Ian Hutchinson set for Isle of Man TT return in Milwaukee BMW challenge for TAS Racing

The Bingley rider has enjoyed a successful association in the past with Hector and Philip Neill’s Northern Ireland team and will compete in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior races on the latest BMW M1000RR machinery for the 18-time TT winners.

The Moneymore-based team will mark 40 years since Ulsterman Norman Brown won the 500cc Senior TT race in 1982 as a privateer on his debut at the event for Hector Neill.

Hutchinson, who has won 16 times around the Mountain Course, said: "It’s been a crazy five years for me since I last rode for the TAS Racing Team.

“Coming back to the team, where I’ve enjoyed my most recent success at the TT, was something I hoped would be possible throughout this winter and to hear the title sponsor is to be Milwaukee, really was the icing on the cake.

“Both TAS and Milwaukee have given me great success in the past, so I look forward to us all working together again in 2022.”

Milwaukee BMW team principal Philip Neill said the deal to run in the red and white Milwaukee colours with ‘Hutchy’ – who famously won five races in a week at TT 2010 for Clive Padgett’s Honda team – was a ‘dream scenario’.

“Road racing and the Isle of Man TT is simply in our DNA at TAS Racing and after two years away, we are now looking forward to racing on the Isle of Man in June. The organising team has made some significant changes during that time away and this year’s TT has the potential to be the biggest ever,” he said.

“To partner with Milwaukee is somewhat of a dream scenario for us all, as we have developed a close relationship with them in recent years. I now can’t wait to see the bikes in action sporting that bright red Milwaukee livery on the Mountain circuit.

“Our partnership with Ian goes back to 2016 when we enjoyed significant success together, both on the roads and on BSB tracks. So, in this very significant year for TAS Racing, we are delighted to once again team up with Ian for our latest assault on the international road racing events.”

Hutchinson will also ride a Yamaha R6 in the Supersport class this season at the North West 200 and TT for the Co Armagh-based Boyce Precision Engineering by Russell Racing outfit.

The team is being led by Glenavy man Alister Russell, who was previously the crew chief for a number of top riders including Keith Amor, Cameron Donald, Guy Martin and most recently the late William Dunlop.

The news of Hutchinson’s TAS Racing return comes after it was confirmed that 19-time TT winner Michael Dunlop will ride a Ducati Panigale V4 on the roads this season for Paul Bird’s top-flight British Superbike squad, while FHO Racing’s Peter Hickman – the 135mph outright lap record holder – will bid for more glory on the Gas Monkey Garage-liveried BMW M1000RR in a special TT deal with the famous American custom car firm.

This year also heralds the return of 23-time winner John McGuinness in the Honda Racing UK team alongside Carrickfergus man Glenn Irwin, while reigning Senior TT champion Dean Harrison lines up on the rebranded DAO Racing Kawasaki bikes.

The TT is scheduled to run from May 29 to June 10, with the North West 200 taking place from May 10-14.

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