Hutchinson hammers it home to take his maiden TT win

HM Plant Honda’s Ian Hutchinson scorched to his maiden TT victory at the Isle of Man today in the eventful Supersport 600 race.

The 27-year-old was down in fourth place on reaching the halfway point on lap one, some 4.73 seconds behind race leader Bruce Anstey and 1.24 seconds behind fellow Honda rider Guy Martin.

Hutchinson managed to reduce his time deficit to start lap two just three tenths of a second in front of Martin and began chasing down second place man and TT-ace, John McGuinness.

The vital pit-stop at the end of lap two scored more luck for the Yorkshireman. The HM Plant Honda team gained a further six seconds whereas race leader Anstey dropped to fourth position.

Super-Hutchinson took the lead and on reaching the first check-point at Ballaugh Bridge on lap three, was an amazing 5.8 seconds ahead of McGuinness.

The Dunlop-backed rider controlled the race from then on by riding inch-perfectly around the 37.73 circuit aboard his Honda CBR600RR.

Hutchinson took the chequered flag to take an emotional first TT win, nearly three seconds in front of the Padgetts Honda rider, McGuinness. Martin crossed the line to finish in third place allowing Honda to achieve another one-two-three at this prestigious centenary event.

Ian Hutchinson
Supersport: P1

“I am absolutely over the moon – everything was brilliant today. I really love riding the 600 and I tried so hard to ride four perfect laps. It’s very special to win with it being the centenary event; there are so many people here that haven’t been here before. I pushed hard from the start and didn’t realise Bruce had any problems until he came past me so I knew if I stayed with him we’d be on target. I tried to ride as smooth as possible making sure every gear change and my lines were right as I knew John was chipping away at my time. Honda has put in a massive effort and the pit-stop was faultless, I’d like to thank the team and Dunlop as they have done a great job. It was very close racing and I have still been struggling with my shoulder after a crash a few weeks ago but it’s getting better all the time. I’m very pleased and I’m really looking forward to Friday’s Senior race.”

Team Manager Neil Tuxworth

“Today was absolutely fantastic for Honda, finishing in the first three positions. We also achieved the lap record, race time record and manufacturers award. This just proves what a fantastic machine the CBR600RR really is. I am very pleased for HM Plant Honda and Ian as it is superb for him to take his first win at this special centenary event.”