Cummins in last minute Padgetts TT switch

Conor Cummins will make a shock switch to the Padgetts Racing team for the Supersport and Superstock classes at this year’s Isle of Man TT.

The Manxman was set to ride for the Jackson Racing squad at this year’s event but following a disappointing opening Supersport race at the North West 200, walked away from the Preston team, sitting out both the second Supersport outing and the Superstock race on Saturday.

He has since arranged an eleventh-hour deal that will see him campaign Valvoline by Padgetts-liveried bikes in the Supersport and Superstock classes as the TT gets underway later this month.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have Conor on board,” team boss Clive Padgett told MCN. “When it looked like it might come about I didn’t have to think twice. We’re currently building his bikes and look forward to getting to the TT.

“We sold Conor his first ever race bike, a second hand RS125 and we’ve liked him and the family ever since. I’m chuffed to bits, a perfect addition to the team.”

Jackson Racing won’t look to replace Cummins at this late stage, instead keeping their focus on John McGuinness and Steve Mercer, who will now compete in all three classes at this year’s TT. A statement from the team read: “We would like to take this opportunity to wish Cummins all the best for the future in whatever direction he chooses to take. The team will remain with continued focus and drive on both John McGuinness and Steve Mercer”

Cummins’ plans to race with the factory Honda Racing team in the Superbike class remain unchanged.