards.

Re-group is exactly what Kirkham did and after Richards had taken the lead from Quigley on lap thirteen, Kirkham was back in the hunt. After an uncharacteristic mistake from Quigley, who out-braked himself into Druids with just a lap remaining, Kirkham stole the lead from Richards and bagged his third win of the season.

Third place went to Howie Mainwaring who moved back up to joint second in the championship with Tristan Palmer, who ran off track early in the race but fought back to 7th at the finish.

Kirkham reflected on one of his career best race wins, " I've had a really good weekend and that was probably one of the best wins of my career. From the start in qualifying we had a good set-up and I put in a really good time, well under the lap record and clear of everyone else. In the race my plan was to try and get to the front and get away. I had about a second gap when I had that slide at Clearways but I managed to save it somehow!
The trouble in the race was the temperature was a lot hotter and I was trying to run at lap record pace when I just couldn't, so I had to re-group and back off a bit. The tyres were moving around a bit in the heat for everyone but they are really predictable and it was a matter of learning to ride with that.
But it paid off and I was pleased to grab the win right at the end like that. I'm looking forward to the next races as they are tracks where I've already had wins this year. I'm going to try and finish the year on a high. "

Jason Griffiths, Racing Manager summed up the weekend, " High track temperatures made life interesting both for the Metzeler Interact tyres and the riders today but once again we have a new lap record to show the strength of this tyre ."

Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship
Round 9, Brands Hatch
Race result

1          John Kirkham 23:35.726m
2          Glen Richards + 0.906s
3          Howie Mainwaring + 7.013s
4          Bryan Staring + 10.818s
5          Kenny Gilbertson + 11.509s

Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship standings after Brands Hatch:

1          Jon Kirkham (JK Racing BMW) 158
2          Tristan Palmer (Jentin Racing BMW) 102
3          Howie Mainwaring (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) 102
4          Glen Richards (Padgetts Honda) 92
5          Luke Quigley (Formwise/Astro Racing BMW) 85

The next round of the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 championship is at Cadwell Park on August 30th.

The evolution of the latest Racetec Interact tyres are available in four compounds: K0, K1, K2 for the racer and track day enthusiast and the K3 for general road use. All are available for normal purchase via your local Metzeler dealer and for more information visit www.metzelermoto.co.uk

A new winner and yet another lap record for the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 series at Snetterton

Sun, 18Jul20102:00:00 +0200

A new team, a new lap record and a welcome return to the top step of the podium for Tristan Palmer as the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship hit the fastest circuit in the British Superbike series.

An eventful Saturday saw mixed weather conditions during qualifying, a re-run of the cancelled British Superbike championship race from Knockhill, plus a temporary halt to proceedings for some track surface repairs to the Norfolk circuit. That meant time eventually ran out for the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 championship and riders had to forfeit their second qualifying session. In turn that meant grid positions were based on qualifying session ‘ One ' for Sunday's races.

Race day dawned much brighter and just as the previous round at Knockhill, Luke Quigley took the early lead aboard yet another new machine for the West Country lad. Now on a BMW, Quigley couldn't have timed a bike switch better as the fast straights at Snetterton suit the powerful S1000RR well. Aussie Glen Richards ( Padgetts Honda CBR1000RR ) assumed a position of "shadowing " behind Quigley from the opening lap which he was to hold until the chequered flag.

But it was Tristan Palmer, also getting to grips with a new BMW S1000RR for the Jentin Racing team, who looked favourite for the race win all weekend. After an ‘average' start pole-position man Tristan caught the tail of the leading pair before making short work of first Richards and then Quigley with an unbelievable move around the outside at the incredibly fast Corams corner. Confident in the Jentin bike and Metzeler Interact tyres at such a fearsome corner, he said, " I was good there [Coram] all weekend but in morning warm-up we made a change to the bike which helped me get even faster there so I knew I could do it!" As well as taking his first win of the season and a new lap record, this was the Midlander's first trip to the top of the podium since 2007 in the British Superbike Cup.

