METZELER USA has completed its return to the Isle of Man TT, with supported racers Rennie Scaysbrook and Brandon Cretu representing the brand on one of the world’s biggest road racing stages.
Representing METZELER USA in the RST Superbike TT was rider Brandon Cretu, a seasoned TT rider who made his return after six years away. Cretu raced to a 21st place finish in the class aboard his Penz13 Racing Team Honda CBR1000RR-SP equipped with Metzeler Racetec RR Slicks tires. Cretu also tried his hand at the Senior TT but was forced to pull out after experiencing mechanical issues early on. Still, Cretu walked away with a bronze replica for his efforts in the Superbike TT and a personal best lap of 124mph.
“Getting back to the TT after a six-year absence was an unexpected dream come true,” Cretu explained. “I had honestly never planned to return when I decided to ‘retire’ back in 2016, but a whirlwind of events in 2021 brought it back into possibility, and before I knew it, I was lining up on Glencrutchery Road again to take on the infamous TT Mountain Course! The feeling of being one of the select few accepted to race at the TT is an honor. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel on that first lap after such a long hiatus, but it all came back and in the best way. It all had to be right for me, and this is why I would not return unless I felt 100% confident and comfortable with everything, from my team to my gear to my bike and down to my tires. Confidence is key in motorcycle racing, especially at the TT! The support from Metzeler this year allowed me to perform at my absolute best onboard my Penz13 Racing Honda CBR1000RRR-SP. I had all the confidence in the world in every aspect of tire performance, from corner entry and stability to grip and longevity. To be away for six years and come back to set a new personal best lap time of 124 mph is a testament to how good everything worked for me this year. If I return to the TT in 2023, I will definitely be on Metzeler tires again!”
Moto-journalist and Pikes Peak champion Rennie Scaysbrook represented METZELER USA in the Monster Energy Supersport TT class and tackled the Mountain Course aboard his PRF Racing Suzuki GSX-R600 equipped with Metzeler Racetec RR tires. Scaysbrook finished 44th in the first race and 37th in the second, the latter of which was rescheduled and cut short due to inclement weather. Despite the challenges, the rookie racer laid down a best lap of 116.048 mph and walked away a finisher.
“It feels so good to have completed my first Isle of Man TT,” Scaysbrook reflected after the race. “To see that checkered flag is something I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little kid, so it feels a little odd to have actually realized it. My TT was definitely one of the more eventful ones, but the team and I worked well together, and we got two finishes in the end. I missed my goal of getting a replica by 12 seconds in the second race, so that was a little disappointing, but overall I’m so grateful for the experience. Thanks must go to Metzeler and, in particular, Oscar Solis. The support I have been given by the company in this endeavor and Oscar’s calming presence when the pressure was on is something I’ll never forget. I was extremely proud to represent the Elephant on my leathers, knowing I had the right tools for the job. The tires performed flawlessly over the two weeks of riding, and I’d never have anything else under me for the rigors of the world’s toughest motorcycle road race. I hope to go back in 2023, as I believe I can improve on this year’s performance; however, if that were not to happen, I am so thankful for the support given to me by the whole crew at Metzeler in the United States.”
The Metzeler Racetec RR tire ensures top performance for road racing, with a compound selection allowing three levels of grip at the front and rear to adapt its performance to the racer’s riding style and setup. The Racetec RR offers excellent stability at high speeds for more precise corner entry and leans, reducing the effect of aerodynamic interference on long straights. You can take advantage of this technology in our K3 street compound Racetec RR and even the Racetec RR TD Slick tires.
