Eight-times TT winner Ian Hutchinson has joined the Penrith-based Paul Bird Motorsport Team in a deal which will see him compete for the remainder of 2014 in the team's Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki colours, as well as a full season in 2015.
The 35-year-old, from Bingley in West Yorkshire, will contest the final two rounds of the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship aboard the Rapid Solicitors Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R at Silverstone and Brands Hatch in October, before competing at the Macau Grand Prix the month after.
The deal then extends into 2015, which will see a concerted factory-backed effort at next year's TT, as well the other two major road races - the North West 200 and Ulster Grand Prix - with Supersport, Superstock and Superbike machinery.
In addition, Hutchy will contest the opening three rounds of the 2015 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship for one of Paul Bird's teams with a view to doing further rounds throughout the season.