"I'm over the moon!" Said Tristan after his first race win of 2010. " It's my first race with the team and although I've been racing my own BMW this year we ran out of money and Jentin stepped in to help with a better bike. They've put together a great bike and we've gelled really well here straight away. My season has turned on its head to be honest and I've gone from missing races to now second in the championship. Bring on the next round!"

Championship leader John Kirkham ( John Kirkham Racing/Clarks BMW S1000RR) had a steady weekend by his own standards, finishing in fourth place, and now sees his championship lead pared down to 40 points ahead of the resurgent Palmer.

Jason Griffiths , Racing Manager summed up the weekend, " It was a difficult weekend for the riders with reduced track time on the Saturday and some tricky weather conditions. But raceday was perfect and we're delighted to see another lap record fall to the Racetec Interact. That Tristan set a new lap record on lap 10 of 14 shows just how consistent the tyre performs lap after lap."

Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship

Round 8, Snetterton

Race result

1          Tristan Palmer 15:52.364m
2          Luke Quigley + 3.853s
3          Glen Richards + 5.246s
4          John Kirkham + 7.523s
5          Scott Smart + 7.529s

Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship standings after Snetterton:

1          Jon Kirkham (JK Racing BMW) 133
2          Tristan Palmer (Jentin Racing BMW) 93
3          Howie Mainwaring (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) 86
4          Luke Quigley (Formwise/Astro Racing BMW) 85
5          Glen Richards (Padgetts Honda) 72

The next round of the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 championship is at Brands Hatch 6th , 7th, 8th of August.

The evolution of the latest Racetec Interact tyres are available in four compounds: K0, K1, K2 for the racer and track day enthusiast and the K3 for general road use. All are available for normal purchase via your local Metzeler dealer and for more information visit www.metzelermoto.co.uk

Metzeler encourages riders to impersonate their bike and win a Honda VFR1200F!

Tue, 13Jul20102:00:00 +0200

Metzeler invites riders to send in their best bike impressions while re-enacting on-board videos to be in with a chance to win an amazing new Honda VFR1200F!

Following other initiatives for fans to ‘ Interact ' with the brand, Metzeler launches the fun and easy to use www.WheelsAreTheChampions.com .

The challenge is simple, record a video in front of the webcam as though you were in the rider's seat. The contest is part of Metzeler's well-established INTERACT approach towards motorcyclists, which offers dedicated contests and activities. This approach is also a reminder of the brand's latest product technology, ‘ Interact ', the multi zone tension system, inserted in a revolutionary radial tyre range for outstanding performance and stability.

‘ Wheels are the Champions' has two aims, to show the concepts of riding safety while encouraging riders to adopt a more conscious riding style, as well as to describe the enjoyment of riding with a safe and reliable tyre, the all-new Roadtec Z8 Interact™.

This contest and its grand prize Honda VFR1200F are created for riders to have fun while ‘ giving voice to their style' . Those who are most capable of impersonating their bike's engine have the highest chance of winning the motorcycle or one of several sets of the new sport-touring Roadtec Z8 Interact™ tyres.

The two-month long contest can be found on www.WheelsAreTheChampions.com until September 13, 2010. Take a shot at your chance to win a new motorcycle, and " Enjoy the distance, safely ."

Visit Metzeler's website: www.metzelermoto.com for news and technical details for the entire motorcycle tyre range and find your local dealer.

Metzeler's "Wheels are the Champions" contest is live!

Mon, 12Jul20108:00:00 +0200

The newest contest from the Two Wheels Specialist is online. Metzeler invites all bike enthusiasts to "ride" their bikes on selected tracks and routes in the safest possible way. The contest offers the chance to win a brand new Honda motorcycle: by recording yourself imitating the bike's noises and movements while watching an on-board video from some selected routes, you then have the chance of being voted ‘the best' by your friends and website's visitors for the contest's grand prize: a Honda VFR1200F fitted with the all new Roadtec Z8 Interact. All you need is your webcam and to start "Giving voice to your style".

