By The innovative TT Zero electric machines entered the fray for the first time last evening at TT 2018, as Mugen underlined why they are strongly tipped to make it five successive TT Zero triumphs.
Reunited with TT Zero machinery for the first time since his third class success from 2013, it was the evergreen Michael Rutter lapping at just over the 116 mph mark who headed the time sheets last evening.
Photo by Mark Corlett
Happy with the performance, power output of his Shinden Nana Mugen, five times TT winner Rutter finished over two minutes clear on the time sheets in front of Nottingham University’s Daley Mathison (103.144).
Mugen team mate Lee Johnston experiencing what was described by his team as a slight issue, took third on the time sheets lapping at 101.108 mph.
The only remaining riders from seven starters last evening to complete a timed lap were James Cowton (84.365) aboard the Brunel University steed and motorcycle journalist Adam Child (74.869).
It has to be said following last nights practice session, there was the usual amount of comments with regards the credibility of describing a TT Zero race win as a TT victory.
Hopefully come race day, scheduled for next Wednesday, entry numbers will have slightly grown. It still doesn’t change though a few of the problems with the innovative class which clearly in my opinion needs some blue sky thinking from event organisers to help it grow over the next few years in terms of prominence, generating better publicity and increasing manufacturer interest alongside the works Mugen team.
TT Zero Practice 1 – Results:
1 Michael Rutter 116.049
2 Daley Mathison 103.144
3 Lee Johnston 101.108
4 James Cowton 84.365
5 Adam Child 74.869
Words by Stevie Rial
