He's walked away from Jackson Racing, for whom he was due to ride in the Supersport and Superstock classes, and has signed a deal with Padgetts instead.

The Ramsey Rocket was unhappy with how things had gone with Jackson at the North West 200, following a disappointing opening Supersport race.

He sat out the second one and the Superstock.

Manxman Conor Cummins has parted company with the Jackson Racing team and will instead race a Honda for Padgett's in the supersport and superstock classes.

Jackson Racing was due to run Cummins in the supersport and superbike classes but have split on the eve of this year's TT.

Cummins took part in supersport practice at last weekend's North West 200 but didn't race. As planned, he will take part in the Superbike and Senior TTs at this year's TT, racing for the official Honda squad alongside TT legend John McGuinness, as well as his commitments with Padgett's.

Steve Mercer will take Cummins' place in the team's TT squad, riding alongside McGuinness. A third rider to be added for their world endurance championship outings later in the year.

Jackson Racing team boss Alan Jackson said: 

"Steve has been extremely positive towards the development of the team since his inception. He delivered a very impressive performance at the recent Castle Combe test and is keen to build upon this at the TT races in a few weeks’ time."