The Ulster Grand Prix will be backed by German tyre manufacturer Metzeler until 2015 after a three-year title sponsorship package was officially confirmed on Sunday.

The deal represents a significant shot in the arm for the iconic road race, which carries the proud title of the world’s fastest road race after Kiwi flyer Bruce Anstey lapped the awesome Dundrod circuit at an average speed of 133.97mph on his way to victory in the second Superbike race in 2010 - his final swansong for Northern Ireland’s TAS Racing team.

A big favourite of the sport’s diehard enthusiasts, the ‘Prix’ has bounced back from adversity after the organisers were left with no option but to cancel the event without a single race held in 2008 due to a relentless downpour of almost biblical proportions.

The setback came a year after the meeting had been cut short in 2007 as a result of inclement weather, leaving the famous old road race almost on its knees.

However, the event has gradually reclaimed its status as one of the most eagerly anticipated dates on the international road racing calendar thanks to kinder weather and a series of exhilarating races involving the best between the hedges exponents on the planet.

And Sunday’s announcement of a lucrative tie-up with high-profile tyre brand Metzeler for the next three years is an acknowledgement of the progress that has been made since the infamous 2008 washout - a deal that has at least secured the short-term future of the former world championship road race.

Ex-racer and Ulster GP ambassador James Courtney, President of the organising Dundrod and District Motor Club, said the Metzeler agreement represented a ‘serious commitment’ to the event.

“We are very happy to announce our partnership with Metzeler, a world-renowned organisation that understands and shares the passion that we have for road racing,” he said.

“It’s an acknowledgement of the hard work we’ve put in to raise the overall status and profile of the event.

“Metzeler has made a serious commitment to the Ulster Grand Prix and it marks a new beginning for the event, allowing us to reinforce our efforts to deliver a spectacular show for competitors and spectators alike.”

Enrico D’Aloja, Brand Manager at Metzeler, said the company was committed to elevating the profile of the race on a global scale.

“Metzeler is proud to support the world’s fastest road race.

“For us, this is a natural collaboration that will go beyond the traditional sponsorship model, we want to become a true partner of the event and will work together to raise its profile with bike fans around the world,” he said.

“We have a long history of involvement with road racing and we’re particularly excited about the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix where we see a lot of potential for growth.”

The 2013 Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix will take place from August 12-17.



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