British Superbike campaign for Isle of Man TT hero Hutchy in 2012
Wednesday 21 December 2011
TT
Isle of Man TT history-maker Ian Hutchinson will contest his first full season of British Superbike Championship racing in 2012, alongside returning to the Mountain Course.
Swan Yamaha announced its line-up for the season on Wednesday, confirming reigning champion Tommy Hill would be joined by Hutchy.
Hutchinson made history in 2010 when he won all five solo races at the TT. His amazing season ended in disaster while racing at Silverstone when he suffered a serious leg injury.
The injury left him unable to campaign for most of 2011, including the TT, and he finally made his racing return at the demanding Macau Grand Prix in November, finishing an amazing 3rd.
Now he is getting ready for his first full BSB season with a championship team, as well as making his much-anticipated TT return.
Hutchinson said:
“Next year is definitely a big one for me and I have never been looking forward to a season so much. I am glad that I had the opportunity to race at the end of this year as I have always had faith in my own ability, but I just needed to prove to any doubters that I could still race.”
“I have wanted to race in BSB for several years, but the right opportunity has never been there and that makes 2012 a big year for me. For the last three years I have won in the British Supersport and National Superstock classes, but I haven't really had full seasons to be able to fight for the title. I think the knowledge I have of riding a Superbike on the roads will help me, and in that respect the new rules will too as I have never ridden with all the gizmos.”
“I tested the Swan Yamaha before Macau and it is a great bike to ride; everything about it feels good so I can't see any reason why I can't run at the front.”
He added:
“I am over my injury now; I currently still use the right-hand gear shift that the team adapted for me to run at Macau, but it is not a concern. The team have got it working perfectly for me so I just feel ready to get out testing as soon as possible!”
“I think the injury and the year just watching from the sidelines has definitely made me want it more; I want to prove that I can still be successful and I am determined to show that.”
“The crash doesn't faze me and I don't think of it as traumatic, but as an experience. I was just unlucky that I got hit and injured the leg so badly. As a rider it hasn't affected me as something like that can happen at any time.”
“Now I just want to race and my aim is to get the results myself and the Swan Yamaha team deserve both in BSB and at the TT.”
Team Owner Shaun Muir said:
“Everyone at SMR has been working behind the scenes since the end of the 2011 season.”
“Our goals as a team and for Yamaha are to win the BSB title and win at the Isle of Man TT. We reviewed our options carefully and I have been impressed with Ian Hutchinson, not only his race craft but also his ability to work with the team and his determination to return from injury.”
“He has spent a lot of time in the garage with us this year and his recent performance at the Macau Grand Prix proved he is over his injury now. Hutchy will be with the team for two seasons (2012 and 2013) and we are committed to him; I really want to turn him into the complete racer that can win in both disciplines.”
“He has the potential so we want to be able to give him the opportunity to excel.”
Team title sponsor Swan is also looking forward to a successful first visit to the Isle of Man TT.
Mark Alldred, Swan marketing manager at Republic Technologies (UK), said:
“We are delighted that Tommy is back to run the number one plate and also to have such a successful TT rider with Ian as we prepare for our first visit to the Isle of Man.”
“We wish them both the best of luck for the new season.”