HUTCHINSON MAKES DUCATI DEBUT IN SUPERSPORT
Burrows Engineering/RK Racing have announced their first signing for this year’s Isle of Man TT Races, with 16-time winner Ian Hutchinson joining the Dungannon-based team.
In a sign of clear intent by former racer John Burrows’ squad, Hutchinson will contest the two Monster Energy Supersport TT races campaigning a Ducati Panigale V2 in the four-lap encounters.
John Burrows said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Ian onboard our Ducati V2 in the Supersport class at the Isle of Man TT Races. Ian needs no introduction – he’s a 16-time TT winner, with many of those victories coming in the Supersport class.
“Over the last season or so, I’ve seen a real hunger in Ian again, almost a resurgence after what has been a few tough years for him. You can see the desire to succeed is still very much there, and that’s something that really excites and motivates us as a team.
“Ian spent a lot of time circulating with Conor Cummins on our Ducati V2 during the Supersport races at the TT last year, so I’d like to think he’s seen something he’s liked, or felt that the Ducati would suit his riding style.
“On a personal note, Ian and myself both started our Mountain Course careers back in 2003 at the Manx Grand Prix, so it’s great to see things come full circle and to be teaming up for TT 2026.”
Ian Hutchinson and John Burrows with the Ducati Panigale V2.
It will be the Bingley rider’s first ever time at the TT on Ducati machinery, but he will have taken confidence from the recent success achieved on the Italian machines, by Davey Todd in 2024 and most notably Michael Dunlop’s two Supersport wins last year, including a 130mph+ lap in race one.
The ‘next generation’ Supersport machines have quickly become a leading force in the class, and Hutchinson will be aiming to use the move from Yamaha to Ducati in 2026 to push further up the order in a category where he has enjoyed vast success.
Hutchinson made a welcome return to the Mountain Course last year after a year’s absence, taking a best finish of fifth in the opening Superstock race, along with two more top-ten finishes in the Supersport races.
Indeed, he has a superb record in the middleweight division, with eight victories between 2007 and 2016 - second only to the 15 achieved by Michael Dunlop. His first TT win, almost 20 years ago, came in the class in 2007 on the HM Plant Honda, before taking three more Supersport wins for Padgetts’ Honda in 2009 and 2010. Hutchinson later secured back-to-back Supersport doubles in 2015 and 2016 on the Team Traction Control Yamaha.
The Supersport class remains one of the most fiercely contested at the TT, but Hutchinson is one of only seven riders to have lapped at more than 128mph in the category, and he’ll be looking to make an immediate impact with Burrows Engineering/RK Racing in 2026.
Hutchinson added: “I’ve known John for 22 years, since we both competed in the Manx Newcomers’ Race in 2003. I’ve always looked out for his results, and I’ve watched his team grow into one of the best-presented outfits in the paddock, alongside the business he’s grown. I really admire his dedication – not just to his own team, but to supporting his sons’ racing too – so to be welcomed into his team is a privilege. I can’t wait to race the Burrows Engineering Ducati.”
