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 | | Tuesday, 14 May, 2002, 11:52 GMT 12:52 UK Bank on Rutter success  Rutter achieved a NW 200 treble on a Yamaha in 2000 BBC Sport's Richard Petrie assesses the top contenders at this year's North West 200 Michael Rutter is the man to beat at this year's International North West 200 motorcycle road races. The 28-year-old has already chalked up seven successes on the seaside circuit and is set to add to his tally on Saturday 18 May. Rutter has proven pedigree on both circuits and public roads and has been in hot form in the British Superbike Championship this season. His win at Donington reinforced his reputation as a wet weather specialist but the Midlands rider is capable of producing the goods in any conditions. His familiarity with the Ducati which he has campaigned so successfully should also give him an edge over his rivals. If there are 'horses for courses', Rutter has shown that the 8.9 mile circuit is very much to his liking.
His North West victories include a highly impressive hat-trick on his last appearance in 2000 and he has the added incentive of chasing the nine wins accumulated by his father Tony. Michael will miss the Isle of Man TT due to a clash with the British Superbike round at Snetterton, so he will be keen to score in his only public road race of the season. Hot on Rutter's heels should be Yorkshireman David Jefferies, who scooped a treble on the 'Triangle' circuit in 1999. Jefferies is Suzuki mounted this season and will hope to exploit the straight line speed of the GSX-R1000. The machine is new to Jefferies this season but he was in a similar position when riding the Yamaha three years ago and cannot be discounted. Scot Jim Moodie is looking for his first Superbike triumph at the North West and if determination was the deciding factor, he would be first across the line every time.
His V and M Yamaha team is among the most professional in Britain and their R1 Yamahas have proved to be reliable and fast. The hard-charging Glaswegian will challenge strongly if he has fully overcome the injuries sustained in a crash at Albacete almost two years ago. His teammate Iain Duffus could go close but his best chance should come at the Isle of Man TT two weeks later. Adrian Archibald carries the hopes of Northern Ireland race fans and he has the support of the Honda factory which values highly success on the public roads. The North West 200 is his home circuit but he may have to wait until the TT to register his first international race win of the season. Welshman Ian Lougher proved his potential by winning two races at last year's Ulster Grand Prix and he is familiar with the very fast Suzuki. He is a safe bet for a rostrum position. Lancashire's John McGuinness is recovering from chronic pneumonia but will hope to repeat his success on the Honda at the Macau Grand Prix in November. A top three position is more likely. | |
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