IOMTT: Rutter Posts Unofficial TT Zero 100+ MPH Lap

With Sunday’s session cancelled on the account of rain, today’s combined practice/qualifying session for the 2012 SES TT Zero started under ideal conditions. With over 10 bikes starting from Glencrutchery Road, it was Michael Rutter on the 2012 MotoCzysz E1pc who lead the field from the line to the finish — setting in the process the first 100+ mph lap for the electrics on the Mountain course, albeit unofficially.

Despite Rutter also posting a very impressive 153.200 mph trap speed at Sulby, for at least several more days the £10,000 bounty the Isle of Man government has put on the 100 mph barrier will stay in the island’s coffers, as the average lap speed has to be set during official timing, i.e. during a race lap.

Still, the news bodes well for the Segway MotoCzysz Racing Team , as Rutter’s pace shows good promise for tomorrow, and can only improve as the team refines its strategy. Splitting the two 2012 MotoCzysz E1pc race bikes was John McGuinness on the Mugen Shinden with his 96.953 mph lap, which just bested Mark Miller’s 94.812 mph lap.

With only six entries finishing the Mountain Course, a notable retirement came from Lightning Motorcycles, which just managed to get its bike together before the lap, having only a 70% charge in its batteries. John Burrows is reported to have retired the Lightning at Schoolhouse, not making it to the Sulby Straight.

Also notably absent from the finish was Gary Johnson on the Team Vercar Moto entry, which didn’t post a first checkpoint time at Glen Helen. With the weather looking unpredictable, Wednesday’s race could possibly be rescheduled for Thursday. Keep an eye on our Twitter feed for updates on that and other TT Zero & Isle of Man TT news.