Emotional win

11:33am Wednesday 21st May 2008

KINGSWINFORD'S Michael Rutter raced to the 12th North West 200 win of his career at an emotion charged meeting in Northern Ireland.

The event was staged under a massive cloud following the death of home favourite Robert Dunlop who died following the injuries he suffered in qualifying.

The event only continued after organisers sought the view of the Dunlop family and Michael Dunlop paid a fitting tribute to his dad by winning the 250 race.

Rutter, whose Ducati is sponsored by the North West 200, secured his win in the first of the Superbike races.

He had qualified in second place for the race - hitting a top speed of 198mph through the speed trap.

In the six lap race itself he averaged almost 124mph around the 8.966 mile circuit.

After six laps of racing he finished just 0.810 of a second ahead of Guy Martin.

In the second Superbike race, Rutter had to settle for third, with Steve Plater securing a win to go with his two successes in both of the Supersport 600s.

Rutter will continue a hectic run of three races in three weekends when he returns to action in the British Superbikes Championships at Donnington Park on Bank Holiday Monday.

EDITORS CHOICE