Maguiresbridge flyer Lee Johnston will line up for Honda Racing next year to compete in the Isle of Man TT, North West 200 and the Ulster GP aboard the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 in the Superbike and Superstock 1000 classes. 
Johnston, who joins up alongside Ian Hutchinson, has got close ties to the Louth-based squad, having worked closely with the Honda Endurance Racing team as its Le Mans 24-hour reserve rider and is now set to showcase his talent with the team.
 Johnston, a former National Superstock 600 Champion, debuted at the North West 200 in 2008 and Isle of Man TT in 2012. 
Since then, ‘The General’ made a big name for himself, scooping up three wins and six podiums at the North West 200, and two podiums at the Isle of Man TT.
And he is excited about the season ahead with his new team.
“I am genuinely excited about being with Honda Racing next year, I’m probably the most excited I’ve been in years if I’m honest! 
“I have had two tough years and it’s nice to have everything organised and in place early so I have nothing to worry about apart from riding motorbikes. 
“So that for me is the biggest thing and what I wanted more than anything, as I have no outside distractions and I can just concentrate on doing my job. 
“I’ve ridden the Fireblade SP2 already at Le Mans, when I was a reserve rider for the Honda Endurance Racing team, so I’ve got a bit of a head start in that respect. 
“I enjoy riding the CBR, the tank fits me well and it isn’t as big as it looks! I just can’t wait now for testing to start in March and just get going with the new programme for the year,” he commented.
Team manager Johnny Twelvetrees has always been impressed with Lee and  is looking forward to working with the Fermanagh man.
“Lee has always impressed me, he joined the Honda Endurance Racing team as a reserve rider for the Le Mans 24-hour and since then we had been watching from a roads perspective. 
“He clearly has a talent on the roads and I am positive with the team we have, the Fireblade SP2 and the plans we have for the season that he can show his full potential. We’re really looking forward to working together and personally I can’t wait for us to be back on the roads,” he said.