International North West 200 technical director Mervyn Whyte MBE sent congratulations to racing maestro Michael Rutter following his record breaking win at the Macau Grand Prix at the weekend. The 38 year old West Midlands rider sealed his 7th victory at Macau breaking Ron Haslem’s  record and becomes the most successful rider ever at the Far East circuit.

Rutter beat his Riders Ducati team mate Martin Jessopp by almost 5 seconds with Ian Hutchinson taking third place. “Michael has been an outstanding competitor at the North West 200 and on behalf of Coleraine & District Motor Club I’d like to add our congratulations to the many he will have already received! Michael followed in his father Tony’s footsteps competing at the North West during the 1990’s and 2000’s and we look forward to welcoming him back in 2012.  Michael has a fabulous fan following here on the island of Ireland and in addition to our local stars Michael would be incredibly well supported.” said Mervyn Whyte.

Rutter took his first NW200 win back in 1997 and has chalked up 12 wins to date placing him third in the all time NW200 winners list after Robert Dunlop (15 wins)and Joey Dunlop who secured 13 wins overall. In 2005 Michael Rutter was the first rider to break the 200 mph barrier with a 201.1 speed trap record, only surpassed by Stuart Easton in 2010.

"We’re also delighted that North West 200 stalwart Ian Hutchinson took third place which is a magnificent result as Macau was Hutchy’s first major competitive race since he sustained extensive injuries at Silverstone in 2010.  We’re pleased to see Hutchy is back on form and hopefully Ian will be back on the NW200 grid in May 2012.”