15th May 2008
Racing to be put on hold
As everyone knows, motorcycle racing is a very expensive sport. Even with the backing of sponsors and individuals making donations, most of the cost is usually paid by the racer himself - AJ being no exception.
AJ has this comment to make: "Unfortunately, I can no longer feed my passion, obsession and love of the sport with any more of my own money. I have recently received confirmation that myself, and quite a few others, are to be made redundant at the end of the month.
This will be the first time since obtaining my Junior Certificate that I've found myself out of work, and I now find myself at a cross roads. At the moment, I am putting my CV together and will send it out to every possible office I can find to see what opportunities are available.
A lot of people are suggesting I take some time out as I don't know when I'll have this opportunity again, if ever. At the moment it sounds very appealing as I've been working in the same office for seven years. Is it time for me to go off and travel the world?, work abroad? I don't know just yet"
The Irish Superbikes, Race of the Year last weekend will be AJ's last race for now. No more entries can sent out until he returns to full time employment and has a way of paying the bills. "I had to get by last weekend on the cheap. I used the set of tyres I had on at the previous ISB - this was also the reason why I had to decline the invitation to the actual 'Race of the Year' invitation race. Its a shame as I am currently 2nd in the ISB Cup and found myself getting more use to the handling of the GSX-R and dropped my laptimes into the 57 seconds on the small track."
Obviously, if there are any further developments we will let you know and update www.ajhutchracing.com accordingly. We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported AJ over the past few years, made donations through paypal, come to races to cheer him on and to all the team sponsors.
Information on the team, including race reports, onboard footage, photos and lots of other stuff can be found on the website (www.ajhutchracing.com) and much needed sponsorship donations can be made via the PayPal button. Alternatively, if you would like some further information on sponsorship packages please contact Sheila Dean on (+44) 7787 877164.
19th February 2008
Celbridge rider looks to ISB as sponsorship hope fails
Like a lot of young talented riders, AJ Hutchinson has had to look to his home championships for 2008; as the required sponsorship funds required for him to enter the prestigious new R1 Cup championship in the BSB series has not been forthcoming.
AJ finished in creditable top ten position in the Triumph Triple Challenge series this season - his first in the UK. He said "I've decided that I'm going to stay in Ireland for 2008 and enter the Irish Superbikes and hopefully qualify for the new "Mondello Masters" Championship if I finish in the top 24. It was a great privilege to be selected for the R1 Cup, but unfortunately despite some fantastic support we just couldn't raise the funds."
Open only to Superbike and Supersport competitors, the new three race 'Mondello Masters' championship has been set up to boost the Irish domestic motorcycle racing scene, with a €25,000 prize fund and a strong promotional package. The series, which will run in conjunction with the Kidare circuit's three Irish Superbike events, has been put together with the aim to attract the top Irish racers who currently race abroad back to Mondello along with some of their fellow UK competitors. All three events on the schedule have been arranged so as not to clash with British Superbike Championship races and thereby facilitate the growing number of Irish riders competing in that series and its support races
AJ says "Coming home or staying here is still going to be a huge challenge to me, as I will be adapting to a new and more powerful bike"
The first round of Irish Superbikes takes place on 22nd March at Bishopscourt, and this season also sees the penultimate round taking place at the new circuit at Anglesey, North Wales.
For information or discussion on sponsorship opportunities, please contact the team via the team website www.ajhutchracing.com. Alternatively, contact Sheila Dean, Marketing and PR Manager on (+44) 7787 877164.
5th December 2007
Celbridge Rider Selected for the Yamaha R1 Cup!
Trainee Architect AJ, who currently works for Brian O'Halloran Associates & Architect, has had confirmation from Rob McElnea today that he has been selected to ride in the prestigious new Yamaha R1 Cup.
AJ said, "I'm stunned at being selected, especially as we knew that there were over 80 riders that registered interest in the series. I am really excited about being given this opportunity to learn from the best in the BSB Paddock".
As a support class in the BSB Championships, this brand new series comprises of 36 YZF R1 Superbikes with racing exhaust systems and Power Commanders. With the power increase the suspension will be upgraded to Ohlins rear shocks and race kittled front forks. Braided brake hoses and adjustable rear sets complete the race going package.
