Road Racing: Ian Hutchinson and TAS Racing withdraw from TT

Ian Hutchinson and TAS Racing have been forced to withdraw from this year’s Isle of Man TT.

Both Ian Hutchinson and TAS Racing will not race at the Isle of Man TT this year after Hutchinson’s health scare earlier this month. Due to this Hutchinson’s race license has been revoked for 12 months.

Ian Hutchinson suffered from a stroke while he was cycling in Spain and is on the road to recovery. His racing license will be revoked which is a standard protocol within the governing body.

The Milwaukee BMW team will race at the North West 200 in May, with Alastair Seeley riding the M 1000 RR. Seeley will also ride the TAS Racing bike in the National Superstock Championship, under the SYNETIQ BMW banner.

Hutchinson will be in attendance at both the Isle of Man TT and the North West 200 as a spectator.

Ian Hutchinson is one of the most successful road racers of all time, at the age of 43 years old. Hutchinson has won 16 Isle of Man TTs with one race win at the North West 200 and at Macau. He also holds the most wins in one single Isle of Man TT event, with Hutchinson winning five solo races.

TAS Racing is one of the most historic teams, providing motorcycles for riders such as Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop. TAS Racing has over 18 Isle of Man TT’s with over 40 podiums around the course. 

Team principal, Philip Neill said: “First and foremost our concerns are with Ian and we look forward to supporting him on his road to making a full recovery. Clearly, we are disappointed to miss our first IOM TT in 23 years – aside from the Covid years of course. Everything was in place for this year’s event together with Milwaukee and our other valued partners. We now look forward to finalising our plans for the NW200 and another BSB season.”

In a statement, TAS Racing said: Ian’s day-to-day health is of paramount importance to all involved and while he is making a remarkable recovery, already given the all clear to drive his car – rules are rules and we must respect them. Ian is obviously bitterly disappointed after putting in the hard yards over the winter months, spinning many laps on a TAS Racing-prepared Milwaukee BMW M 1000 RR Superstock specification machine in Spain.

Image credit: IOM TT Races