It was a year of frustration and disappointment on the track and on the roads for Fermanagh racers Josh Elliott and Lee Johnston. Both riders went into 2016 hoping to build on recent successes, but mechanical problems and injuries played their part in making the season one that did not live up to either rider’s high expectations.
Josh Elliott romped to the British Superstock 1000 title in 2015 and he was hoping for more of the same in 2016. Having failed to secure a deal to compete in the Superbike championship for the year Josh focussed on retaining his crown, and switched to a BMW to once again contest the Superstock series. Despite a second place finish at the first race at Silverstone, it soon became apparent that Josh would struggle to repeat his dominance of the previous season. It was not until race ten of the twelve race season that Josh managed to take a race win at Oulton Park, but further disappointment followed as the season drew to a close with a non finish at Donnington Park and twelfth place at Brands Hatch. The Ballinamallard rider had to be content with fifth overall in the championship, but has set his sights on securing a competitive ride for 2017 and has admitted that he has held discussions with several teams on a seat for next year.
Lee Johnston entered the year hoping to cement his position as one of the top road racers in the world. His multiple victories in 2015 at the North West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix had marked him down as one to watch in 2016, but his season was plagued by injuries as he struggled to show his full potential. 
The first major race of the season came at the Spring Cup race at Scarborough in April, but an accident on his East Coast Racing BMW left him in hospital overnight and had long lasting repercussions for his season. His injuries had healed enough to take his place on the grid at the North West, but he was still feeling the after effects of his accident and it showed in his results, with his best finish of the week a sixth place in the Supersport race.
His injuries were still lingering when the season moved on to the Isle of Man for the TT races. Lee managed four top ten finishes, but he did not record a podium and had a best of sixth place to show for his week long efforts.
The Ulster Grand Prix was the scene of his biggest success of 2015 with three race victories. 
With his injuries healed and on a track he admits is one of his favourites he was hoping to salvage his season, but in practice for the race he crashed heavily once again, suffering a broken collar bone and ending his frustrating season prematurely.
With his current East Coast Racing team not continuing in the sport for 2017, Lee is another rider considering his option before signing a deal for next season.
Closer to home a record crowd of both riders and spectators were on display at St. Angelo Airport for the Enniskillen 100. Athlone’s Cody Nally produced lap records on the way to winning both Superbike races in front of the local fans, with Lisburn’s Robert Kennedy claiming double success in the Supersport races.