Isle of Man TT: Johnson opens with top 10 finish

Gary Johnson began this year's Isle of Man TT campaign with a fine top 10 finish in the opening Superbike TT race on Saturday.
Gary Johnson on his way to a top 10 finish in the Superbike TT on Saturday. Picture: Baylon McCaughey EMN-160606-145924002Gary Johnson on his way to a top 10 finish in the Superbike TT on Saturday. Picture: Baylon McCaughey EMN-160606-145924002
Gary Johnson on his way to a top 10 finish in the Superbike TT on Saturday. Picture: Baylon McCaughey EMN-160606-145924002

The weather had been perfect throughout practice week where he finished the Superbike sessions in 14th place and the sun was out again for his maiden race.

The TT races are more of a time trial with riders setting off around the 37.73-mile public road course at 10-second intervals.

Riding the BMW/Team penz13.com BMW Motorrad, Gary set off in seventh place and, after recording two 129mph laps during the race he came home in a strong ninth place to secure a Silver replica.

Johnson said: “I’m happy with this top 10 result in the opening race of this year’s TT.

“My guys really worked hard all week to get me the bike to where I wanted it.

“Today I managed my fastest lap time of the week with two 129s, but I’m aiming for more, for sure.

“I am already looking forward to the Superstock TT, and I think we can find some more speed for Senior next Friday.”

Johnson, from Brigg, near Broughton, did indeed find improvement in Monday’s Superstock race, riding to a tremendous fifth place finish.

See www.marketrasenmail.co.uk for more details of this race.

He is next in action on Wednesday when he takes the Triumph out for race two in the Supersport class at 10.45am.

Johnson then switches to the WK bikes/CF Moto/WK bikes machine for the four-lap Lightweight race.

On Friday he gets the chance to ride the BMW Superbike once again in the prestigious six-lap blue riband Poker Stars Senior TT race which is scheduled to begin at 12.45pm.

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