Gary Johnson in the points as 2011 campaign gets under way
As he continues his preparations for the 2011 Isle of Man TT fuelled by Monster Energy, Gary Johnson is celebrating securing points in the opening races of his season.
Johnson was contesting the opening two races of the British Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend and the Broughton rider said he was happy with his progress at the meeting.
The supersport format has changed for 2011, with a single qualifying session now followed by a ‘sprint’ race which sets the grid for the ‘feature’ race the next day. Both races earn championship points.
Riding for East Coast Racing, Johnson began race one from 17th and moved straight up to 10th, which he held for most of the 18 laps. He moved up to ninth in the closing stages, but was pushed back by Mat Whitman on the final lap to cross the finish line in 10th place.
Johnson said:
“After a mistake in qualifying I realised I had a lot of work to do from 17th. I knew I had to get away to a good start and luckily I did. It was very bunched up into the first two corners, but I just had to hope for the best and stick to my line. Thankfully it worked and I was 10th after the first lap.”
With his grid position improved to 15th after the first race, Johnson got away to a good start in the 26-lap feature race on Monday and moved straight into ninth. However, he once again became embroiled in a battle for position and although he put up a good fight he eventually crossed the finish line in 11th.
He said:
“I’m really happy with how the weekend has gone for me as I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It’s been nearly six years since I’ve raced in the Supersport class so it’s been a big change for me, but I’m really enjoying it.”
“Those boys out there are very quick so I’m glad I’ve been able to start the season with two solid results. We’ve made huge steps forward with the bike and my riding style since arriving on Friday. I nearly had a big moment into Druids early on in the race which lost me time, but once I settled down I had a good battle with the riders around me.”
Johnson is back in short circuit action this weekend when the British Supersport Championship moves to Oulton Park.