Ian Simpson pulled out all the stops to beat Michael Rutter at yesterday's Formula One TT race in the Isle of Man. In a very close run race, Simpson, on a Honda 750 overhauled team mate Rutter on the last lap and won by only two seconds.

James Courtney from Antrim came third, also on a Honda.

The race was wide open because of the absence of many of the major contenders due to injury. Philip McCallen is no taking part this year as he fractured two vertebrae at a short circuit race a few weeks ago. Iain Duffus broke a leg after a simple fall in the paddock area on Friday. His bike was ridden by Courtney.

Simon Beck, on a Kawasaki 750 was the only real threat to the Honda domination. Honda bikes have won Formula One races for 17 years in succession. They are also celebrating their 50th anniversary at the TT this year.

Rutter led from the beginning, followed by Simpson, Beck, and Courtney. The first two laps saw no change in these positions. At the pit stop Rutter and Simpson got new rear slick tyres. But Beck opted not to change the wheel and gained some time as a result. His move to second place was short lived however, and by the end of lap three he had slipped to fourth place.

The battle for the lead developed on the third lap. Only 0.2 seconds separated Simpson from the leader as they started the final lap. The race had been delayed due to rain, and was cut from six laps to four. Rutter is the son of seven times winner Tony Rutter, and has yet to win his first G.T. He has had three rostrum places since his debut in 1994.

Simpson really upped the power on the final lap, covering the 37.73 mile course in a scorching 18 minutes 21.7seconds - an average speed of 123.28 m.p.h - and that despite damp patches around the tortuous course.

"I really went for it over the mountain but nearly lost it at Windy Corner," said Simpson as he celebrated his second victory on the island.

"It was a great race; the bike was brilliant, but it was tricky in places. I took time to build my confidence and then gave it everything. Winning is great."

The Lightweight TT, and the Sidecar race are due to be held tomorrow.

Result: 1, I Simpson, (Honda 750) 1 hr. 16 min. 15.6 secs. speed 118.74 m.p.h; 2, M Rutter, (Honda 750) 1 hr. 16 min. 17.8 secs. speed 118.68 mph; 3, J Courtney, (Honda 750) 1 hr. 16 min 36.5 secs. speed 118.2 mph; 4, S Beck, (Kawasaki 750) 1 hr 16 min 51.3 sec. speed 117.82 mph; 5 J Griffiths (Honda) 1:17:43.5, 6 D Morris (Chrysalis) 1:20:14.1. Fastest lap: Simpson 18:21.7.