“If I could do what I did last year I’d be a happy man, to win another three at the Ulster would be absolutely unbelievable. I just need to be near the front and competitive, I want to win,” said Lee as the Maguiresbridge man looks ahead to this year’s Ulster Grand Prix which starts on Monday.
Moreover, asked about the introduction of the Superpole qualifying session at this year’s MCE Ulster Grand Prix and whether it will suit his style, Johnston said he was looking forward to it.
“I’m not sure how it will suit me, it’s a bit of an unknown. The good thing is that you’re not going to hit any traffic out there, which probably leaves it a little bit safer for some of the front guys. In qualifying when you come up behind people it can ruin a lap – it’s not their fault – everyone’s out there trying to do their own thing but it’s the way it is. There will be no excuses with Superpole – if you mess up it’s no-one’s fault but your own,” revealed Lee
Johnston added: “I don’t shy away from saying the Ulster is my favourite track of the year, I just really enjoy being there.”
Lee’s comments came as he helped his personal sponsor Maxwell Freight Services, one of the UK’s leading freight and haulage firms, launch another year of race sponsorship at the MCE UGP.
Tommy Maxwell said: “As a locally owned business we’re very proud to support this fantastic event on our doorstep. Most folk around here know what my brother Terry and I love road racing and have supported the sport in various ways for years.
“In 2016 we took the decision to sponsor three great local guys; Lee Johnston, William Dunlop and Glenn Irwin. We were chuffed to see Glenn reach the podium for the first time at Thruxton in July, it’s a shame he won’t be at Dundrod this year but we’ll be supporting Lee and William every step of the way in their bid for glory at the world’s fastest road race,” he added.
Clerk of the Course at the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix Noel Johnston said: “Lee has quickly become a real fan favourite at Dundrod, the circuit suits him and his style of riding.
“He’s clearly got a great relationship with the team and the guys at East Coast Construction, and the familiarity with the people and the bikes is a massive bonus for Lee too.
“He was last year’s Jamieson Construction Man of the Meeting and it remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to do the double, the field is wide open at this stage,” ended the Clerk of the Course as the build up continues.