Lee Johnston produced a hat-trick of victories at the Ulster Grand Prix to claim the Darren Lindsay trophy as the man of the meeting. The local rider dominated the event, winning the Superstock race and both Supersport races as well as taking a podium finish in the Superbike race to cap one of the most successful days of his road racing career.

“Going into the weekend I wanted to win, but to come away with three wins, two lap records and a podium in the Superbike was an awesome achievement against the best road racers in the world,” said Lee. “We are there or thereabouts now and its all going really well. I won the man of the meeting award which was a massive achievement and it was special to get the Darren Lindsay trophy.” Lee went into the weekend looking for his first victory at the famous Dundrod course, and he immediately climbed to the top step of the podium, smashing the lap record on his way to winning the opening Supersport race ahead of Peter Hickman and Michael Dunlop. “We had a big battle with Hickman,” said Lee. “We pulled away from the rest of the field, and passed each other maybe 10 or 12 times. I managed to pass him on the last section of bends where no one really gets past that often and held on for the last few corners to take the win. It was very pleasing to say the least and a great way to start the day off.” The second race of the day was the Supersport race, and it yielded another win for the Fermanagh man. On this occasion Lee’s main threat came from William Dunlop and the pair exchanged the lead of the race numerous times. Lee made the decisive pass coming into the hairpin and held on to take victory number two and record lap record number two.

In the Superbike race Lee was once again in contention, but had to settle for third when the race was halted. “I don’t know if we would have won it or not but we were in third and going well when the race was stopped after an incident, so there was nothing we could do,” he said. “I was happy to be on the podium again.” Lee completed his memorable hat-trick with a win in the second Supersport race, although his success was overshadowed by the death of Scottish rider Andy Lawson. In a thrilling three way battle with William Dunlop and Glenn Irwin, Lee led over the line at the end of lap three and was declared the winner. With the rain starting to fall Lee opted not to contest the final Superbike race, content to settle for a hatrick of wins on one of his favourite events.

“I really enjoy the Ulster Grand Prix,” he admitted. “I enjoy the crowd and the atmosphere was great. The weather was really good for most of the day and the place was buzzing. I really appreciate the home support I got. Now I’m off now for two weeks and then it’s the Classic TT in the Isle of Man again. We are going to try to win the 350 race again and we have two other bikes as well this year so I am really looking forward to it. There is not as much pressure involved so we can all have some fun.”