L-R: Alan Espie, Director at TBF Thompson, Ian Hutchinson, Seamus Doherty, Director at TBF Thompson 

and Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the MCE Ulster Grand Prix

Ian Hutchinson has admitted that it will take a massive effort to get to the top step at the MCE UGP, calling it one of the “toughest” road races to compete at.

Hutchinson, whose 2016 TT campaign resulted in three hard-fought wins, took home the treble at the MCE UGP in 2010, not returning again until 2014 after sustaining serious injuries to his leg which ruled him out for over three years.

Last year Hutchinson came second in the feature Superbike race behind Bruce Anstey, and third in the second Supersport race with Lee Johnston and Glenn Irwin taking the first two places on the podium.

He said: “I missed a lot of racing, even more so at the Ulster than anywhere else, so it was great last year to be back in the pack.

“It was a long three years watching racing and wondering if I could ever get back to the front. I couldn’t wait to get back to the Ulster. It’s a demanding place to return to, it’s so fast and flowing, but that’s why we love it and I want to get back on that top step.

“It will be one of the toughest races this year, it’s a massive battle to take off from that mass start and stay at the front. You have to work out a plan to be in the right place at the right time.”

Hutchinson wasa talking as the MCE Ulster Grand Prix announced a new co-sponsor of the event, TBF Thompson & Hitachi Construction Machinery. The Mallusk- based company has been involved in the automotive and plant industries throughout the island of Ireland for over 50 years.