Enthused and excited about next season, Lee Johnston for the first time at the international road races next year will be part of a works team, as he joins Ian Hutchinson at Honda Racing, to pilot the marques developing CBR 1000RR Fireblade SP2 in stock and big bike trim.
Six times an international road race winner, twice a TT rostrum finisher and a former Classic TT winner, it’s fair to say that ‘General Lee’ has earned his opportunity with one of road racing’s premier outfits.
Photo by Honda Racing
Long time employers East Coast Racing, should also take a lot of credit for giving the happy go lucky Ulsterman the tools to showcase his talents over recent seasons.
Following in the footsteps of stars such as Steve Hislop, Phillip McCallen, Carl Fogarty, John McGuinness and the legendary Joey Dunlop in becoming a factory Honda rider, a hugely happy Johnston stated today following the major announcement:
“I am genuinely excited about being with Honda Racing next year, I’m probably the most excited I’ve been in years if I’m honest! I have had two tough years and it’s nice to have everything organised and in place early so I have nothing to worry about apart from riding motorbikes.
So that for me is the biggest thing and what I wanted more than anything, as I have no outside distractions and I can just concentrate on doing my job.
I’ve ridden the Fireblade SP2 already at Le Mans, when I was a reserve rider for the Honda Endurance Racing team, so I’ve got a bit of a head start in that respect.
I enjoy riding the CBR, the tank fits me well and it isn’t as big as it looks! I just can’t wait now for testing to start in March and just get going with the new programme for the year.”
Photo by Honda Racing
Honda Racing Team Manager Jonny Twelvetrees, added:
“Lee has always impressed me, he joined the Honda Endurance Racing team as a reserve rider for the Le Mans 24-hour and since then we had been watching from a roads perspective.
He clearly has a talent on the roads and I am positive with the team we have, the Fireblade SP2 and the plans we have for the season that he can show his full potential.
We’re really looking forward to working together and personally I can’t wait for us to be back on the roads.”
Words by Stevie Rial