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Ian Hutchinson celebrated an emotional return to victory in the opening Monster Energy Supersport TT race today (Monday) with an imperious performance to claim his ninth TT win by over seven seconds and a first for Team Traction Control Yamaha.
Hutchinson had joined Team Traction Control just a week ago after it looked like he would miss out on lining up for the Supersport TT this year. The Bingley Bullet had started ninth and had been closing down Gary Johnson and Dean Harrison, before taking the lead at the end of the first lap and gradually building an advantage ahead of the first pit stops.
A focused Team Traction Control crew got Hutchinson back on the road in rapid time and he continued to gather incredible momentum to gap his opposition and maintain his position at the top of the times throughout the final two laps.
Hutchinson’s victory marks an incredible return to the top after recovering from a serious leg injury sustained in a crash at Silverstone in 2010, following his record-breaking TT performance that year that saw him score five solo victories in a week.
Speaking after the race, Hutchinson said: “I was always going to become a TT race winner again someday! The race went really well and the Team Traction Control Yamaha is just a dream to ride – I felt like I was out delivering pizzas or something I felt that comfortable in the race!
“Starting as number nine wasn’t ideal, I think some people didn’t think I would be capable of running at the front again, so I got dropped down the numbers this year but I caught Guy and then I got out behind him in the pit stop, but apart from that it was pretty good. It was so special to hear all the fans around the circuit – people have taken note of me and I am so grateful for everyone’s support and for being behind me.
“The team gave me this opportunity a week before the TT and I hadn’t ridden it before I got here and we did three laps in practice and it has been an absolute dream to ride and thanks to the team for dropping everything to get me out here in this race. Keith Flint will be absolutely starting fires!” |
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