Stroke forces Ian Hutchinson out of 2023 Isle of Man TT.

Ian Hutchinson's racing licence has been revoked due to the stroke he sustained in March, and he will be unable to compete in this year's Isle of Man TT.

Ian Hutchinson has withdrawn from the Isle of Man TT 2023 after the ACU revoked his racing licence.

Hutchinson was conspicuously absent from the list of the top 20 entrants for the 2023 Isle of Man TT Superbike races. As his racing licence has been provisionally revoked, the explanation for his omission is fairly straightforward.

The ACU, the regulating authority of motorcycle racing in the United Kingdom, has revoked the licence of 16-time TT race winner Ian Hutchinson due to the rider's recent stroke, which results in an automatic 12-month suspension from racing.

In a statement, the TAS Racing team for which Ian Hutchinson rode in 2022 and was scheduled to ride in 2023 stated, "Ian's day-to-day health is of the utmost importance to everyone involved, and while he is making a remarkable recovery – he has already been given the green light to drive – rules are rules, and we must abide by them.

Alistair Seeley will represent the team at the once-again-possible 2023 North West 200. The TAS Racing team also confirmed that Ian Hutchinson would be present at this year's Isle of Man TT.

TAS Racing will be absent from the Isle of Man TT for the first time in 23 years, with the exception of the Covid years of 2020 and 2021.

Phillip Neil, the TAS Racing team principal, stated, "Our first and foremost concern is for Ian, and we look forward to assisting him on his road to recovery." Obviously, we are disappointed to miss our first TT in 23 years, excluding the Covid years.

"We are eager to finalise our plans for the North West 200 and the upcoming British Superbike season."

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MILWAUKEE BMW AND HUTCHY FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM 2023 TT

TAS Racing and Ian Hutchinson have been forced to make the tough decision to sit out this year’s Isle of Man TT Races with Milwaukee BMW. In light of Ian’s well documented health scare earlier this month, his racing licence has been revoked for 12 months, which is standard protocol with racing’s governing body.

Ian’s day-to-day health is of paramount importance to all involved and while he is making a remarkable recovery, already given the all clear to drive his car – rules are rules and we must respect them. Ian is obviously bitterly disappointed after putting in the hard yards over the winter months, spinning many laps on a TAS Racing prepared Milwaukee BMW M 1000 RR Superstock specification machine in Spain.

Despite this major set-back, the team will be represented at the TT by our title partner Milwaukee, as they are also a leading event sponsor at the June showpiece. Ian will be on the Island representing both the team and Milwaukee during TT race week, so fans will get the chance to meet him on the Milwaukee stand in the main paddock area.

Milwaukee BMW will be at the International North West 200 in May however with Alastair Seeley, and Hutchy will be on the North Coast for a scheduled visit during race week as part of the team set-up and will no doubt be very well received.