Interview: Ian Hutchinson

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

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Following a fantastic TT, Bike Devil caught up with Ian with one or two questions for the now, three time TT winner

At the end of last season how did you find finding supporters/team/sponsors for 2009 and how did what you went with come about?

Hutchy: I had a few options through winter but had to select very carefully after last year not really working out for me but in the end it was an easy decision after going over to the Padgett’s showroom at Batley and speaking to Clive he was full of confidence and gave off all the right vibes.

How much influence do your parents have on you when it comes to racing?

Hutchy: Not too much really racing has not been in the family ever although my first bike was a trials bike my dad got me and we rode together now the just come to the racing to support me

How much say in the team/mechanics do you have with Padgett’s?

Hutchy: It has worked out perfect this year Clive would let me have anything I need if he feels it will help but with his wealth of knowledge we got a very good set up without too much trouble.


Before NW200 what were your realistic aims for this season?

Hutchy:  I knew the nw200 would be hard as I had not been riding British championship races up too it, but I had a lot of success there early in my career so I knew I had it in me to win we just needed the weather more on our side and we would have achieved that. as for the TT I have finished on the podium for every race I have finished for the last 3 years so I felt very confident


Give a brief review of NW200 and how you felt after the wet race day?

Hutchy: like I said we needed every session to get up to speed and not getting out Thursday then all races been cut short we just didn’t get the time to sort the bike for me but the races that did start we learnt invaluable things for the TT

What preparation schedule did you have leading up to TT2009?

Hutchy: I trained all through winter and I enjoyed it and think its very important too. Although it doesn't make you ride any faster it helps you ride faster for longer and makes me feel good about myself so I put a lot of effort into it and it paid off

Ahead of TT who did you expect to be the riders/machines to beat?

Hutchy: John is always going to be the favourite he has been competing 15 years now and you cant buy experience apart from john there are a lot of other teams and riders capable if luck is with them on the day so I don't really sit down and analyse it

In History who do you admire as a previous rider at TT?

Hutchy: DJ, David just came along and took a grip of the place and going from zero to hero as quick as he did brings a lot of pressure but it never fazed him I wish I had the chance to share a podium with him, also Joey the facts speak for themselves with Joey he really was a legend

Who do you admire in the current field?

Hutchy: There is only really one person to admire and that is John he has kept on top of his game when everyone has written him off the rest are just hungry like me

How is your relationship with John McGuinness?

Hutchy:  I get on very well with John we obviously have the same interests and he is just a normal bloke not up his own arse we have had some real laughs together on enduro-bikes and away racing it a privilege to call him a mate

Is the McGuinness era over do you think?

Hutchy: I don't see how anyone can say that, John is still on top of his game and proves himself time and time again at some point he will be beaten but even then he’ll get back on top, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience which out does desperation

So now time has moved on what’s your memory of that Superport race that you won?

Hutchy: The race was very hard as there were 4 riders together on the road all fighting for position and I prefer to do my own thing at the tt but it was exciting and provided a great show at the end it was more relief to not be a 1 time tt winner anymore, a lot of people can end up winning 1 TT through what ever reason so I didn’t really class myself as a TT winner before.

And how about that classic Superstock race?

Hutchy: The Superstock race was probably the best race I have ever won, its the closest and most competitive race at the tt and to do the lap speed I did was unbelievable the first lap was a bit steady I think after winning in the morning then sitting round all day I was a bit asleep but after that I just new I could win everything felt awesome even when the pit went wrong I new I could claw it back and at Ramsey my board said - 2 I thought to myself I can not loose at tt by a couple of seconds it was there for the taking so I really concentrated what a feeling when I was + 5 at the Creg.

Senior TT you were in the top 5 and into top three if I’m right?, what happened?

Hutchy: Yes the senior we struggled a bit with stability but I was up to p3 with one lap to go when I came down to quarter bridge and a rider had fallen and left 3 liters of oil in the road it had been covered with dust and there were a few places like this around the coarse so it didn’t worry me too much I took it steady and without any warning I was on my arse; the incident was very fresh and the oil was still thick a costly mistake but I would not swop my 2 wins for that result back so you live and learn.

3 times TT winner, how many more?

Hutchy: Who knows how many more but the place is special to me and I seem to gel with it so hopefully there will be more

How important to you, professionally, is TT

Hutchy: The TT is important in three respects; its important because I enjoy myself there, its important because I earn a living there and its important because it put my name on the map to ride at other races as all I want to be doing is racing motorbikes

How much of the week is down to Clive Padgett and the team

Hutchy: The TT is a team event you can be the best rider in the world and lead every race if you don’t finish your forgotten so for me Clive and the team have helped me achieve a lot

Has Clive signed you up for next year then

Hutchy: It’s a bit early for that talk but I would be very happy staying were I am you best ask him that one

UGP next and another victory? What’s the plan

Hutchy: Not sure at this point on the Ulster Grand Prix I love the place but things need to be organized around the British Championship for Clive yet

End of season racing is traditionally Macau – is that a race you want to win or is it more about being there?

Hutchy: Yes I definitely want to win it but you have to be realistic, it is a dangerous place and everything has to gel for the win but I have had 3 podiums there and want to add it to my NW TT and UGP wins for sure

Your TT will have turned a few heads what would you like 2010 to hold, back to a short circuit ride maybe?

Hutchy: Yes for 2010 I want to be back at short circuit I,m not just a road racer and I need to be out racing every week so that is the main aim

What’s your favourite meal

Hutchy: Sunday Roast

What’s your favourite drink

Hutchy: Tea

TV programme

Hutchy: Grand Design

Film

Hutchy: Snatch