Gary Johnson returns to Triumph in pursuit of further TT glory

Two-time Isle of Man TT winner Gary Johnson will return to Triumph machinery for the Supersport class in 2016 after joining forces with Team T3 Racing.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Feb 2016, 21:31 BST
Updated 18th Feb 2016, 10:01 BST
Gary Johnson on the Mar-Train Yamaha R6 at the 2015 Isle of Man TT races.Gary Johnson on the Mar-Train Yamaha R6 at the 2015 Isle of Man TT races.
Gary Johnson on the Mar-Train Yamaha R6 at the 2015 Isle of Man TT races.

The Lincolnshire man claimed the second of his Supersport victories around the Mountain Course on a Triumph Daytona 675 for Smiths Racing in 2014 and will embark on an intensive testing programme with British Supersport Cup championship-winning outfit T3 during the build-up to the biggest road race event of the year in June.

“I’m really excited about this new venture and getting involved with a new team, particularly one with T3’s experience,” said Johnson.

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“It’s great to be back on a Triumph 675 as I have a wealth of knowledge on the bike and I hope to replicate the success of 2014 this year. I’m eager to get going as we have a busy testing schedule ahead to be fully prepared for first practice in June.”

Johnson clinched his maiden TT success in 2011 on the East Coast Honda before repeating the feat three years later on the British-built Triumph.

Last season, he finished on the rostrum in the opening Monster Energy Supersport race in third place for Ulster’s Mar-Train Racing team before taking fifth in race two on the Yamaha YZF-R6.

Team T3 Racing principal Andy Jenkinson said he is confident Johnson is the right man to lead the quest for a prestigious TT victory this year.

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“We are thrilled that Gary is riding our bike this year. With over 15 years of racing experience with Aston Martin as a champion racing driver I have worked with the A1 GP, BTCC, British GT and Heritage as promoters and sponsors,” Jenkinson said.

“I understand the challenges in putting together a winning team and I believe Gary and Tony are crucial to our success. As proven race winners, they are capable of putting us in a strong position to challenge for the win.”

The British championship team contested the TT for the first time in 2013 with Australian rider David Johnson and managing director, Tony Scott, says he has been biding his time for the chance to sign a competitor of Johnson’s calibre.

“We had our first outing at the TT in 2013 with Dave Johnson who put in two great performances on what was a stock 675, placing as top finishing Triumph that year,” he said.

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“This gave us a taste for the event but we have been waiting for the right rider who could take our bike to the podium. We believe Gary is that guy and are heading into the event this year confident of success.”

Meanwhile, a test day will be held at Bishopscourt circuit on Saturday, March 5, for solo racing machines.

Gates open from 7.30am at the Co Down track with the first test session scheduled for 9.30am. Entry forms are available for download now at www.bishopscourt.org.