Hutchinson set for National Stock 1000 and Macau GP return with Paul Bird

Ian Hutchinson will return to the national Superstock 1000 championship for the last two races of this season, signing a deal with Paul Bird’s Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki after losing his seat with the FFX Yamaha team.

However, the deal could have longer-term implications for Hutchy, taking him first to Macau, where he was victorious last year on his comeback from horrific leg injuries. Bird will also then slot him into one of two planned BSB teams for the opening three rounds of 2015, with an eye to running the Yorkshireman at the three international road races.

Hutchinson said: “I’m mega happy that Paul has offered me a deal for the remainder of this year and also for 2015. I’ve ridden for the team before and we all know each other, so to be joining them once again is brilliant. I was disappointed that this year didn’t work out as I’d hoped, especially with having such high expectations, but now I know I’ve got a real chance of success. The team is proven and hopefully I can get back to winning ways very soon.” 

Bird concluded: “We are all very excited to have Hutchy joining us and as soon as I knew he was out of a job, I wanted him to ride for us. He’s a quality rider and you don’t win five TTs in a week by chance. He’ll ride our Superstocker for the final two rounds at BSB and then we’ll decide what to put him out on at Macau.”

“For 2015 we will have a proper attack on the roads, which will give him his best chance in recent years, and we are really serious about winning. We’ll do other selected races too as part of our expanded squad for 2015, so there are some exciting times ahead.”