Michael Rutter has sensationally quit the NorthWest 200 Yamaha British Superbike team following a dire weekend at the team's own race in Northern Ireland at the weekend and a string of poor BSB results.
Speculation currently hurtling round the British Superbike paddock put Michael Laverty, who got an 11th in World Supersport this weekend and doesn't have a full-time ride, in the frame as replacement but also mention Ian Hutchinson and Chris Burns, who recently lost his MV Agusta seat.
The team's Supersport rider Dan Linfoot has ruled himself out of the ride, saying he needs to stay focused on his own championship.
A statement from the Rob Mac Racing-run team says:
The NW200 Coca Cola Yamaha team and Michael Rutter have agreed mutually to part company, both parties accepted they have struggled to get the best out of each other and feel it would be every ones best interest to part on good terms.
The NW200 Coca Cola commitment is with the Rob Mac Racing company and the brand will be promoted by Dan Linfoot in the Supersport category, a further announcement will be made with reference to a replacement for Michael.
The team and all of the partners wish Michael the very best for the future.
