"Isle of Man TT legend Tony Rutter sadly passed away today. Once described as a rider who could ‘win anywhere on anything’ it was on the public road courses that Tony excelled, especially on the Snaefell TT Mountain Course in the Isle of Man where he won seven TT Races between 1973 and 1985. The man from the West Midlands also claimed four Formula Two World Championships that was cut short by a horrific accident in Montoric Park, Spain in 1985 – although he recovered and continued to ride in the TT until 1991. Current TT star and son, Michael Rutter, has released this statement: “It is with sadness that after a period of poor health, dad passed away earlier today. I was with him when he died at about 2am and he was very peaceful. “It makes me smile how dad lived his life exactly how he wanted to and how he got away with so much. “He will probably be best remembered for winning the world TT-F2 championship four times on a Ducati, as well as seven Isle of Man TT wins, nine North West 200 wins, and two British championship titles during his 22 year career. “I’d like to say a big thank you to his carers for taking such good care of him and all his fans and supporters.” (Bikesport news) We celebrate Tony's wonderful career with this clip from the 1985 Isle of Man TT Formula 2 Race, which he won on the awesome sounding Ducati. May he ride in peace."
Very sad news this - the Rutter name runs right through my adult life. RIP Tony - you are a true sporting legend.