LEE JOHNSTON
Lee returns to the Isle of Man 2022 TT backed by Ashcourt Racing. Lee has been competing in the British Supersport Championship rounds with some great results.
Over the May bank holiday weekend he not only stood on the podium twice by taking a third place on Sunday and a Second place on Bank Holiday Monday, along with setting the fastest ever lap on the undulating Circuit in Cheshire for the Supersport series.
He is looking in great form ahead of the Northwest 200 which starts shortly. Lee last took the honours there by winning the Supersport Class in 2019.
LEE JOHNSTON the TT 2019
Lee spoke afterwards stating “I love competing in the series with no road racing taking place and just because i have had headlines here and there, doesn’t mean i am sharper than anyone else.
The likes of Dean Harrison and Peter Hickman have also been competing in the British Series and it doesn’t make me any more of a favourite “
No stranger to the Isle of Man TT podium, Lee will be up for more this time around after the layoff from Road Racing, certainly one to watch in all the classes he takes part in.
Taking the honours at the TT in 2019 in the Monster Energy Supersport TT you can be sure he will be wanting more of the same time around.
James Hillier
James is no stranger to the Isle of Man TT Podium with 15 to his name, with eight second places, six 3rd places and a win in the lightweight class in 2013.
Yet to join the 130 mph club at the TT, James came close with a lap of 129.996 during the 2019 Superbike class, backed now by Rich Energy OMG Racing, for sure he will break into the 130 plus barrier this year at the TT.
James will also be competing at this year’s Northwest 200 meeting which takes place next week, a first for Rich Energy OMG Racing who were to field Aussie rider David Davo Johnson as a team mate, with Davo being ruled out after his off at Oulton Park over the bank holiday weekend Davo, will miss the Northwest 200.
Competing in 5 races in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport classes aboard the Yamaha R1 and Yamaha R6, James said “ I cannot wait to get back doing what i enjoy the most , it will be something special for us all with Rich Energy OMG Racing beginning our road racing journey”
It will be a challenging time this time around at the TT for all competitors with having a 3 year lay from the road, The course has undergone some surface changes during the past weeks and it will be down to who can re-learn the course the quickest and get the most out of it come race day.
Presently racing in the Superbike class in the British Superbike series James will certainly up to speed when he starts his campaign in earnest when he has completed his time at the Northwest 200 in readiness for the TT, James will as always give it his all and will certainly be a rider to watch this year.
ATT 2019
Ian Hutchinson
The only man in the history of the TT to win 5 races in 1 week and with 16 race wins to his name, Ian is certainly one of the riders to watch this year.
Competing on a Raceways Yamaha R1 in the British National Superstock 1000 series at present he will also race a Yamaha R6 for the Russell Racing Team during 2022 at the Northwest 200 meeting in the Supersport class and other International road races.
TT 2019 was not a good year for Ian with only 2 finishes,1 in the Superbike race finishing 13th and 1 in the Supersport race 1 finishing 10th with 3 DNF’S in the other 3 classes, Superstock, Supersport 2 and Senior.
Ian’s last race wins were in 2017 taking the top honours in the Superbike and Superstock Class, surprising results for Ian especially with his experience but there is no telling what can happen on this very demanding course.
Ian has the determination to win and knows the course well, suffice to say that it won’t be easy for anyone going back after a 3 year hiatus but he will be running in the top ten for sure.
It is surprising to note especially with Ian taking 5 wins in 1 week that his fastest lap was 130.029 during the senior race in 2013, but as the saying goes The best way to win a race is at the slowest possible speed.
We wish all those taking part this year a safe and successful TT 22, and thanks go to all those behind the scenes the same, all we need now is the sun to shine.
TTFN Glynne Lewis