Johnston and ECR satisfied with TT 2016 campaign
East Coast Racing’s Lee Johnston can be proud of his efforts at this year’s Isle of Man TT Races, where he consistently made progress, increasing his lap speeds, which saw him take sixth place in the second Monster Energy Supersport race and eighth place in the Blue Riband Pokerstars Senior TT.
In fact his opening two laps of the Senior TT, at 130.371mph and 130.073mph were his strongest consecutive laps on East Coast Racing BMW machinery this TT, which brought his 130mph tally for TT2016 to four – with another effort of 129.942mph.
Taking the opening day 10th place in the RST TT Superbike race, 7th in Monster Energy Supersport race one and holding fourth in the RL360 Quantum Superstock race before retiring with a mechanical problem – it was quite a positive week for the Ulsterman.
Lee Johnston:
“We’ve already summed up what went wrong in the Superstock race, and as I said at the time it was no one’s fault. In Supersport race one we had a small issue and put in a strong effort to finish 7th. The goal is always to ride stronger in the second half of the week as we perfect set-up and gain confidence.
"We did that on the East Coast Racing Triumph going one place better in sixth and set a final lap of 126.864mph. That’s certainly not hanging around on a Supersport bike. The Senior is the big race of the week and the opening two laps of six were really pleasing with 130mph standing start and flying laps. I would have liked a little more from myself in the final couple of laps but 8th in the Senior TT is not a shabby result.
"I will be back for more next year and this sets us up well now for the rest of the season and of course we have the Ulster Grand Prix to think about in August where we had a memorable hat-trick last year. Thanks to Phil for providing the machinery and the boys in the team for their usual massive effort, and of course all our team and personal sponsors. I hope you all didn’t get too sunburned!”
Jamie Ferguson – Team Manager:
“I think Lee has summed it up as well as needs said. We are a family run team and although it’s hard work we fully enjoy the TT experience and the challenge. Apart from one mechanical we finished every race and made improvements. Lee can be proud of that, as can the boys in the team. It’s been a mixed week for others and we must always remember those less fortunate than us, who lost team members and loved ones this TT. Deepest and heartfelt sympathies from all at East Coast Racing.”
Results
| RST TT Superbike Race – 10th place with a best lap of 130.692mph |
| Monster Energy Supersport 1 – 7th place with a best lap of 125.065mph |
| RL360º Quantum Superstock Race – DNF from 4th place with a best lap of 130.549mph |
| Monster Energy Supersport 2 – 6th with a best lap of 126.864mph |
| Pokerstars Senior TT – 8th place with consecutive laps of 130.371mph & 130.073mph |