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 commented;"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
10. J Laverty - Buildbase NW200 DucatiDNF. Rutter - North West 200 Ducati Race One Cup Result: 1. J Laverty - Buildbase NW200 Ducati2. Mason - Honda
3. Burns - MV Agusta
Race Two Result: 1. Rutter - North West 200 Ducati2. Byrne - Ducati
3. Crutchlow - Honda
14. J Laverty - Buildbase NW200 Ducati Race Two Cup Results: 1. Burns - MV Agusta
2. J Laverty - Buildbase NW200 Ducati3. Tunstall - Honda
Championship Standings: 1. Byrne 280
2. Crutchlow 183
3. Camier 160
4. Haslam 148
5. Rutter 127 Cup Standings: 1. J Laverty 2562. Tunstall 140
3. 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
Words by Carly RathmellRelated Link:www.nw200ducati.com
