Cycling News: Celebrating the Rutter Racing Legacy at the Isle of Man TT

The life and time trial (TT) racing accomplishments of the Rutter family will be honored at the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races. A celebratory parade lap and the naming of a corner of the TT Mountain Course as ‘Rutters’ will immortalize their legacy.

30 Years of the Rutter Legacy

2024 marks 30 years since Michael Rutter’s TT debut and nearly 60 years since his late father, Tony Rutter’s, first appearance. With a combined 7 race victories, 38 podiums, and 170 TT race starts, the father-son duo’s achievements will be recognized as the section formerly known as ‘Glen Helen 1’ is renamed in their honor.

The Rutter Legacy Lap

The Rutter Legacy Lap will take place on Wednesday, June 5th, with Michael Rutter riding one of his father’s original Ducati bikes, as well as a Yamaha TZ350 and a second Ducati – the machines Tony Rutter became synonymous with. Michael’s own accomplishments will be celebrated by fellow racers Phillip McCallen, Ian Simpson, and John McGuinness MBE, who will pilot bikes from across Rutter Jr.’s career, including the Honda RC213V-S MotoGP-derived racer.

Michael Rutter’s TT Career

Michael Rutter made his TT debut in 1994 as a 22-year-old team-mate to Robert Dunlop. He earned his first podium just two years later, finishing second in the opening Formula 1 Race. After two more podiums in 1997, he secured his first victory in the 1998 Junior Race, beating Ian Simpson by less than 7 seconds. Following a 7-year absence to focus on short-circuit racing, Rutter has been a constant presence at the TT since 2007, adding five more victories in the Lightweight and TT Zero classes.

Tony Rutter’s TT Legacy

Tony Rutter’s TT career spanned 26 years, from 1965 to 1991, during which he established himself as one of Britain’s finest road racers. In addition to the TT, he was victorious at the North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix, and various British Championship classes, claiming four consecutive Formula Two World Championship titles. His TT success included wins in the Junior and Formula Two classes, with four victories for Ducati between 1981 and 1985, making him the most successful TT rider for the Italian manufacturer.

“This tribute is primarily a celebration of my late father’s achievements, as Tony Rutter did not receive the proper sendoff he deserved during the pandemic. The newly named ‘Rutters’ corner on the TT Mountain Course serves as a fitting tribute to the Rutter family’s rich road racing history.”

• Michael Rutter

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