British Superbike News

Race 1 Winner Shane Byrne - Mallory Park 2008

Michael Rutter has allegedly secured a last minute deal to ride for the SMT Honda team at Mallory, replacing Jason O’Halloran.

The team recently admitted that without further financial backing they could not survive, however, it is believed that a sponsor has now come forward at the last minute.

Rutter began the season on the North West 200 Yamaha, but his association with the team ended in May, he was then offered a ride with the Worx Suzuki team who then ousted him for young, upcoming rider Tommy Hill.

British Superbike rider Michael Howarth, is set to return to the track this weekend when he steps aboard the MV Augusta at Mallory Park.

The former Tena For Men Honda rider, broke his collarbone last time racing in 2008 at Croft and was out for the remainder of the season.  However, the Bolton lad has been testing for the STP MV Augusta team at Cadwell Park and was said to have put in some respectable laps.

The Mist Suzuki team will be absent at the Mallory Park round after their rider Matt Bond announced his immediate retirement from the competition due to personal reasons.

Bond has been struggling to juggle full-time work, racing, family and training and said that something had to give.  The team however, have said they will be back in time for the Brands Hatch round with a new rider and hopefully an upgraded package on the Suzuki.