Enjoy the distance, safely on www.WheelsAreTheChampions.com .

Metzeler Superstock Series puts on fantastic show for massed Silverstone MotoGP crowd!

Sun, 20Jun20102:00:00 +0200

The Metzeler National Superstock series put on an awesome show of competitive racing during two action packed races to a huge crowd at today's MotoGP return to the revamped Silverstone circuit.

British Superbike star Josh Brookes took two wins in what was widely hailed as the ‘racing of the weekend' as the big production bike class showed its depth and competitiveness on the World arena. The road based tyres also really showed their capabilities as Brookes set his fastest lap on his final loop while track temperatures doubled from Saturday to Sunday as the thermometer soared from 15 to 31 degrees!

Josh utilised a softer front Metzeler Interact tyre than many of his rivals in both races to earn one hard fought and one dominant victory at the historic Northants circuit. Brookes, who stood in for the injured Steve Plater said, " I really enjoyed that, what mega racing! That's my first time on treaded tyres for years and I felt immediately at home. The bike isn't a million miles from the Australian Superbike machine I rode back at home before I went World Supersport. You seem to get good, close racing with a regulated class and especially at a really long fast track with wide corners like this. It was also great to get the first race win at the new circuit before all the GP boys!"

BMW privateer Jon Kirkham retains the Championship lead but was made to sweat it out in two highly charged races over the weekend.

Race one on Saturday saw the Superstock riders complete the first ever race at the new, heavily revised Silverstone MotoGP circuit. MSS Colchester Kawasaki rider Howie Mainwaring chalked up the first registered lap record. Howie had a race long battle with eventual winner Brookes, BMW riders Jon Kirkham and Richard Cooper plus popular runner up Glen Richards, who has re-found his form after injury. Relative outsider Sam Warren took the holeshot after logging pole in wet qualifying, eventually finishing eighth at the flag.

Race two saw a more dominant victory for Brookes who learned from Saturday and pulled away early from the competing pack. Michael Rutter surprised many by battling through to second after a poor start and Kirkham rounded off the podium. Race-goers were also entertained to see Kawasaki riders Simon Andrews and Howie Mainwaring slug it out with Superstock ‘wild card' Andrews nosing ahead at the flag. Warren took an impressive fourth after again getting the holeshot.

Jason Griffiths , Racing Manager summed up the weekend, " We think this weekend has been a great advert for British racing and the Metzeler Superstock class in particular. Full grids, close, safe racing and competitive lap times have shown that production bikes and tyres have come a long way in recent years. The large amount of fans who stayed to watch were treated to potentially the ‘race of the day' on both afternoons ."

Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship
Rounds 5 and 6, MotoGP Silverstone

Race 1 result

1.Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda)
2.Glen Richards (Padgetts Honda) +0.500s
3.Howie Manwaring (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) +1.967s
4.Jon Kirkham (JK Racing BMW) +2.933s
5.Simon Andrews (Blackhorse Kawasaki) +2.970s

Race two result

1.Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda)
2.Michael Rutter (Ridersmotorcycles.com BMW) +3.336s
3.Jon Kirkham (JK Racing BMW) +5.043s
4.Sam Warren (Midland Motorsport Honda) +5.975s
5.Simon Andrews (Blackhorse Kawasaki) +8.864s

Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship standings after Silverstone:

1.Jon Kirkham (JK Racing BMW) 104
2.Howie Mainwaring (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) 86
3.Steve Plater (HM Plant Honda) 70
4.Tristan Palmer (TP Racing BMW) 55
5.Josh Brookes (HM Plant Honda) 50

The evolution of the latest Racetec Interact tyres are available in four compounds: K0, K1, K2 for the racer and track day enthusiast and the K3 for general road use. All are available for normal purchase via your local Metzeler dealer and for more information visit www.metzelermoto.co.uk

Top BSB riders enter Metzeler Superstock Races to WOW Silverstone moto GP crowd!

