Targeting an unprecedented 1-2-3 finish within the SES TT Zero class, Mugen have unveiled today their three rider team for TT 2018, which includes six times international road race winner Lee Johnston, who for the first time will link up with the dominant TT Zero force of recent years.
A former rostrum finisher in the innovative electric machine based class, Fermanagh’s Johnston who’s also part of the factory Honda set up at TT 2018, has no doubt a golden opportunity with Mugen, to contend for a first TT victory.
Joining the ever cheerful Johnston at Mugen includes his good friend, 23 times TT winner John McGuinness.
Twice a TT Zero champion, the hugely popular Morecambe racer, will have Mountain Course experience, knowledge in bucket loads to call upon in his quest for a third TT success with Mugen.
Same applies to team mate Bruce Anstey, who completes Mugen’s all star line up for TT 2018. Dominant in 2016 and 2017 aboard Mugen’s previous machine incarnations, ‘Go’ and ‘Roku’, he underlined his proven class around the world famous Manx roads.
One of the most naturally talented pure road racers in history, it would not be a surprise at all to see him make it this June, a hat trick of TT Zero wins.
The genial New Zealander knows only to well though, the standard of competition on the horizon, from new team mates McGuinness and Johnston.
It’s certain to add a much needed enterprising factor to the SES TT Zero class, which in my opinion in recent times has gone backwards at the TT, adding fuel to the argument about whether it should be considered a TT victory.
This discussion, will no doubt run on and on for many years to come, but one things for sure Mugen’s decision to run three riders this year, adds something different to the class, which celebrates this year it’s 10th year of involvement with the TT Races.
Words by Stevie Rial