Conor Cummins stays put with Milenco Padgett Honda Squad for 2024 Briggs Equipment North West 200

Conor Cummins is set to return to the start line of the Briggs Equipment North West 200 in Milenco Padgett Honda colours on May 8-11.
The 37 year old Manxman suffered one of his toughest seasons in 2023 when he was ruled out of Saturday’s North West 200 action after injuring his knee on a kerb at Ballysally roundabout during Thursday evening’s Superstock race.
A fortnight later the ‘Ramsey Rocket’ was hospitalised by a debilitating virus during the Isle of Man TT before he battled his way back to claim 4th place in the Senior race.
Cummins, who made his debut at the North West 200 in 2006, says those experiences forced him to take a long hard look at his racing career.
“2023 wasn’t the best season and I reached a stage in my racing where I wanted to really understand where I was and what I wanted to do.” Cummins says.
“I wanted to make sure I was happy and had a package that will give me the best chance to win. Clive put a mega offer on the table for me and I am glad to be back in the Milenco Padgett team for ‘24. It is just solid.”
The five-time podium finisher at Portrush will race alongside Ian Hutchinson who has rejoined Clive Padgett’s Milenco-backed Honda squad this year.
“I am really revved up and passionate about racing at the 2024 North West 200 and TT.” Cummins says.
“I am doing a lot of prep and am in a good place with it all.”
Padgett is equally delighted to be retaining Cummins’ services.
“Conor has been with us since 2016 and I am really chuffed he is going racing with us again in 2024.” he said.
“We sold Conor his first race bike, a RS125cc Honda, when he was just 16 and that shows how long we have been friends. I don’t have a contract with any rider, I just tell them what I will do and I do it.”
Hutchinson enjoyed his first full test with the team in Estoril earlier this month.
“It is great to be working with Hutchy again.” Padgett said.
“He still needs a lot more track time though because he hasn’t been on a race bike for a while but we will be testing again with Ian and Conor at Almeria at the end of the month and there will be some BSB outings as well.”