By Disclosed officially today, twice Steve Henshaw Gold Cup winner Lee Johnston is Northwest 200, TT 2024 bound with long-term suitors, Ashcourt Racing.
Side-lined from TT 2023, following a serious incident at the Northwest 200, ‘General Lee’ is step by step getting back to optimum race fitness.
For his Mountain Course racing return, he’s to be astride CBR1000RR-R SP Fireblade Honda, RS 660 Aprilia, still to be decided Supersport machinery.
Commenting about re-joining TT Races rider ranks, he stated:
“It’s never good to miss a year at the TT, but even more so when the weather was as good as it was last year.
The amount of track time and the sheer number of laps completed saw the game move on considerably. You’ve got to do 130mph+ now to win a Supersport race which is unreal.
I’m being realistic about it. This will be somewhat of a rebuilding year, but I can’t wait to get back on my bike at the TT.
Obviously, I want to do as well as possible, particularly in the Supersport and Supertwin Races, but I want to enjoy it as well.”
The 18th fastest racer in TT history, who is also hoping to sample this year all British Supersport Championship events, added:
“I’ve got to let the two weeks come to me and not get frustrated.
Everyone else will be quicker than me at the beginning of the fortnight as I’ve obviously missed a lot of track time, not just at the TT but everywhere else too, and we haven’t got any data to go on with the Hondas or the Supersport bike.
We’ll be behind the eight-ball a bit to begin with but that’s why we’ll be testing as much as possible before the TT gets underway.
Racers aren’t known for their patience but I’m old enough to know there’s nothing to gain by getting frustrated. We’ll work our way methodically through the process and set realistic goals. Anything else will be a bonus.”
Quotes courtesy of TT Races press team.
Photo courtesy of TT Races press team.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
