Padgetts sign Anstey

Padgetts of Batley have signed Bruce Anstey for the three major international road races in 2011.

The veteran TT star was cut loose after several years with the Relentless by TAS team but now returns to Padgetts after riding for the team back in 2002.

Team boss Clive Padgett told MCN: I think Bruce will be a perfect fit with our set-up. His character, with the way he is and that way we are, will be great and we’ll have a right good go in 2011.”

Padgett was keen to point out that Anstey – who finished the 2010 season on a high note with a new lap record at the Ulster GP –  is part of a two-man team and that Ian Hutchinson could still be part of the set-up next year.

“Nothing is finalised but we’ll definitely be running a two-man team on the roads next year. Ian is still a possibility. Of course he is. How on earth could we not consider Ian? In the ten races he’s ridden for us at the TT, he’s won seven.”

Padgett’s stats make a compelling case for Hutchy to stay put – especially when you factor in the John McGuinness 2008 Senior TT victory. That makes 11 TT races and eight wins for the team. ‘It’s some record,” added Padgett.

The team has still to finalise their short circuit plans however. Padgett admitted: “I’m not even thought about that side of things – but I will be giving it some consideration now.

“I went on holiday at the end of the season, then came back to sort out a backlog of work in the office. End of the day it’s our business that lets us go racing.

“Sorting Bruce was relatively easy because he knows exactly what he wants – the three major road races, though we’ll probably get him a run out before the North West.”