Motorcycling world mourns loss of TT champ Tony Rutter

British motorcycle racer Tony Rutter has died aged 78.

During his 22-year career he won the famous Isle of Man TT race seven times between 1973 and 1985, competing in the race until 1991, and he was crowned British road racing champion twice.

He also won the Northern Irish North West 200 nine times, completing the first ever 110 mph lap at the event in 1973.

Mr Rutter’s son Michael, also a motorcycle racer, announced the news of his father’s death.

In a statement, he said: “It is with sadness that after a period of poor health, dad passed away. I was with him when he died 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.”

Rutter made his debut at the Isle of Man TT in 1965 in the Junior race before winning the 350cc class in 1973.

He set his fastest-ever lap of the TT course in 1979 on a Suzuki RG500 at 112.32mph as he finished second behind Mike ‘The Bike’ Hailwood.

He was a two-time British champion, winning the 350cc title in 1971 and the 250cc crown in 1973, which was also the year of his first win at the North West 200.

After being signed by Ducati he won four world titles in the Formula Two category between 1981 and 1984.

In 1985, following the last of his seven TT wins, he was seriously injured in a multi-bike crash at Monjuich Park in Spain but recovered to race in the TT again.

Motorcycle ace Tony Rutter won the Isle of Man TT race seven times in his career.