Road Racing: Ian Hutchinson returns to Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles for 2024

Ian Hutchinson reunites with Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles in 2024

Ian Hutchinson will make his long-awaited racing comeback at the 2024 North West 200 in May. Hutchinson will return to the Padgett’s Motorcycles team –last riding for the team during the iconic 2010 season.

The 44-year-old was ruled out of the 2023 Isle of Man TT on medical grounds after suffering from a stroke while cycling. The ACU stripped Hutchinson of his racing license but is on course for it to be renewed.

He will race in three classes at the Northwest 200 – competing in the Superbike, Superstock, and Supersport classes. After this, he will race in the same classes at the Isle of Man TT, where he has previously experienced great success with the team.

In 2010, Hutchinson won five races in race week, breaking Phillip McCallen’s record of four in 1996. Since then, Hutchinson has claimed 27 podiums and stood on the top step 16 times at the TT. He also set the fifth-fastest lap around the TT, lapping at over 133mph back in 2016.

Hutchinson said: “I’m really pleased to be back with Clive and the team, 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.”

Team Principal Clive Padgett added: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Ian back into the Padgett’s racing family, 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.”