Gary Johnson to ride Triumph 675 at IOM TT
Team T3 Racing has announced that two time Isle of Man TT winner Gary Johnson will ride their Triumph Daytona 675 at the 2016 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy.
No strangers to the Triumph Daytona 675 machine or the Isle of Man TT, three time British Supersport Cup Champions Team T3 Racing will be returning to the legendary event in June to compete in both Monster Energy Supersport races.
Signing two time Supersport TT winner Gary Johnson, whose last victory came in 2014 aboard a Triumph Daytona, Team T3 Racing are setting their sights firmly on securing their debut podium around the iconic 37 ¾ mile road circuit.
Gary Johnson
“I’m really excited about this new venture and getting involved with a new team, particularly one with T3’s experience. It’s great to be back on a Triumph 675 as I have a wealth of knowledge on the bike and I hope to replicate the success of 2014 this year. I’m eager to get going as we have a busy testing schedule ahead to be fully prepared for first practice in June.”
Team T3 Racing’s Principal Andy Jenkinson
“We are thrilled that Gary is riding our bike this year. With over 15 years of racing experience with Aston Martin as a champion racing driver I have worked with the A1 GP, BTCC, British GT and Heritage as promoters and sponsors. I understand the challenges in putting together a winning team and I believe Gary and Tony are crucial to our success. As proven race winners, they are capable of putting us in a strong position to challenge for the win.”
Tony Scott Managing Director of Team T3 Racing
“We had our first outing at the TT in 2013 with Dave Johnson who put in two great performances on what was a stock 675, placing as top finishing Triumph that year. This gave us a taste for the event but we have been waiting for the right rider who could take our bike to the podium. We believe Gary is that guy and are heading into the event this year confident of success.”
James Cowton Racing by Radcliffe’s Launch 2016 Roads Campaign
Having established himself as one of the sport’s fastest rising stars in recent years, James Cowton goes into this season with top class new machinery. Cowton Racing by Radcliffe’s ER6 Kawasaki, CBR 600 Honda and S1000RR BMW will all feature a striking new silver, red and white livery for the 2016 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy and other road races.
2015 saw him prove once again why many consider him a TT winner in the making. His main highlights from last year on the roads included lapping in excess of 125 mph on his way to a highly credible top 20 placing in the PokerStars Senior TT, a number of top three finishes in SuperTwin encounters around Oliver’s Mount, new Super Twins lap record at the Cookstown 100, fourth place finish in the Lightweight TT and third position in the Lightweight 250 Ulster Grand Prix.
James’ TT career highlight to date is undoubtedly his podium in the 2014 Bennetts Lightweight TT Race and he is a consistent top 20 performer in all classes since his Mountain Course debut in 2012 when he won the MGP Newcomer C Race and finished fourth in the Junior MGP.
Chris Lennon of Radcliffe Butchers, the Isle of Man based premium food retailer, has been sponsoring James for three years. He has full confidence in him gaining the maximum out of the Cowton Racing by Radcliffe’s stable of machinery.
Looking ahead to the start of his 2016 pure roads campaign, the 2014 Duke Road Race Rankings champion said:
“We can’t thank Chris and Sherrie at Radcliffe Butchers enough for giving us the opportunity to do what we have wanted to do for the last couple of years. Last year we were jumping from one bike to another and didn’t know if we were coming or going, Chris has followed me through the last few seasons, felt what I was feeling and decided to give me the opportunity and now I am able to have a go on some fresh bikes and do a proper job, that’s the plan. I’m looking forward to getting on the new bikes and to get cracking onto the new season.“
With the new regulations for the two Monster Energy Supersport races at TT 2016 anticipated to level the playing field, James, who will be piloting a new top spec CBR 600 Honda, is confident of securing stand out results.
“I’m targeting the top ten if everything goes to plan and if we get a good set up, there is no reason we shouldn’t. I am certainly fired up to do it. The privateer’s championship and a return to the podium in the Lightweight race are definitely two attainable goals. I’m also looking to improve on my times from last year. I do have a figure I would like to achieve It will be a bit special being in the Isle of Man this year and receiving Radcliffe’s backing, as the main sponsor it will be nice to represent them on the Isle of Man.“
As well as TT 2016, all four Oliver’s Mount meetings and return to the Southern 100, James is also planning to be back at the North West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix.
