On Track Off Road No. 187

FEATURE
Johnston is back racing in the British
Supersport class and has started the
season strongly. The Northwest 200
was his first road race of the season,
and the experience of racing short
circuits clearly helped; he claimed
victory in the first Supersport of
the NW200 race week. That was his
fourth victory on the coast road and
has set The General up nicely for the
Isle of Man TT.
“You can’t do well when you’re not
really bothered about being there
in Britain. You need to want it. I’ve
proven myself so far, so it’s been
good. The days of turning up for
three weeks of road racing and not
riding the rest of the year are long
gone. You can’t just turn up and
compete…well you can but the risk
goes up massively. You’re not fully
bike fit for really pushing the limits.
Your body isn’t used to it either. Is
there any other sport in the world
where they don’t compete all year
but expect to contend for a few
events? Road Racing was a bit behind
the times but it’s changed now.”
Being able to race in Britain has
obviously helped Johnston but there
has been another factor which has
impacted him much more: freedom.
Riders spend their careers looking
for factory contracts but sometimes
the dream can become a nightmare.
For Johnston the experience of being
a works Honda rider was obviously
one he had sought. Now though, he’s
glad to have the opportunity to set
his own schedule. Forming his own
team – with the backing of people
like XL Moto - has given him that
freedom.