The 2006 Kennedy International North West 200 Northern Ireland 9th to 13th May 2006 SECOND PLACE FOR RUTTER AT NORTH WEST 200 Stobart Motorsport rider Michael Rutter claimed second place in today’s Kennedy International North West 200 but was left cursing his luck after not adding to his tally of eleven victories. Riding the VK Vodka Kick and Vent Axia backed Honda Fireblade, the 33 year old Midlander was comfortably leading both of today’s Superbike races in front of a massive crowd and in perfect conditions at the nine mile County Antrim closed roads circuit. But within sight of the finish of the opening race Rutter crashed out at low speed after clipping a grass verge and then in race two he was gradually overhauled on the final lap by fellow Honda rider Steve Plater in the day’s big feature race. “I made the slightest of errors at the final chicane in race one and paid a huge penalty and then in race two I thought I had it in the bag when we came upon some backmarkers and Steve nipped through. I’m absolutely devastated” said Rutter. Team mate for the day, Ian Lougher finished in fifth and sixth places respectively in the two six-lap races after battling through from a row two start. “The pace was hot and it was very hard work out there but I was hoping to get on the podium at least” commented the Irish based Welshman. Team boss Paul Bird left Ulster with mixed emotions after a frustrating day. “We came here to win and we haven’t done and a big bike win is what I really want. But one day we will win the big race but it wasn’t to be this year. I’m really disappointed for the team as they have worked so hard and only Michael knows how he lost those races as they were there for the taking.” Rutter resumes battle next weekend at Mondello Park in County Kildare where round five of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship takes place next Sunday. Black Horse Motorcycle Finance North West 200 Superbike Race 1, Steve Plater (HM Plant Honda) 123.437mph 2, Michael Rutter (Stobart Honda) 123.235mph 3, John McGuinness (HM Plant Honda) 121.589mph 4, Cameron Donald (Robinson Concrete Honda) 120.809mph 5, Guy Martin (AIM Racing Yamaha) 120.700mph 6, Ian Lougher (Stobart Honda) 120.641mph.