The illustrious history and remarkable TT racing accomplishments of the Rutter family will be celebrated at the 2024 Isle of Man TT Races. This homage includes a special parade lap and the renaming of a section of the TT Mountain Course in their honour, now known as ‘Rutters’’.
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of Michael Rutter’s TT debut and nearly 60 years since his late father, Tony, first competed. With each securing 7 race victories, amassing a combined total of 38 podiums and participating in 170 TT race starts, their contributions to the sport are profound. The section formerly known as ‘Glen Helen 1’ will now proudly bear their name.
The Rutter Legacy Lap, scheduled for Wednesday 5th June, will feature Michael Rutter paying tribute to his father by riding one of Tony’s original Ducatis. Joining him will be contemporaries riding a Yamaha TZ350 and another of Tony’s iconic Ducatis, celebrating the machines synonymous with Tony’s legacy.
Michael’s career will be honoured by Phillip McCallen, Ian Simpson, and John McGuinness MBE, who will ride bikes from various stages of Rutter Jnr’s storied career. McGuinness will have the honour of riding the Honda RC213V-S MotoGP-derived racer that has thrilled fans in recent years.
Junior
Michael Rutter first graced the TT in 1994 as a 22-year-old, teaming up with Robert Dunlop in the Medd Racing team. His first podium came two years later, finishing second to Phillip McCallen in the opening Formula 1 Race. After achieving two more podiums the following year, he claimed his first victory in the 1998 Junior Race, narrowly defeating team-mate Ian Simpson.
Following a 7-year hiatus to focus on short-circuit racing, Michael returned to the TT in 2007 and has since been a consistent presence. He has secured five additional victories in the Lightweight and TT Zero classes and remains competitive into his fourth decade of racing.
Senior
Tony Rutter’s TT career, spanning from 1965 to 1991, established him as one of Britain’s premier racers. Beyond the TT, he triumphed at the North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix, and in various British Championship classes, in addition to winning four consecutive Formula Two World Championship titles.
Tony’s TT victories came in the Junior and Formula Two classes, achieving four wins for Ducati between 1981 and 1985, making him the most successful TT rider for the Italian manufacturer.
Tony became synonymous with the Ducati
After taking three podiums at the TT in 1985, including victory in the Formula Two Race and second to Joey Dunlop in the Formula One Race, his career was effectively ended by injuries sustained in a crash at Montjuic Park, Spain a month later. And whilst he was unable to get back to his previous heights, he returned to the TT in 1987 with his final outing coming four years later.
RUTTERS’ Corner: A Tribute to a Legendary Racing Family
Michael Rutter expressed his heartfelt sentiments on the occasion: “It’s a real shock to have this honour bestowed upon the family, but for me, it’s more of an honour and tribute to my Dad, as I see him having achieved more than me in his racing career.”
Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Michael continued, “Sadly, we lost him during the pandemic, and as a result, he didn’t get the tribute or send-off he deserved. Having this corner named Rutters’ goes a long way to compensating for that, and I know he’ll be looking down smiling, especially as Glen Helen 1 is such a brilliant corner. Dad never said a lot, but I know he’d have loved it – he’ll be looking down smiling for sure.”
“He loved the TT, and although he probably should have retired after his accident, competing again on the Mountain Course was what he wanted the most. He raced there for a long time and achieved so much on all kinds of bikes, so he deserves it, and I’m incredibly proud to see the family name honoured in this way.”
Isle of Man TT Press Release
