Lee Johnston is set to complete a memorable road racing season with a trip to China and Thailand, and he is hoping to add another victory in a year that has already seen him top the podium at the North West 200, the Ulster Grand Prix and at the Classic TT in the Isle of Man.

The former Maguiresbridge man is contesting the Macau Grand Prix this month, and he is dreaming of more success. “We would want to be at least trying to get a podium ,if not trying to win,” he said. “The last international race was the Ulster Grand Prix and we were on the podium there with Bruce Anstey and Guy Martin, and it’s the same level of guys in China so we need to be going with the same aspiration of trying to win or try at least to get on the podium.” Lee flies out this week, and he admits he is looking forward to testing himself on the street circuit. “It is a good meeting and there is always a great crowd there,” he said. “The Chinese fans go absolutely mental for road racing so it’s a really good atmosphere. The track is good as well. You are right in the city centre and it’s the same sort of a track as Monaco with Armco barriers the whole way round. It’s very, very technical. The barriers are obviously very close and very hard, so you don’t want to be touching them!” After Macau Lee then travels on to Thailand for an Asian Championship race, which will complete the most successful season of his racing career. “We have won four international road races and been on podiums a good few times so it has been very good,” he said. “You only realise how good it has been when you see the offers you get for next year as regards rides. It makes you feel like you are doing a decent job!” Lee knows the decision he makes about a team for next season will be crucial if he wants to maintain his progress, as he aims to record a race win at the TT races. “We are in talks with two factory teams and I am trying to sit down and make the best decision for my career,” he said. “It’s an important year and we need to be going and trying to win a few TTs and stuff, so I need to give myself the best chance possible. The TT is obviously the biggest race of the year. I would like to win more North Wests and Ulster Grand Prixs definitely, but every road racer wants to win a TT.” Lee took another step towards that goal this season when he finished first at the Classic TT around the same course, and he regards that success as the highlight of his year. “”That win was big, especially as far as the island goes,” he said. “That is a big step forward regarding track knowledge, and getting a win there is always massive in anyones career. That was good win.” Next year will also see Lee combine his International road racing with a series of 24 hour endurance races. He will form part of a three man team for at least four events on circuits such as Le Mans, where he will ride one hour out of every three round the clock. “I have a contract to do world endurance 24 hour races as well, which will keep me bike fit in between the International Road Races,” he said. “It will be tough physically and mentally. Getting up at two o’clock in the morning to ride your bike for an hour flat out in darkness is definitely something I haven’t done before. I’m looking forward to it.”