Gary Johnson
Alrighty, who’s ready to go racing? Not me. Well, not quite. I’ve got to that point of the season where racing’s suddenly upon us and I’m about as ready for it as snowmen are for heat-waves. Still, this is nothing new to me, and I reckon it’s the same score for most racers out there, whatever their discipline. Anyway, excuses aside, the main thing is that with a bit of hard graft and a few nights burning the midnight oil, all will be well. I’ve been particularly busy with the little Lightweight TT bike; I’ve lost count of what iteration we’re on now, but the thing’s set to be the best it’s ever been… assuming I can remember how to put it all back together. Last year I built my Suzuki superbike in the conservatory, and this year the WK’s been treated to a prime spot in my lounge so I can work on it while watching CBeebies – how else am I meant to keep up on current affairs? To be fair, it’s looking pretty damn trick and adds a dash of flair to the place.
I love riding that bike. It’s not fast or particularly special (just like me), but it’s a proper engaging racer. You have to wring its nuts off everywhere, which is something you can’t properly do on the big bikes. The Lightweight class has really come good in the last few years. I think people saw it as a bit of a newbie class when it first came about, but the pace is hotter than ever, with most of the top names contesting it, and some crazy lap times coming as a result. The dream’s still there to get a Chinese bike on the podium, and I’m sure it’ll happen before too long.
We’ve not bust our nuts to give up just now. The plan is to be out testing the WK in the next few days and I’ve got quite a bit of testing scheduled from my Trumpet and the Kwackers, too. I’ve still not had a blast of any of them this year, which is also quite typical for me. My mates joke that I’d be dangerous if I got time to test, and they might be on to something there. Truth is, the UK’s weather’s been pretty minging of late and I’m not one for getting wet unless it’s bath night. No, thank you. I’d sooner bang in a load of dry laps at the first sign of double figures, which the weather man keeps promising isn’t too far from now.
Anyway, worst case I’ll use the Northwest as a bit of a shakedown. That’s what most of us do, and it seems to find any gremlins that might be lurking. I’ll probably be heading there to race by the time you’re reading this, so come and say hello if you’re about. On one final note, I just want to send my best to Bruce Anstey. He’s a top bloke, an amazing racer and I’m truly gutted to hear he’s poorly. There’s no friendlier a face in road racing and I reckon just about every other racer and team in our scene joins me in wishing him the very best. Fix up soon, fella.