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Post by BADGER on Jan 26, 2007 20:01:31 GMT
TT History The first TT races on the island were started in 1904. The Automobile Club of Great Britain decided to hold the trials for the Gordon Bennett Challenge Cup Race on the Island. The government on the Isle of Man changed the laws to allow roads to be closed for racing. This was something laws in the UK did not allow. Back then the course started at Quarter Bridge in Douglas and the cars did 5 laps over 51 miles.
The first motor cycle trials were held in 1905 at the same time as the trials for cars, but it was not till 1907 that the TT Motorcycles had a race of their own. The Auto Cycle Club, a branch off the Automobile Club of Great Britain, wanted to use the races as a way to promote the efficient and cheap transport of motor cycling. The course at this time started at St John's and competitors were to complete 10 laps over 15 miles.
The Isle of Man TT Races will celebrate its centenary in 2007. The long running, high speed event attracts 40,000 people and 12,000 motorcycles to the small Isle of Man each year. The attraction is not just the amazing high speed motorcycle racing on a 37 mile course of closed roads. It is also the massive social festival with entertainment, club meets and large programme of activities.
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Post by BADGER on Jan 26, 2007 20:07:11 GMT
Rutter confirms TT return.
After years of speculation, Michael Rutter has confirmed that he will return to the Isle of Man TT races in 2007, riding factory-supported Kawasakis.
Rutter's return has been a topic of discussion ever since his last appearance in 2000, but contractual obligations have left him on the sidelines. However, that will all change this year and the 1998 Junior 600cc race winner will line up in the Superbike, Senior and Supersport races for his British Superbike Championship MSS Kawasaki team.
Rutter first competed at the TT in 1994 and between then and 2000 racked up no less than nine podium finishes and firmly established himself as one of the finest road racers in the world. Despite it being seven years since he last competed, Michael, son of former TT great Tony, has continued to compete at the North West 200 and Macau GP, scoring countless wins, so his inclusion on this year's entry list is a massive boost to the Centenary event.
"Everyone knows how much the TT means to me and racing on the Mountain Course is one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had in my career," said Rutter. "With my Dad being a former winner, the TT is in my blood and it's been incredibly frustrating having to miss out on the event over the last few years. The speeds have moved on a fair bit since I last rode and I'm under no illusion as to how difficult the task will be but I'm confident in my own ability and will be hoping to get on the podium at least. Both the team and I are very serious about returning and we'll have a good package to perform in all of the races."
Former Manx Grand Prix competitor Nick Morgan owns and manages the MSS Kawasaki team and is delighted to be returning with Rutter.
"Having competed at the Manx Grand Prix and been involved with the TT as a sponsor, I know exactly what the appeal of the Isle of Man is so to return with someone of the calibre of Michael is fantastic," he said. "We're both huge fans of the TT and although it's been a few years since we've been directly involved with the races we know what is required and will both be giving 100% to get the best result possible."
"Having Michael back on the entry list is absolutely fantastic," added TT and Motorsport development manager Paul Phillips. "The TT is the number one road race in the world and we've been striving incredibly hard to ensure the riders competing are at that level too. Michael most certainly is – when it comes to racing on the roads, he's world class and the fact that we've been able to secure his return shows that all our hard work is paying dividends. The standard of entry for the 2007 races is absolutely brilliant and they're definitely not to be missed!"
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Post by kevrex on Jan 27, 2007 23:51:17 GMT
Its good to hear rutter is back in the TT very informative Badger i enjoyed reading your thread rutter is a great rider and it will be good to see what he can do at this years TT
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Post by Burchy on Feb 6, 2007 23:09:29 GMT
Its good to hear rutter is back in the TT very informative Badger i enjoyed reading your thread rutter is a great rider and it will be good to see what he can do at this years TT :agreed: I only wish I could get there again this year. Must be showing my age as i remembere seeing his Dad race on the Island! Great days with great mates
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