Ian Hutchinson joins Northern Ireland's Burrows Engineering/RK Racing team to ride Ducati at North West 200 and Isle of Man TT
Ian Hutchinson will ride for Northern Ireland team Burrows Engineering/RK Racing at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT in 2026 on a Ducati Panigale in the Supersport class.
The English rider is a 16-time TT winner, with half of those victories achieved in the Supersport category, including back-to-back doubles in 2015 and 2016 on the Team Traction Control Yamaha.
Only Ballymoney’s Michael Dunlop with 15 Supersport triumphs has won more TT races in the middleweight class than 46-year-old Hutchinson, who will be making his debut on Ducati machinery for John Burrows’ Dungannon-based team.
Bingley man Hutchinson said: “I’ve known John for 22 years, since we both competed in the Manx Newcomers’ Race in 2003.
“I’ve always looked out for his results and I’ve watched his team grow into one of the best-presented outfits in the paddock, alongside the business he’s grown.
“I really admire his dedication – not just to his own team, but to supporting his son’s [Jack] racing too – so to be welcomed into his team is a privilege. I can’t wait to race the Burrows Engineering Ducati.”
Former road racer Burrows ran Manxman Conor Cummins in his respected outfit last year and will be optimistic of making further progress with the Italian Supersport machine this season, which was completely new to his team in 2025.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have Ian on board our Ducati V2 in the Supersport class at the Isle of Man TT races,” said Burrows. “Ian needs no introduction – he’s a 16-time TT winner, with many of those victories coming in the Supersport class.
“Over the last season or so, I’ve seen a real hunger in Ian again, almost a resurgence after what has been a few tough years for him. You can see the desire to succeed is still very much there, and that’s something that really excites and motivates us as a team.
“Ian spent a lot of time circulating with Conor Cummins on our Ducati V2 during the Supersport races at the TT last year, so I’d like to think he’s seen something he’s liked, or felt that the Ducati would suit his riding style.
“On a personal note, Ian and myself both started our Mountain Course careers back in 2003 at the Manx Grand Prix, so it’s great to see things come full circle and to be teaming up for TT 2026.”
The team has yet to name a rider for the Superbike and Superstock classes after parting company from Ramsey rider Cummins in an amicable split at the end of last season.