Michael Rutter is up for a new challenge
Michael Rutter has officially unveiled his new team and bike as he prepares for a shot at the British superstock title.
The Bridgnorth-based rider has signed up once again with long term sponsors Bathams, and will be riding BMW machinery.
The Blade will also use the same Bathams SMT Racing team for the road racing season.
It will see him return to the Isle of Man TT, Classic TT, North West 200 in Northern Ireland and Macau GP in China.
Rutter, aged 42, had been a stalwart of the main British Superbike Championship since the 1990s and has the record number of appearances in the series.
But, after struggling to find a competitive ride in recent years he took time out of the championship last year before deciding to have a go at the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship on a BMW S1000R for 2016.
Rutter said: "I'm really excited about the new season ahead and it's fantastic to have such a great team, with great support behind me.
"It's going to be a new challenge for me contesting the superstock championship as opposed to being in BSB, but it's one I'm relishing.
"I'm used to riding superstock machines on the roads and while the Pirelli National Superstock Championship is one of the most competitive out there, I'm confident we can challenge for the title.
"I'm still fit and enjoying my racing as much as ever while the team knows what it takes to win."
The superstock class uses bikes that can be bought in the shop with very few changes made to the set up before they are taken out on the race track.
Rutter previously rode for his new team at the Macau GP in 2012 when he took first place, as well as leading Bathams SMT Racing to fourth at Mallory Park in 2009.
He has previously finished second overall in the main British Superbike Championship in 2002 and 2004.
Robin Croft, team owner SMT Racing, said: "We have been talking to Michael and Bathams on and off for a few seasons now and are delighted to have formed an alliance that we hope will bring success.
"We are taking in the superstock championship, North West 200, Isle of Man TT and Macau GP so we have a busy season ahead of us."
Matt Batham, Director of Bathams Brewery, told of how the team had itself some high targets for the new season.
He said: "We've sponsored Michael for some time and have known Robin from SMT for a number of years so we feel it's a good partnership and we're looking forward to the new season.
m"We're aiming to run at the sharp end and give Michael everything he needs to do the job."
