The ISILON MSS Discovery Kawasaki team is ready to start their assault on the most famous road-races in the World – The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races. 34-year-old Michael Rutter from Kirkby Mallory hasn’t raced on the Island since 2000 but he says he’s looking forward to the challenge of the 37.73mile Mountain course. He’s no stranger to success around the circuit. Michael made his debut there in 1994 and has nine podiums to his credit including the win in the 1998 Junior TT. He’s also lapped the course at 123.04mph. Michael will ride Kawasaki’s ZX-6R and ZX-10R Ninjas in the Superbike, Supersport and Senior TT races.
Kawasaki Motors UK has brought over four legendary race machines for this year’s TT Centenary celebrations. In the Racing Legends area that forms part of the Kawasaki stand next to the Hailwood Riders Centre, four significant racing machines from the past will be on display during race week. These machines have been brought together as a group for the very first time at this year's TT festival. The first of these is a former TT winning machine, the iconic H2R, which was ridden to victory by Mick Grant in the 1975 Senior race. Also on display will be the four cylinder, two-stroke KR500 campaigned by Kork Ballington in both British and World Championships. It will be joined by a KR250 tandem twin, ridden by the legendary Eddie Lawson who secured wins at Daytona 200 in both 1980 and 1981. The final motorcycle will be an historic H1R. This 2-stroke, air-cooled, 500cc three cylinder machine gave Kawasaki its first ever 500cc Grand Prix win when Dave Simmonds secured the Spanish GP win at Jarama in 1971.
Michael Rutter Q&A
Why are you returning to the TT races after such a lay-off? “People always start mentioning the money, but the real reason is that this is the first time in years that there’s not been a date clash with the Bennetts British Superbike championship! I’ve been concentrating on winning the British Superbike title and that’s been something I’ve been focussing on at the expense of the TT – until now. When I saw the dates didn’t clash and bearing in mind this is the 100th anniversary of the TT, I wanted to do it straight away.”
How difficult will it be for you to return to a track you’ve not seen for so long? “You never forget the TT course really. All I do hope for is lots of dry practice so that by the end of practice week I’ll be properly up to speed.”
What preparations have you been making for the TT? “I’ve not been sitting down and watching videos of the TT course or anything like that, instead I’ve been getting fit from my Snetterton high-side! The crash knocked me about a bit so I’ve just been chilling out and relaxing.”
What results are you expecting from the TT fortnight? “There are some very good riders out there. Obviously I’d love to get onto the podium. That would be brilliant – a dream – but I think realistically I’d hope for a top six. That would be a good result.”
What do you love about the Island? “Everything about it. My dad raced there and won seven times so the TT has been part of my life as I’ve grown up. The atmosphere is simply incredible and the challenge of the track is unique. Also, to win a road-race – a pure road-race like the TT – it’s one of the biggest accomplishments there is in bike racing.”
Will both the ISILON MSS Discovery Kawasakis suit the 37.73mile TT course? “Riding both bikes at the North West 200 recently was a big help. I can say now that I think the Ninja ZX-10R should suit the course, as it’s a good handling bike and also pretty stable, but then again you really don’t know until your heading down Bray Hill! After one lap I will have a pretty good idea. With the 600 I’m looking forward to just having more time on it.”
How will you feel lining up at the start of the races on Glencrutchery Road first away and wearing the number one plate? “Ha! Well, part of me is regretting it a little now, as there will be a few nerves! Seriously though, it’s a great honour to be first away in the 100th TT races. Also, I’m pleased as it should give both my ISILON MSS Discovery Kawasaki team and Kawasaki Motors UK a lot of good media coverage.”
Nick Morgan, Team Owner “I know from my own experience just how magical riding around the Isle of Man TT course can be and I know what motivates people to take part in the TT – the unique challenge that it provides for both bike and rider. Obviously we would love to get some good results here and fly the flag for Kawasaki. The whole team will once more be giving 100% to back Michael.”
Stuart Simmonds, Joint Team Owner “There will be a lot of media attention for this year’s TT so it is fantastic that the ISILON MSS Discovery Kawasaki team will be at the TT in such force. Let’s hope that Michael gets the dry practice time he needs to make a real impression on the practice times.”
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