Gary Johnson
How are we diddling, campers? I hope you all had a great Crimbo and New Years. I did, but it’s time to get a little more serious now, because it’ll soon be time to go racing again. But before I touch on what’s on the agenda, I think it’s only right to natter about the year that’s gone before. 2017 was okay, I guess.
You always wish for things to go a bit smoother, or results that are higher, but it’s no easy game this racing lark. Like a lot of people, late arriving bikes really bit me in the arse, which meant I was forever playing catch-up, and that’s never a good thing. Or at least when you’re a privateer and you’re doing all the hard work yourself. Even the big boys got caught out though, which goes to show the pressure that a new model can bring. Still, you make your bed and you’ve got to lie in it.
Things could have been much worse, and it’s important to never lose sight of that. Yeah, a tad more time would’ve made all the difference last year and I’m hopeful that things will be a lot simpler, cheaper and fun in 2018, because I’m familiar with what I’ve got and what I know it’s capable of. The plan is to assault all the main road racing fixtures this season, and I’m over the moon to have bagged another year on Marty, the WK650. Loads of people have seen the potential in our Chinese bike, including the one and only John Trigger, who’s more than just a pretty face. That man knows how to build a race bike, and I’m certain the graft he’s been putting in these last few months are going to be obvious from the off when I get testing the bike in early spring.
The same goes for my Trumpet, which I’ll be cocking a leg over once again for the Supersport classes. I bloody love that bike, and I’m pumped to get wringing its neck once more. It’s like an old pair of slippers for me, only without the holes or foul smells. Things are still a little up in the air regarding my big bike shenanigans. There are offers on the table, but I’m a fussy bugger and won’t just sign up to the first thing that comes along. In reality, there’s always a bit of a game to be played while you wait for the major signings to do their business, as is the case with most industries. Micky D is still yet to find a home, so once he’s settled that’ll shine more light for the rest of us. There’s also talk of John McGuinness making his comeback, and I really wish him the best with that. He’s a top lad and the paddock’s a better place with him in it.
Best of luck also to the Honda duo of Hutchy and wee Lee Johnstone. They’re not the prettiest of kids, but they both know how to get on the top step of the podium, which I’m sure will cause me a few headaches this season. There are a lot of class riders on awesome bikes this season. But hey, I’m up for a scrap and I’ll be going all-out to clinch a bit of silverware. I’m hungrier than ever for it, so watch this space.