TAS RACING AND HUTCHINSON WITHDRAW FROM TT 2023

TAS Racing and Ian Hutchinson have confirmed that they will not contest the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races following a health scare for the 16-time TT race winner earlier in the year.

In a statement issued this morning, the team said they had made ‘the tough decision to sit out’ this year’s event. The news comes three weeks after Hutchinson revealed he had suffered a stroke. This in turn led to his racing licence being revoked for 12 months, which is standard protocol with racing’s governing body.

The statement continues: “Ian’s day-to-day health is of paramount importance to all involved and while he is making a remarkable recovery, already given the all clear to drive his car, rules are rules and we must respect them. Ian is obviously bitterly disappointed after putting in the hard yards over the winter months, spinning many laps on a TAS Racing prepared Milwaukee BMW M 1000 RR Superstock-specification machine in Spain.”

The team, which has a long and illustrious history at the Isle of Man TT, added that they will still be represented at the event by their shared title sponsor and Senior Race sponsor – Milwaukee.

Hutchinson will also be present on the Island, representing both the team and Milwaukee during race week.

Philip Neill, Milwaukee BMW Team Principal commented: "First and foremost our concerns are with Ian and we look forward to supporting him on his road to making a full recovery.”

“Clearly we are disappointed to miss our first TT in 23 years - aside from the COVID years of course. Everything was in place for this year’s event together with Milwaukee and our other valued partners. We now look forward to finalising our plans for the NW200 and another BSB season.”