Hutchy reunited with Padgett’s Honda
Ian Hutchinson will ride a Padgett’s CBR600RR at this week’s North West 200 and in both Supersport races at the Isle of Man TT.
The 16-times TT winner will ride the Padgett’s machine alongside Honda Racing Fireblades in the Superbike and Superstock events at both meetings. It will be the first time the 38-year-old has ridden with Clive Padgett’s squad since winning five TTs with the Batley outfit in 2010. “Originally I had planned to ride with the Honda Racing team in all three races but because I didn’t know until just two weeks ago that I would be able to race those plans changed,” Hutchinson said. “Clive’s circumstances had also changed with Bruce Anstey not riding this year so we were able to get the deal sorted.” Padgett explained that Anstey, who is locked in a battle with cancer, has given his blessing to Hutchy riding his bike.
Padgett said: “I rang Bruce and asked him if he was OK with Ian riding the bike and he had no problem with it at all.”
Conor Cummins will ride in all three classes at the NW200 and TT with Padgett’s and Lee Johnston, Hutchinson’s Honda Racing team-mate, will also campaign a Padgett’s CBR in the Supersport races at the NW200 and TT. Hutchy had also been hoping to ride an ER6 KMR Kawasaki in the supertwin class at both the NW200 and TT but it is understood Honda has vetoed the deal.