Rutter Secures Stunning Win
36-year-old Michael Rutter secured an unbelievable race
win at round six of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship
at Mallory Park today, 29th June. Despite crashing heavily
in race one and seriously hurting his hand Rutter fought through
the pain barrier to take his first race win since May 2005
in an epic race two. Team-mate John Laverty on the Buildbase
NW200 1098 R Ducati sealed a strong win and second place in
the Daily Star Cup races, further extending his lead in the
Cup Championship.
Rutter on the North West 200 F08 Ducati rode well throughout
the weekend at his local circuit and qualified in sixth position.
However, an electrical problem after the sighting lap in the
opening race forced Rutter into pit lane to change to his
spare bike, starting from the back of the grid he rode hard
to come through to 12th position before crashing heavily on
the exit to Stapleton's on lap 27 of 30. Landing heavily Rutter
was adamant that he would ride in the second race and despite
heavy rain showers beforehand the local rider opted for full
slicks, braving the wet conditions.
It was a decision that worked in the favour of Rutter and
he was sitting comfortably in second place behind Michael
Laverty through the opening laps. Michael Laverty was soon
to crash out on lap three putting Rutter 'Blade' in the lead.
Extending his lead on the opening half of the race Rutter
dominated throughout and finally won by a massive four and
a half seconds from his nearest rival Shane Byrne. Rutter
has now moved through to fifth in the overall Championship
standings.
A delighted Rutter commentated "It's been a totally mixed
day of emotions today. I didn't even know if I'd be able to
get on the podium this weekend never mind win it! The first
race was a bit of a nightmare with me having to change bikes
just before the start. I was struggling with the traction
control and I turned it off in the closing laps which seemed
to improve things, I got on the gas too hard and it threw
me over the bars, my hand got stuck under the bike and it's
now very sore. I was a bit weary at the start of the second
race and opted for slicks, it worked and although I was a
little cautious in the opening laps, a dry line soon appeared
and my lap times started coming down. I'm so pleased for everyone
at the North West 200 Ducati team as they've all worked so
hard and to reward them all with a win is great."
John Laverty on the Buildbase NW200 Ducati also equalled his
best qualifying to date in ninth place and the young Irishman
was eager to gain more podiums in the Daily Star Cup and he
has now left Mallory Park with a huge 116 point lead from
his nearest rival Tom Tunstall. In doing so he also gained
his best overall position in the main race of 10th place,
beating his elder brother Michael in the process.
Laverty commented "I'm really pleased with my first race
result, I dug deep and wanted to make sure I got a strong
finish. It was a tough race but worth it for the overall result,
I took another win in the cup and tenth place which I was
really pleased about. The second race was a little bit of
a gamble as we choose full slicks, I didn't want to crash
in the opening laps so I held back a little and ended up dead
last in 24th place. I fought my way back through the field
when it began to dry and finished second in the cup and 14th
in the Championship. The Buildbase NW200 Team have worked
really hard at what is a difficult track for the Ducati's.
I'd also like to congratulate Michael on his win."
Race One Result
1 Byrne Ducati
2 Haslam Honda
3 Crutchlow Honda
10th J Laverty Buildbase NW200 Ducati
DNF Rutter North West 200 Ducati
Race One Cup Result
1 J Laverty Buildbase NW200 Ducati
2 Mason Honda
3 Burns MV Agusta
Race Two Result
1 Rutter North West 200 Ducati
2 Byrne Ducati
3 Crutchlow Honda
14th J Laverty Buildbase NW200 Ducati
Race Two Cup Results
1 Burns MV Agusta
2 J Laverty Buildbase NW200 Ducati
3 Tunstall Honda
Championship Standings
Byrne 280
Crutchlow 183
Camier 160
Haslam 148
Rutter 127
Cup Standings
J Laverty 256
Tunstall 140
Jessopp 135
2008 Races
Round 6 - 27th - 29th June - Mallory Park
Round 7 - 18th - 20th July - Oulton Park, Cheshire
Round 8 - 8th - 10th August - Knockhill, Fife
Round 9 - 23rd - 25th August - Cadwell Park, Lincs
Round 10 - 12th - 14th September - Croft, North Yorkshire
Round 11 - 26th - 28th September, Silverstone, Northants
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