Roads: Rutter joins Mugen after Anstey and McGuinness withdrawal

Michael Rutter will race for Mugen in this year’s Isle of Man TT Zero class after the late and unfortunate withdrawals of Bruce Anstey and John McGuinness.

Both former TT Zero winners, Anstey and McGuinness were penned in to line-up alongside Lee Johnston in this year’s electric race but have had to withdraw on medical grounds.

News broke last week that Anstey would miss this year’s TT as he receives treatment following a recent cancer diagnosis, while McGuinness has also been ruled out of action after a hairline crack appeared on the leg fracture he’s spent 11 months recovering from.

Having won three TT Zero races from three attempts with the MotoCzysz squad between 2011-2013, Rutter was the ideal choice to join the Mugen squad which cuts down from three to two riders following the unfortunate withdrawals of Anstey and McGuinness.

“Mugen is very pleased to welcome Michael Rutter to the team and are confident that with his wealth of experience and his undoubted speed, his participation will aid further progress of the Shinden project,” a team statement read.

Lee Johnston recently returned from Japan where he completed his first test aboard the Shinden Nana with the team once again aiming to break the 120mph barrier at the TT this year.