It had looked as if Conor Cummins and team Padgett's were set to part ways after a long and fruitful collaboration. But now comes official confirmation that the Manx rider will continue to defend the colours of the team headed up by Clive Padgett again in 2024, with the Tourist Trophy as the main goal, in addition to the North West 200 and other British races.

The 37-year-old, a native of the Isle of Man, will be back on the Honda CBR1000RR-R in the Superbike, Superstock and Senior TT classes, but will also compete in the Supersport with the new CBR600RR. He will therefore join the returning Ian Hutchinson, two outsiders to watch out for around the Mountain Course.

Cummins seeking his first TT win

Conor (known also for the memorable 2010 incident at the Verandah turn) is still seeking a first win in his home race, despite having reached the podium on twelve occasions, six of which with team Padgett's. In 2022 he also completed a lap in an average of 133.116 mph, becoming the fourth fastest rider of all time around the Island, behind only Peter Hickman, Michael Dunlop and Dean Harrison.

Last year didn’t go according to plan, in that Cummins had to sit out a good part of the practice week and the first races due to health issues, but the 2024 edition sees him back among the frontrunners, particularly in the 1000 categories, where his return to full fitness, combined with Hutchinson’s reappearance and Davey Todd’s move to BMW, could make for an even more exciting battle for the podium positions.