Media coverage for the team and sponsors is also well organised, as you would expect:
» Race coverage at every round
» Behind the scenes "fly on the wall" documentary
» Series media partner
» Dedicated PR officer
» Bespoke website
The icing on the cake is that all riders also get to showcase themselves in the Yamaha R1 Cup International Trophy, taking place at the 2008 MotoGP at Donnington Park.
AJ finished in creditable top ten position in the Triumph Triple Challenge series this season - his first in the UK.
For information or discussion on sponsorship opportunities, please contact the team via the team website www.ajhutchracing.com. Alternatively, contact Sheila Dean, Marketing and PR Manager on (+44) 7787 877164.
13th June 2007
Celebridge rider on track for strong finish in UK Championship
Trainee Architect AJ, who currently works for Brian O'Halloran Associates & Architect, is currently running in 8th place in the Triumph 675 "Young Guns" Championships, only nine points behind Steven Smith in fifth place. From here on in, the only two circuits that will be completely new to AJ will be Lydden this coming weekend and Mallory Park in August. Although he has not raced at Brands Hatch, he has attended a Triumph Owners day and experienced the circuit so our hopes are high for a strong finish. Being the only Irish rider in this new UK series at the moment, AJ is determined to let the mainland know his Irish roots.
His last race at Pembrey provided some real highs and lows - high because the best results of the season so far, and lows due to the lowside on Friday. The crash reminded the team that this is a dangerous and costly sport - AJ was lucky to get away with the few injuries he did. Saying that, costs of repairs to the bike were in excess of £800 and to add insult to injury we had problems with the truck, which has cost us a further £500!
The other season high was the decision by the producer of the Motors TV coverage of the series to use the video footage from the team's on-board cameras (the only team at this level to use them). This ensures that the team is mentioned on every programme, which raises awareness for sponsors and team. AJ's bike was also chosen as the bike to show at the start of the series coverage as series promoter Tony Scott said that it was "the most professionally turned out".
For further press information, request images or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please contact AJ via his website: www.ajhutchracing.com
Alternatively, call Sheila Dean on (0044) 7787 877164, or email shils@googlemail.com
22nd March 2007
Team fuel crisis resolved thanks to TDG!
Since committing ourselves to enter the Triumph 675 Challenge, the team have been looking at the options open to us with regards to transport costs.
Being based in Southern Ireland, costs for the team were always going to be much higher than for those based on the UK mainland, and therefore a major financial concern.
Luckily for us, Peter Loxam of TDG, one of Europe’s leading Logistics companies, recently contacted us with the fantastic news that not only will they sponsor our diesel costs for the series, but also offered the use of one of their UK sites depots to store our Race–truck!
AJ and Jackson met both Peter, who is Transport Operations Manager and his boss, Mick Wilson while in Calafat for testing. TDG are the series sponsors and were responsible for the safe delivery of the bikes and associated equipment to and from the circuit. TDG take great pride in whatever sector they work, and whatever the style of company they are working with, they actively find new ways to make them more competitive.
For more information on TDG and how it can help your business, please follow our sponsor’s link.
As you can see from the pictures, AJ had a great time at the recent Irish Motorcycle and Scooter show in Dublin. Apart from posing for photos and chatting up the girls, both he and Jackson had a great time meeting fans and answering their questions. The team would like to thank all who came and showed support, and Justin from Bike Buyers Guide for allowing AJ’s bike to be displayed on their stand.
AJ has also been asked to tutor on track days at Mondello Park, so don’t be surprised if you book and he’s there! Obviously his attendance will be dependant on race and other commitments — so if you want to make sure he’ll be there, email him to check.
The start of the 2007 season is approaching fast, with the first race taking place at Snetterton on the 14th/15th April – we’d love to see you there!
For further press information, request images or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please contact AJ via his website: www.ajhutchracing.com
Alternatively, call Sheila Dean on (0044) 7787 877164, or email shils@googlemail.com
22nd February 2007
Celbridge rider flies the Irish flag in Spain!
Trainee Architect AJ, who currently works for Brian O’Halloran Associates & Architect, attended the official Press Launch for the 2007 Triumph 675 “Michelin Young Guns” Challenge Series at Calafat in Spain near Barcelona, last weekend.
Being the only Irish rider in this new UK series at the moment, AJ is determined to let the mainland sure of his Irish roots. The bike livery is the Irish colour scheme, and two of his sponsors, Bikeworld and Dainese (Ireland), are supporting sourcing boots, leathers and helmet co–ordinated to match the bike. Even the team clothing has been carefully sourced to match!
