Rutter confirms Isle of Man TT return
Wednesday 01 April 2009
TT
British Superbike star Michael Rutter will return to the Isle of Man TT Races in 2009 with the full support and back up of the Rob Mac Racing Yamaha Team.
The 36-year-old already has nine TT podium finishes and victory in the 1998 Junior TT to his credit, and his highly anticipated entry adds further spice to an already impressive line up.
The Midlands rider was back to his best in 2008, finishing sixth in the premier BSB series for the Alastair Kennedy-owned NW200 team.
For his assault on the 2009 TT Rutter will have a specially-built R1 Superbike.
Rutter last raced at the TT in 2007, when the event marked its Centenary, after a seven year absence. His efforts that year with the MSS Kawasaki were handicapped by a wrist injury suffered at the Snetterton round of the BSB just days before the TT.
In addition to the injury, mechanical problems saw Rutter miss several practice sessions.
Despite his woes, Rutter showed his class to claim eighth in the Senior and a fastest lap of almost 126mph.
Confirmation of Rutter’s return to the TT also sees three-times TT winner Rob McElnea make his return to the Isle of Man for the first time since 1992. The former BSB champion rode to victory around the Mountain Course in 1983 and 1984 and led the Loctite Yamaha team in 1992, when Carl Fogarty battled with Steve Hislop iin the Senior.
Rutter said:
‘I’m thrilled to be back racing in the Island again in 2009 after having to sit the races out last year for reasons beyond my control.’
‘I worked in the pits for Ian Lougher at the 2008 TT, but it’s no substitute for being out on a bike around the Mountain circuit. There are a lot of talented riders in this year’s line up and I’m really looking forward to testing myself against them.’
Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle added:
‘Michael Rutter’s appearance at the TT means that we’ll have 10 former winners racing this year in one of the most competitive line-ups in living memory.’
‘He is a high quality rider who has proved himself at the highest level and it’s a fantastic endorsement to the TT that he has confirmed that he’ll be back racing in the Island.’