Ian Hutchinson will make a sensational return to competitive racing action this year after reuniting with Milenco Padgetts Honda to tackle the 2024 Isle of Man TT and North West 200 little more than a year after suffering a stroke.

One of the most successful road racers of the modern era, Hutchinson’s spectacular five race victories during the 2010 Isle of Man TT - part of an unbroken streak of ten wins across the NW200, TT, Ulster Grand Prix and Scarborough Gold Cup - continues to stand as the record for most victories achieved during a single TT event.

Alas, a serious accident during a British Supersport race at Silverstone later that year would abruptly halt Hutchinson’s momentum while at his peak, the lengthy spell out of action being followed by a catalogue of injuries and illnesses in the ensuing years.

As such, Hutchinson is no stranger to mounting comebacks, though his latest return to action represents arguably his bravest after he suffered a stroke while cycling in February 2023. 

The illness led to the ACU stripping Hutchinson of his racing licence for one year, but after passing a series of rigorous medical assessments, he is on course to have it renewed on 1 March.

It means Hutchinson will embark on a full racing programme for 2024 and he will do so with Clive Padgett, for whom he raced during his stellar record-breaking 2010 season.

Set to get his first outing on the Milenco Padgetts Honda at the North West 200 in the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock classes, Hutchinson will be entered into the same classes for an Isle of Man TT return.

“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.”

Milenco Padgetts Honda boss Clive Padgett adds; “We are delighted to be racing with Hutchy at the North West 200 again.

“‘It is a match made in heaven. Our record-breaking winning run together began at the North West in 2010 and it is a meeting that has always been close to our hearts.”