Bathams Kawasaki man Michael Rutter was attacked by a shadowy figure from his youth last night when the Phantom Flan Flinger put in a one-off appearance in celebration of the Midlander's 40th birthday.

Rutter, who will reach his milestone on April 18 which is two days after John McGuinness also turns 40, was at a press conference for the Northwest 200. At his year's races, he will also celebrate the 20th anniversary since his first appearance at the 8.9 mile course in May 1992 and in the past two decades the West Midlands star, now based in Shropshire, has chalked up 21 podium finishes including 12 wins. Morecambe man McGuinness first graced the North West circuit in May 1994 and achieved 18 podium finishes and five wins overall.

And who was the masked man? None other than roads legend Ryan Farquhar, who also nobbled McPint earlier in the day.