Wed, 16Jun20102:00:00 +0200

Top British Superbike riders have lined up for this weekend's Metzeler National Superstock rounds at the inaugural Silverstone MotoGP to add spice to an already red hot series!

Josh Brookes, Ian Lowry and Simon Andrews finished fourth to sixth in last year's BSB series but will now pit themselves against a host of top regular Superstock riders all keen to make an impression in front of a massive MotoGP crowd at the heavily revised circuit.

The stellar line-up of riders underlines the importance of the Metzeler series to manufacturers and teams as 1000cc virtually stock machines on road based tyres show the true capabilities of bike and rider. The newly introduced Metzeler Racetec Interact tyres have taken huge chunks out of existing Superstock records this year with an average saving of just under one second per lap.

Brookes stands in for the injured Steve Plater who took wins at the first two rounds for the legendary HM Plant Honda squad, saying, " I am really fired up and definitely want to put on a good show for the crowd there. We know the HM Plant Honda is a proven race winner, Steve showed that before he was injured so I want to go out and do the best job I can for the team. The Superstock Honda is not too dissimilar to what I raced when I was in the Australian Superbike Championship a few years ago as their regulations are different from BSB, so it's a case of get to grips with the new track then give the other guys hell!"

Ian Lowry will return home to the Relentless Suzuki by TAS team, a squad well used to the championship after dominating the series in 2009 with Alastair Seeley. Lowry explained, " It will be good fun this weekend; I can't wait to be back with the team on a new circuit and having a good go at it. I obviously feel comfortable with the Suzuki as in the past that is what I have mainly ridden, so I should just be able to step on it and then it will be game on. I am ready for it that's for sure, I can't wait to have some fun on the Superstock bike and try and put her back on the podium."

Simon Andrews returns from an injury sustained in World Superbike duty back in April replacing the injured Conor Cummins in the Blackhorse Kawasaki team. Andrews broke his heel badly and has only competed in one BSB round but is now raring to go, saying, " This is good timing as I now feel fit enough to ride, so with two races and all the practice it's ideal to get back up to speed before next weekend's BSB event at Mallory Park. No-one likes to take a ride at the expense of an injured rider but hopefully I can do a good job for the Blackhorse team and Kawasaki whilst Conor is out of action. It goes without saying that I'm also excited to be riding at the new Silverstone layout and in front of the GP paddock."

The BSB regulars may not have things their own way as they fight a grid of Superstock riders determined to prove their own abilities including double round winner and series leader John Kirkham, fellow BMW rider Tristan Palmer and the in-form Howie Mainwaring riding for the MSS Colchester Kawasaki squad and lying in third place in the series.

One man who has little prove this weekend is TT hero Ian Hutchinson, who returns to Metzeler Superstock duty from a record breaking five win haul at the Isle of Man. ‘ Hutchy ' may have a little extra bounce in his step as he lines up for the Silverstone races and looks to improve on a third and fourth in the races so far.

The two Metzeler Superstock races take place at Saturday 16.25 and Sunday 15.30.

Jason Griffiths, Racing Manager added, " What a great line-up for the Metzeler National Superstock races, I think the riders, teams and tyres will surprise many of the GP paddock guys with their times and competitiveness!"

The evolution of the latest Racetec Interact tyres are available in four compounds: K0, K1, K2 for the racer and track day enthusiast and the K3 for general road use. All are available for normal purchase via your local Metzeler dealer and for more information visit www.metzelermoto.co.uk

Metzeler Launch Roadtec Z8 Interact - the ultimate sports touring tyre

Wed, 09Jun20102:00:00 +0200

Metzeler add to their innovative range of tyres using the latest Interact™ technology with the introduction of the ultimate Sports Touring tyre, the Roadtec Z8 Interact.

Developed with Sports Touring and Naked bikes in mind, the new Roadtec Z8 gives unmatched feedback, consistent performance and great stability at high and low speeds. The new tyre retains good comfort even over long distances and when loaded with a passenger and luggage.

