NW200: Johnston takes Honda to podium return

Lee Johnston took Honda Racing to their first international roads podium with the new Fireblade CBR1000RR SP2 at the North West 200 with an impressive third place in the feature Superbike race.

The diminutive Ulsterman narrowly missed out on podium glory in the opening Superbike race after a race long battle with Michael Rutter and Dean Harrison as he eventually crossed the line fourth, but he’d enjoy a strong ride to third in race two and almost bagged second with Michael Dunlop dropping back in the closing stages.

The success marks the end to a difficult 12 months for the Louth-based squad, who left last year’s North West 200 having withdrawn from racing action after the crash that saw John McGuinness break his leg.

“I’m leaving the North West 200 happy and feeling really positive with the Fireblade and the package we have,” Johnston said.

“The first Superbike race we came from tenth on the grid right up into second place on the last lap, but after some rider error we finished fourth! I just outbraked myself coming into Juniper Hill and lost the spot, otherwise it would have been two podiums for us!

“We came from quite a way back in the second race and almost took second on the final lap, but to come home third I’m really happy! I’m feeling confident and good ahead of the TT and now just can’t wait to get going.”