Catching Up with: Lee Johnston

After a very challenging 18 months for Lee, suffering a couple of serious injuries and having to work his way back to full fitness - he's now gearing up for his return to road racing at the Manx Classic later this month. We caught up with him during a recent visit to our HQ, and got the latest update on his return, talked about his start in racing, career highs and more.

A Family Affair: The Start of a Racing Career

Lee’s journey into the world of motorcycle racing is a tale deeply rooted in family tradition. "My dad was into bikes," he recalled, his eyes lighting up at the memory. "Before that, I was into football, but there was something about bikes that just clicked. Growing up I played football until I was 15 and was pretty good, but bikes were a constant presence, and racing around the estate was just a part of everyday life." His earliest memories of racing involve mini motors and riding at the local meets, where he first caught the racing bug.

"It was always in the blood," he explained. "There was never a moment of doubt that this is what I wanted to do."

The Number 13: A Symbol of Luck and Triumph

Sporting the number 13, Lee’s choice might seem unusual given the superstition surrounding it. "When I first came to British championship, I wanted a number in the top twenty. Thirteen was the only one available," he shrugged, a playful smile on his face. "I figured why not turn it into something positive?"

And turn it positive he did. Lee's biggest success to date came with a thrilling win at the Isle of Man TT in 2019, a victory that he holds dear. But when asked about his favourite win, the 2022 North West 200 that takes the cake. "I remember passing Davey Todd into the last chicane to win," he said, leaning back as if reliving the moment. "That was something special."

The Road to Recovery: From Injury to Triumph

The journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Lee. After a severe injury at the 2023 NW200, he found himself sidelined for 9 months, a period he describes as both challenging and eye-opening. "I was sat on the sofa for what felt like forever," he laughed, though the frustration was clear. "But being alive and having the chance to get back to racing is something I’m incredibly grateful for."

Lee had aimed for a spectacular return to racing at the 2024 Daytona 200 in March. However, after starting his training in January and getting back on a bike for the first time in 7 months - an issue with a bike in testing led to a broken leg and another period of recovery.

During his time out, Lee discovered a newfound appreciation for life and family. He also says that he developed an interest in reading, particularly psychological books and biographies. "It kept my mind sharp and gave me a different perspective on things," he explained.

Lee made his comeback at Brands Hatch in July, and his goals for the season were clear: get back to the front of the British Championship and gain some valuable bike time at the Manx Grand Prix. "I just want to finish with the best result possible in the championship, to enjoy being back on a bike and doing what I love." he stated with quiet determination.

When asked what he would like to achieve before the curtain closes on his racing career, 2 prominent events bring a different level of response; almost visceral - "I'd love to win another TT and I'd love to race the Daytona 200" When it comes to choosing between the two, Lee couldn’t pick just one. "Winning both would be the dream." he admitted. "Each has its own prestige and challenges."

The Paddock Life: Track vs. Road Racing

Lee has experienced both the track and road racing paddocks, and notes that the differences are stark. "There’s more respect in the roads paddock," he noted. "It’s like a community, everyone looks out for each other. I think that comes with the territory, everyone understands what we are doing and the dangers."

As a NW200 and TT winner, Lee has had plenty of success on the roads and will be hoping to come back even stronger in 2025 and beyond.

A Partnership Built on Trust

Lee’s affiliation with RST, has been a significant part of his career since 2009. "It started with a team deal when I was riding for Raceways," he explained. "The best thing about being an RST rider is the team here. I can nip into HQ for fittings anytime, it feels like I'm part of a family."

Over the years, Lee has seen significant developments and improvements in the suits, particularly in fit, comfort, and the integration of airbags. "The technology has come a long way, and it’s made a huge difference in terms of safety and performance," he said appreciatively.

Looking Forward: The Future of Racing

As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Lee about his expectations for the future. With a thoughtful smirk, he said, "I just want to keep pushing, keep improving. There’s always more to achieve. And getting back to that top step at the TT wouldn't be bad."

For Johnston, the future is filled with opportunities and the promise of more exhilarating races. His journey, marked by triumphs, challenges, and an unwavering love for the sport, continues to inspire the motorcycle community.

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Catching up with Lee was a reminder of the passion and dedication that fuels the world of motorcycle racing. His story is a testament to resilience, family ties, and the relentless pursuit of speed. Whether he's rounding the track circuits or navigating the twists and turns of a road race, Lee is a racer who truly embodies the spirit of the sport.

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