The Roadtec Z8 Interact utilizes the most advanced technological solutions developed by Metzeler, such as its variable tension Interact™ multi zone structure, new composite compounds, new profiles with larger contact areas and an exclusive tread design inspired by Greek Pi (p).

The multi-zone Interact tensional structure utilizes low tension belts in the lean contact areas to produce maximum grip and a high tension central section for maximum road mileage and durability. Latest generation of compounds allow the new Z8 to give great mileage and improved wet grip.

The interaction of all these features make the new Roadtec Z8 Interact tyre perfectly suited to the needs of the modern Sport Touring motorcycle.

The new Roadtec Z8 is the culmination of extensive testing across many different road terrains and with riders logging thousands of test mule miles.

To celebrate the launch of the new Roadtec Z8 Interact , Metzeler gives riders the chance to win an awesome Honda VFR1200F in a soon to be announced online competition, where riders can post their favourite riding videos and opinions.

In the same spirit of sharing motorcycle trips, Metzeler has successfully launched the new map-sharing platform: MetzelerMaps.com for downloading, uploading and easily sharing motorcycle trips with all members of the motorcycle community. The application is completely free and integrated with the most common GPS interfaces and with map searching features, making it possible to exchange pictures, routes and travel experiences in a virtual community which connects fans of road trips around the world.

Steffen Baum, Product Manager explains, " After a long period of development the Metzeler Roadtec Z8 really can be called the ultimate Sports Touring tyre. We have great optimism for this tyre as UK riders continue to take long distance adventure rides and tours."

Please visit Metzeler's website: www.metzelermoto.com for news and technical details for the entire motorcycle tyre range and find your local dealer

BMW powers to Oulton lap record as Metzeler Racetecs continue to impress

Mon, 03May20102:00:00 +0200

BMW rider Jon Kirkham took over a second off his own Oulton Park Superstock lap record as the 2010 Metzeler Racetec Interact control tyres continue to make huge steps in this exciting class. The win is BMW's first UK victory in high-level racing.

Kirkham sped into a sizeable lead despite a light drizzle, before Championship leader Steve Plater closed the gap in the closing stages. Kirkham's time was all the more amazing as it was a full half second quicker than Plater's second fastest time.

Plater had to push his way forward after a mediocre start on his HM Plant Honda whilst Connor Cummins had a spectacular accident.

Tristan Palmer brought home the TP BMW in third as the Bavarian brand had a fantastic weekend including a front row trio of Kirkham, Palmer and Richard Cooper (Jentin BMW) joined by Padgetts Honda rider Ian Hutchinson.

BMW really hit form in qualifying with a front row made up of a trio of riders for the Bavarian marque of Kirkham, Palmer and Richard Cooper were joined by Padgetts Honda rider Ian Hutchinson.

Kirkham, who sat out much of 2009 with a broken hand, describes himself as ‘man in a van racing' as he develops the all new BMW S1000RR. The 25 year old from Derby said afterwards, " It was great to get the win and such a big lap record improvement especially as my previous record stood from 2008. I was so glad we got out before the rain as it can be treachorous in some places and when it rained on the line I did think, ‘oh no, here we go'! The laps came easy, the Metzelers have amazed us all this year, they just don't go off. I only backed off at the end as I knew I had a big gap over Plater ."

Series standings now stand at Plater 70 points, Howie Mainwaring (MSS Colchester Kawasaki) 51 and Kirkham 50 points.

Jason Griffiths Racing Manager added, " What an amazing lap from Jon! The Superstock times are becoming incredibly competitive and we're so happy with the feedback from the riders as these tyres are remaining consistent throughout the whole race. Let's not forget the Interact tyres are available for Club Racers and track day users with a harder K3 option for road riders ."

The evolution of the latest Racetec Interact tyres are available in four compounds: K0, K1, K2 for the racer and track day enthusiast and the K3 for general road use. All are available for normal purchase via your local Metzeler dealer and for more information visit www.metzelermoto.co.uk