Roads: Ian Hutchinson confirms Isle of Man TT comeback with Milenco by Padgett's Motorcycles

Ian Hutchinson will make his return to racing in 2024 by reuniting with the Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles team at the Isle of Man TT.

The 16-time TT race winner was forced to miss last year’s event on medical grounds after he suffered a stroke whilst cycling in Spain ahead of the season. Standard protocol within motorcycle racing’s governing body ruled Hutchinson out of action for a 12-month period.

• Pick up a copy of this week’s MCN for an exclusive interview with Ian Hutchinson

Hutchinson now returns to the team in-which he claimed an historic five wins for at the TT in 2010. He remains the one and only racer to achieve five wins at a TT.

Hutchinson returned to Padgett’s in 2018 in the Supersport class, but 2024 marks his full return to the Batley-based team. Hutchinson will contest the RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock, and Milwaukee Senior TT Races on board the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, as well as the two Monster Energy Supersport Races on the new CBR600RR.

“I’m really pleased to be back with Clive and the team,” Hutchinson said. “I think that the way that I work and the team works just fits right. Clive puts together a bike you know you can get on and ride fast straightaway. With injuries, COVID and missing last year, I don’t feel as though I’ve had a good run at the TT since 2017 and so it’s ideal to be with the team that can let me get the laps which is what I need.
 
“We’ve already been out testing in Spain and we’re back out again to Portugal and Spain in the next few weeks, plus we’ve plenty more track time in the run up to TT so I’m really looking forward to what 2024 can bring.”

Hutchinson is the fourth most successful racer in TT history and remains the fifth-fastest of all time having lapped over 133mph in 2016.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have Ian back into the Padgett’s racing family,” Team Principal Clive Padgett added. “We’ve a long, enjoyable and highly successful relationship that goes back many, many years and it’s an honour to be back working together again across all the classes.
 
“He’s had one hell of a journey since that incredible year in 2010, but there is no denying the man’s determination and I don’t think you can ever rule him out of getting a top finish. I truly believe in him but regardless of the results, I think having him back with the team is just a fantastic story for the sport and for the TT.”

This year’s Isle of Man TT gets underway on May 27, with the race week schedule as follows:

Saturday June 1 – Monster Energy Supersport TT Race 1  / 3wheeling.media Sidecar TT Race 1

Sunday June 2 – RST Superbike TT Race

Tuesday June 4 – RL360 Superstock TT Race 1 / Carole Nash Supertwin Race 1

Wednesday June 5 – 3wheeling.media Sidecare TT Race 2 / Monster Energy Superpsort TT Race 2

Friday June 7 – Superstock TT Race 2 / Supertwin TT Race 2

Saturday June 8 – Milwaukee Senior TT Race

Alongside the TT, Hutchinson will also compete for the Padgett’s Honda team at the North West 200. The three-time race winner will contest the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport races. The 2024 NW200 takes place May 6-11.

• Pick up a copy of this week’s MCN for an exclusive interview with Ian Hutchinson