Ian Hutchinson will ride Yamaha Superbike in 2011 TT parade lap
The hero of the 2010 Isle of Man TT Ian Hutchinson will ride the works-spec Yamaha Superbike at the 2011 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
Despite pulling out of racing at the 2011 TT, the Bingley star has confirmed he will take to the Mountain course during its centenary celebrations on the Yamaha as part of the Arai parade lap.
Hutchy, who won a record-breaking five solo races in a week at last year’s TT, was due to race for Shaun Muir’s Swan team this year, used a factory-backed Yamaha.
However, he faced an uphill struggle to be ready after suffering a severe leg injury during a British Supersport Championship race last September.
With just weeks to go, Hutchinson confirmed he was not able to defend his TT crown. Although he has enjoyed a positive recovery and been training to ensure maximum fitness, it was felt his leg was not yet ready for a return to racing. He was also ruled out of this Saturday’s North West 200.
In addition to racing for Swan Yamaha, Hutchinson was due to complete the Arai parade lap alongside Grand Prix legend Mick Doohan. It has recently been confirmed current MotoGP stars Nicky Hayden and Cal crutchlow will also join the lap on June 8.
Hutchy’s withdrawal from racing at the TT had cast doubt on his involvement in the Arai parade lap. However, speaking to BBC Northern Ireland at the North West, Hutchinson confirmed he will take to the Mountain course.
He told Stephen Watson:
“I am doing the parade lap. If you are going to the TT you will get to see me on the Yamaha Superbike doing the lap with Mick Doohan.”
Hutchinson will also be a special guest in the VIP Hospitality suite, with appearances schedule for June 4, 8 and 10. There are still limited numbers of VIP tickets available – Buy Now.
Eight-time TT winner Hutchison said he will return to racing this year with outings in the British short circuit championship planned as well as racing on the roads at the Ulster Grand Prix and Macau.
Explaining his decision not to race at the TT, Hutchinson told the BBC that there was a possibility he could have been fit enough to compete, and planned to remove the cage from his left leg as close as possible to his racing return. However, he said there is a risk he could re-break the bone and face an even bigger struggle back to fitness.
He said:
“There was a possibility I could have got the cage of in time for the TT. It would have been real close, but if I hadn’t aimed for it I wouldn’t be where I am now, I would still be on crutches.”
“I have been in three situations throughout four month stages of being told I could come out of theatre without the leg. That is why I don’t want to risk the recovery now and re-break it. I have had amazing surgeons work with me and I can’t thank them enough.”