Johnston off to solid start to the week at NW200

Local star Lee Johnston says he’s raring to go in tomorrow’s opening races of this year’s North West 2000 after a successful first day at the Northern Irish road race saw him walk away with a provisional front row for the main superbike races.

Taking to the track in less than ideal conditions, after a heavy rain shower during the main class’s shortened thirty minute practice session, the diminutive East Coast Racing rider says that despite a lack of time on their new BMW machinery he already feels up to speed.

“The conditions were far from ideal for anyone, but we’ve qualified the bikes in all classes and although the times will mean nothing if it’s dry on Thursday for qualifying, it was nice to be top three on the S1000RR BMW in the Superbike class as it’s the first time we’ve tried it out on the roads.

“I’m comfortable on the Triumph and I know the lap times I can do on it so I’m very happy with our day’s work. It’s just so difficult to know how hard to push in those conditions, but yes a good solid start to the week.”

With the first day done, Johnson returns to the track again tomorrow for a full day of action, with a morning of further qualifying before the afternoon sees the opening three races of the week.