For the third year in succession, the Arai Race Service will be at the North West 200. Operated by UK Arai importer Phoenix Distribution the Service, started in 1984 and now in its 24th year of supporting Arai racers, will play a crucial role in helping its riders as they compete at Northern Irelands’ premier event. Every technician working on the Arai Race Service has undergone an extensive training programme and knows every Arai helmet inside and out. In tough road race events like the North West, fit and a clear view are crucial. These essential requirements are fully taken care of by the technicians allowing the riders to focus their full concentration on the race.
Michael Rutter and his ISILON MSS Discovery Kawasaki team head the time sheets for this weekend’s North West 200 Superbike races. The 34-year-old from Kirkby Mallory set a best average lap time of 119.881mph on his Ninja ZX-10R machine, recording a top speed of 198mph in the process! In the Supersport class, Rutter was in 11th position aboard the Ninja ZX-6R, just ahead of his team-mate Stuart Easton. The 23-year-old Scot from Hawick, suffered a technical problem aboard the ZX-10R in the Superbike class but still recorded 8th overall. The International North West 200 is a pure roads course. Set on ‘The Triangle Circuit’ the 8.966-mile course winds its way between Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine. In 2005 Michael broke the record for the fastest speed ever recorded in the 78-year history of the event when he was trapped at 201.1mph! It is one of the biggest sporting events in Europe, regularly attracting crowds in excess of 150,000 people.