As AJ commented, “from the moment we had our first glimpse of the Tri–Colour Triumph 675, I was gleaming from ear to ear with how gorgeous she was. It seemed only right that we as a team should try our best to look as good!”
With regards to the testing, the team achieved everything they needed – despite the usual pre–season nerves with a vastly different bike on an unknown circuit. There was confidence in the wets, decent lap times in the dry and a base setting for the front forks! Unfortunately not all the equipment arrived in time for testing adding another challenge – and lets not forget a young lady on a SV 650 who made an impression on both AJ and the bike on Saturday!
“It was a really worthwhile weekend and fantastic to be able to finally get to ride the bike and to meet fellow competitors,” said AJ. “The paddock was as friendly as ever and I’m sure a great season of close racing awaits. Thanks Mark aka Stabby for organising a fantastic weekend for all of us! Also cheers to the lads from TDG for bringing the bikes down for us, unloading everything and then loading back up on Sunday!”
The team are now looking forward to the start of the season at Snetterton on the 14th/15th April, and from the look of things from the testing – that Irish flag will be running close to the front!
For further press information, request images or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please contact AJ via his website: www.ajhutchracing.com
Alternatively, call Sheila Dean on (0044) 7787 877164, or email shils@googlemail.com
10th January 2007
Celbridge rider wins Bridgestone Rider of the Year poll.
Trainee Architect AJ, who currently works for Brian O’Halloran Associates & Architect, collected his award from Peter Dickson, Bridgestone Ireland, last weekend.
“It’s a great honour to be nominated, not just for myself – but also for my sponsors and everyone who has supported me so far. ”
“I want to thank Iain Duff of Absol Racing for everything he has done. Without his help and effort, I would not be in this fantastic position now.”
AJ, who’s only in his second full season of racing, secured his ambition for this season by achieving a top five position in the Bridgestone SS600s Championship and has finished in 3rd place in the Southern Centre Clubman’s SS600s Championship and Southern Centre National Clubman’s SS600s Championship.
He has recently committed to racing in the UK next season in the Triumph 675 Challenge. “The 675 Challenge Cup looks to be a fantastic series, and will keep me on a bike I know whilst I learn the UK circuits”. The Triumph 675 Challenge will be run in conjunction with the Bemsee Racing Club and will feature in nine rounds of their Club Championship. The format will be two qualifying sessions followed by one Superpole race and two Supersport races.
The Official Press Launch for the Series has been scheduled for February 16th, 17th and 18th 2007 at Calafat in Spain near Barcelona, and with entry into the series costing 12K (sterling), the first race AJ has to win is to raise the funds.
For further press information, request images or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please contact AJ via his website: www.ajhutchracing.com
Alternatively, call Sheila Dean on (0044) 7787 877164, or email shils@googlemail.com
10th September 2006
Celbridge rider sets his sights on new British Championship Challenge
Irish short–circuit racer AJ Hutchinson has been invited to race in the proposed Triumph 675 Challenge Cup in the UK next season.
Trainee Architect AJ, who currently works for Brian O’Halloran Associates " Architect, was recently invited over to a Triumph track day at the Brands Hatch circuit; where the series organiser, and well–known tuner, Tony Scott, approached him.
“The 675 Challenge Cup looks to be a fantastic series, and will keep me on a bike I know whilst I learn the UK circuits. It’s a great honour to be asked, not just for myself – but also for my sponsors and everyone who has supported me so far. I want to thank Iain Duff of Absol Racing for everything he has done. Without his help and efforts, I would not be in this fantastic position now.”
AJ, who’s only in his second full season of racing, is currently on track to achieve his 2006 ambition of a top five position in the Bridgestone SS600s Championship and has finished in 3rd place in the Southern Centre Clubman’s SS600s Championship. He has also been nominated for Bridgestone SS600 Rider of the Year and the Overall Clubman’s Rider of the Year.
The Triumph 675 Challenge will be run in conjunction with the Bemsee Racing Club and will feature in nine rounds of their Club Championship. The format will be two qualifying sessions followed by one Superpole race and two Supersport races. With entry into the series costing 12K (sterling), the first race AJ has to win is to raise the funds.
For further press information, request images or to discuss sponsorship opportunities please contact AJ via his website: www.ajhutchracing.com
Alternatively, call Sheila Dean on (0044) 7787 877164, or email shils@googlemail.com
