Conor Cummins has joined Milwaukee Yamaha for the 2013 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy.
He will line-up alongside William Dunlop in the team’s international road racing squad.
In addition to the TT, the Manxman will race at the North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix and the Southern 100, and may also take up an option to go to Macau at the end of the season.
Cummins, of Ramsey, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I can't thank Shaun Muir and his team enough for the chance to join a championship-winning outfit.”
“I feel that with the experience and equipment Milwaukee Yamaha have, I will be in a position to challenge for Superbike race wins not only at my home event, the TT, but in the other internationals as well.”
“In the past, I have been very close to it, but I now I see a clear way forward and my sights are firmly set on the podium.”
Team principal Shaun Muir added:
“With Ian Hutchinson still on the sidelines, I needed to find someone capable of pushing William right from the word go. Conor is experienced, fast and has a huge will to win, so we are expecting great things from both in 2013.”
Cummins made a promising TT debut in 2006, and finished 6th in the Senior TT during the centenary TT meeting in 2007. He has three podium places to date, including finishing runner-up in the 2009 Senior TT, and also holds the Superbike race lap record of 131.511mph, which is also the fastest 'standing start' lap in the TT's history, making him the second fastest TT rider of all time.
He suffered serious injuries during the 2010 TT when he crashed at the Verandah. He fully recovered form those injuries, but his hopes of glory at the 2012 TT were sahsed when he suffered a hand injury while racing at the North West.
However, he is more than ready to challenge for race victories again.
Isle of Man Government TT and Motorsport Manager Paul Phillips said:
“Lots of teams have been chasing Conor's signature for the 2013 season which is a testament to how hard he has worked to get back to full fitness.”
“Yamaha has signed someone that has the potential to win TT Races and it is terrific to see them increase their support for the event by increasing their line up from one rider to two for 2013.”