By blue2bikes
October 18 2005

Although having lost his ride with HM Plant Honda, alongside Ryuichi Kiyonari for next year, Michael Rutter will be returning to the Macau circuit yet again to defend his title and possibly become the most successful British rider since Ron Haslam by equalising Ron’s past wins.

The race takes place on 19th November 2005, and he will defend his title aboard a Red Bull Honda FireBlade, making his eleventh appearance at the event.

One of his main competitors last year, John McGuinness, will also attend and was Michael’s main 2004 challenger when he finished just 0.5 seconds behind in a thrilling race - leading for most of the race and Michael just pipping him to the finish line.

John’s team-mate from last year, Stuart Easton, will also partner John again this time aboard the Stobart Honda. Stuart was third in the race last year, and will be looking to better that result this year.

Also attending will be Michael’s main rival at the North West 200 race this year. Steve Plater aboard the Hydrex Honda took a thrilling third place at the last British Superbike meeting, held at Brands Hatch two weekends ago. Steve rode an excellent race, and will be on a high after his first podium finish since he won at his home circuit of Cadwell Park in 2003 in the BSB series.

Ian Lougher will also be in attendance, with the new up and coming road racer Guy Martin - definitely a man to watch - and Stephen Thompson.

It’s looking like Michael will have his work cut out at this year’s event, and he will be wanting to prove HM Plant made a mistake when they released him from their team this year.

---

To buy the photograph shown above, visit Raceline Photography