THE services of a local health club are being used by Isle of Man TT history maker Ian Hutchinson in his battle to get back to race fitness.

Hutchy, who won a record five races in a week during last year’s TT, has been taking advantage of the facilities at the Palace Health Club.

He suffered a serious leg injury in a crash at a BSB Supersport race at Silverstone in September.  Since then he has undergone 16 operations and skin grafts and currently wears a cage connected to numerous pins in his lower leg.

Ian has received support from the Palace Hotel Casino for the last three years and has been spending time in the gym to aid his recovery.

Speaking after a workout, he said, “Despite not racing this year, I’ve been really busy with various media commitments, including being involved with the ITV4 programmes.  The TT seems to grow bigger every year, partly because of TV coverage, but the TT3D film has taken the event to a different audience in the last year.”

“It’s been a very frustrating time for me, but I want to make sure the leg is right before returning to racing.  I’m hoping to get the cage off my leg soon, and after that, it’s a case of building up the muscle again.

“I still can’t say when that will be, but I’m hoping to be back for the Ulster GP later in the year.”

Sefton Group’s Group Director of Hotels and Leisure, Adrian Brockhouse, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Ian to the hotel and happy to continue to support him following his horrendous injury last year.

“He’s obviously dedicated to keeping fit and we wish him all the best in his recovery.  Fingers crossed he’ll be racing again very soon and we look forward to welcoming him back for TT 2012.”