British Superbike News

michael rutter @ snetterton

RidersMotorcycles.com racer Michael Rutter was robbed of a possible win in the first of Sunday’s two races at Snetterton when his gear lever snapped off while leading the race and left his bike stuck in sixth gear.

Having finished Saturday’s race in a strong fourth position, Rutter looked in exceptional form all weekend.

In Sunday’s first race starting sixth on the grid, Rutter made a brilliant start, moving into second place by the first corner and leading the race by the end of the first lap.

Half a second clear of nearest rival Josh Brookes at the halfway stage of the race things went pear shaped for the Ducati rider when his gear lever snapped.

Rutter said: “It’s gutting when something like that happens but that’s racing and you have to take it on the chin. It’s hard to lead a race like that. I saw plus zero on my board and started to ride defensive and then once I’d got the gap, I could  back to normal racing lines – the fastest way around the course – and then the gap opened up again.”

In race two on Sunday Rutter was once again mixing it with the best, with some stunning overtaking manouvres and a generally outstanding ride.  Sadly it was not quite enough to make the podium as Rutter finished fourth once again.

“I tried my best but didn’t quite make the podium,” he said. “I’m really pleased how well we’ve gone here because we thought we might just lack a bit on top end down the straights here a lot more than we did. My bike is the best through the corners but the four-cylinder bikes do just have the edge down the long straights here. It’s been another good weekend and I’m looking forward to Brands Hatch now.”

Rutter remains in fifth place overall in the British Superbike Championship going into round 8 at Brands Hatch. Team owner Phil Jessopp said; “Michael rode well again. It’s a real shame about the second race – it messed up our weekend really but as Michael said, we’re looking forward to Brands Hatch now which should really suit our bike.”