TAS Racing and Ian Hutchinson have been forced to sit out this year’s Isle of Man TT Races with Milwaukee BMW due to the 16-time race winner’s health.
Having suffered a stroke earlier this month, Hutchy’s racing licence has been revoked for 12 months, which is standard protocol with racing’s governing body.
While the 43-year-old Yorkshireman is well on the way to recovery - including being given the all clear to drive - TAS Racing acknowledges ‘rules are rules and we must respect them’.
“First and foremost our concerns are with Ian and we look forward to supporting him on his road to making a full recovery,” TAS Team Manager Phillip Neill confirmed. “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.”
Hutchinson will, however, still be on the Island representing both the team and Milwaukee during TT race week, with fans offered the chance to meet him on the Milwaukee stand in the main paddock area.