Gary Johnson signs for East Coast

East Coast Racing have signed TT star Gary Johnson and Lee Johnston to race in British Supersport this year.

They will ride the ex-GNS Racing Hondas ridden by BSS title-winner Sam Lowes last year.

Johnson, 28, from Broughton, Lincs, said: “”I can’t wait to get on the track with the East Coast Racing team. Last year (with AIM Racing) was a disappointment for me and I have points to prove in 2011. I want to come back this year really strong and get some good results in the supersport races and on the roads.”

2008 Superstock 600 champion Lee Johnston, 22, said: “I had a good start to my Supersport career in 2009 but last year it got a little wayward when I ended up swapping teams half way through the season and missed a round.

“The Hondas are proven and think they will suit my riding style. I’m very pleased to be part of the East Coast Racing team, I can’t wait to get testing and then back racing at Brands in April!”

Team owner Phil Reed added: “Last season was a learning year for the team and we had a few riders come and go. Karl Harris and Tom Grant rode for us briefly, Jason O’Halloran joined us at Knockhill and his results were never out of the top six for the remainder of the year.

“We all wish him well for the Superstock championship (with HM Plant Honda) this year and thank him for helping put East Coast on the map.

“I’d been watching Gary last year and got to know him well in Macau where we managed to sort out a deal. And with Lee signed up I think we’ve got a very good little team for our assault on the 2011 Championship.”