Rutter’s Shift in Focus
A veteran of the TT paddock with an incredible 91 race starts under his belt, Rutter has made the decision to step away from the Superbike and Senior TT races. Despite securing top-ten finishes in both the RST Superbike TT and Milwaukee Senior TT in 2024, with a best lap speed of 129.415mph, he felt it was time to reassess his priorities.
“There’s no better feeling than lining up on the TT grid for a six-lap Superbike race, but after last year’s event, I knew it was time to take a step back,” Rutter explained. “While I was pleased with my results, running a top-level team demands full commitment. Balancing that with riding in every class meant I wasn’t able to give Craig the full support he deserves.”
With this in mind, Rutter will concentrate on the Supertwin category, piloting his R7 Yamaha in the three-lap races, where he achieved a seventh-place finish last year.
Neve Looking to Reignite His TT Form
Lincolnshire’s Craig Neve will spearhead the team’s efforts in the premier classes, competing in the RST Superbike TT, Milwaukee Senior TT, and RL360/PE Superstock TT races aboard his Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. In addition, he will also race in the Monster Energy Supersport TT on a Triumph Street Triple 765RS.
Neve’s 2024 campaign was cut short following a heavy crash at Greeba Castle during qualifying, resulting in a serious knee injury. Despite this setback, he gritted his way to a 15th-place finish in the second Supersport race. Now, fully recovered, he is determined to regain the form that saw him record an impressive 130.863mph lap in 2023 and secure top-ten finishes in both the Supersport and Senior TT races that year.
“After the progress I made in 2023, last year was a huge disappointment,” Neve admitted. “The aim for 2025 is to pick up where we left off and push for even better results. Having continuity with the team for a third year is a big boost, and with a fresh Triumph in the mix, we’re in a strong position.”
Strengthening the Team with Experience
In a bid to maximize Neve’s potential, Bathams AJN Racing has enlisted the expertise of Ray Stringer, a well-respected figure in the paddock with a deep understanding of Honda machinery.
“Ray’s knowledge of the Honda is second to none,” Rutter added. “He’s got years of experience working with both electronics and chassis setup, and having him on board will be a huge benefit for Craig. He spent last season with Hawk Racing in BSB, so his insights will be invaluable as we fine-tune the bike for the TT.”
Neve is equally excited about the addition: “Bringing Ray into the fold is a great move. If we can make small improvements here and there, I’m confident we can break into the top ten again.”
Looking Ahead to TT 2025
With Rutter dedicating his efforts to team management and the Supertwin class, and Neve aiming to return to his best form, Bathams AJN Racing is poised for a strong showing at this year’s TT. The team’s mix of experience and fresh energy, combined with their carefully honed machines, sets them up as ones to watch when the action gets underway on the legendary Mountain Course.
