Ian Hutchinson, who won five TT races in 2010, will not be riding during this year’s event. Hutchinson was injured during a British Supersport race in 2010, and has not yet fully recovered. Shaun Muir, the boss of the SMR Yamaha team, confirmed today that Hutchinson has pulled out of the 2011 Isle of Man TT.
Hutchinson crashed during the BSB Supersport race at Silverstone last September. Hutchinson has undergone 16 operations since the crash.
“Ian Hutchinson is an incredibly determined young man,” said Mr. Krkavic, Hutchinson’s surgeon. “When I first saw him I advised him that I thought he should prepare himself for protracted rehabilitation before he could even walk without any aid. His courage and determination to win this "race" is setting new standards in Orthopaedic Trauma surgery. To get as close as he has to competing at the TT Races less than a year after his accident at Silverstone is nothing less than remarkable and I am sure he will win many more races in future.”
Hutchinson will still travel to the Isle of Man and will appear in the Isle of Man parade lap alongside Mick Doohan, Nicky Hayden, and Cal Crutchlow. He will also set a new goal of returning for a few late season BSB Supersport races.
“Everyone at Yamaha is really disappointed for Ian who has worked so hard to get back to fitness but we have always said that this is a two year deal and we look forward to seeing him return to the TT Races in 2012,” said Team boss Shaun Muir.
Hutchinson has won 8 TT races in his career. Hutchinson is disappointed that he won’t be racing this year, but says that he has to keep his long time health in mind.
“I’m gutted not to be able to compete at the TT Races this year.,” Hutchinson said. “I’ve done everything I could to be there but I’ve just run out of time. I have to listen to the advice of the surgeon and think of my long-term fitness. This has only made me more determined to get back on the bike and return to racing later this year. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank both Yamaha and Shaun Muir for being so supportive and I’m looking forward to the chance to repay them.”
