Evergreen Michael Rutter still aiming for Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix glory ... at 45
The Blade makes his annual pilgrimage to his favourite race and circuit as he makes another attempt at win number nine in Macau
Michael Rutter can’t yet bring himself to image what life might be like without his annual trip to Macau.
Ever year bar once since 1994 the British rider has treated the enclave like an annual home away from home and boy has the place treated Rutter well in return.
A record eight wins in the Suncity Group Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. A record 17 podium finishes – and the end of this fantastic relationship is not yet in site, a notion franked by Rutter’s second place last year behind Peter Hickman.
As is his wont, though, Rutter was on Wednesday playing down his chances as preparations for this year’s 51st edition of the big race move into top gear. The race will be held on Saturday.
“I’m 45 years old, I shouldn’t be doing this, really,” said Rutter, after taking part in a kick around and penalty shootout with local kids.
Take that statement at face value because Rutter has once again been cocking his snoot at father time across this racing season, winning at the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT in 2017 and holding the kind of form that will no doubt at some stage across the weekend put him in with a chance of stopping SMT Racing/Bathams by MGM Macau teammate Hickman as he charges towards a third straight title of his own.
