Three times Ulster GP race winner Lee Johnston, goes into the 2017 MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix, confident of contending for race wins across all classes, on his new stable of Jackson Racing Honda’s.
One of his new mounts, the ex Nicky Hayden WSB race winning Ten Kate Honda, is sure to be one of the most exotic and most high spec machines, to take to Dundrod in August.
Established amongst the main front running forces at the world’s fastest road race, General Lee is determined for returns a plenty to the podium, at a meeting, which he regards as his favourite roads meeting.
Photo by Stephen Davison
Commenting on his Ulster GP plans with Jackson Racing, Lee said:
“I’m really happy with the new team, it’s pretty similar to my last team in terms of its size and the way of doing things, I get to have my input into things and I think it’s a good fit.
The machinery I’ll be riding this year has me pretty excited; Ten Kate is preparing both my Superbike and 600 in Holland and it’s great that they want to be involved with road racing.
I just want to get back to my 2015 best this year. 2016 was a waste of time but I’m training hard and feeling much better within myself. Now I just need to concentrate on not getting hurt and getting some success.
The new bikes are great, plenty fast, especially the superbike, and I’m feeling confident about what they’ll be able to do at Dundrod.
I had my first podium at the Dundrod 150 back in 2012 on a Honda so I’m excited to get back there with Jackson Racing to see what I can do this time.”
Ulster GP, Clerk of the Course, Noel Johnston added:
“Lee has said in the past that Dundrod is his favourite circuit and he’s a massive hit with the local fans.
It was a real shame that injury prevented him from giving it his all back in August but if there’s one thing the crowd loves it’s a comeback and we’ll all be looking forward to seeing a big return.
There’s no doubt he’s one of the brightest talents in the sport and he’ll be bringing with him some mega machinery and a good attitude.
I see no reason he won’t return to 2015 form, when he was crowned the Ulster’s Man of the Meeting.”
Words by Stevie Rial