By British Supersport Championship leader Lee Johnston, is determined to reenforce his 1000cc racing credentials at next month’s, eagerly anticipated FonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200.
Suitors Ashcourt Racing, have given Johnston prime tools for Superstock, Superbike competition on the coast roads, in the form of Glenn Irwin’s Honda Racing 1000cc mounts from 2022.
Exuding confidence about the potential, for a first big bike NW200 triumph since 2015, Johnston who took the runner-up spot in last year’s second Superstock encounter, stated:
“I would really like to win another big bike race at the North West 200. Everyone says I am too small to do it but I know I can.”
“I didn’t actually sit on my 600 Yamaha from Brands Hatch last season until the first round at Silverstone this year.
During Spanish testing I rode the Superbike and Stocker and although I am still focussed on the 600, I want to do more in the big bike races at the NW200 this year.”
Already a five times Triangle course winner, he went onto add:
“The North West 200 was the first big bike race I ever went to when I was kid. It means a lot to me and I think that shows in how hard I try to win races there.
In my head this year’s line-up is the most competitive it has ever been.
When I was growing up it always seemed like English racers like Michael Rutter would rock up at the North West on factory bikes and smoke everyone else. That really pissed me off because I wanted Richard Britton to win!
There are still some teams with big budgets like PBM and FHO but there is a much bigger spread of top machinery nowadays and the competition is fierce.
It freaks me out when I think about how many good riders will be on the North West grid on good bikes this year. It will be bloody hard work to win.”
Quotes courtesy of Stephen Davison
Photo credit: Tommy Vennard
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
