North West 200: Lee Johnston to sit out Supertwins races

Lee Johnston, a double winner in last year's North West 200 Supertwins races, is to sit out the class at this year's event to concentrate on other races.

Johnston wants a first international win in the larger capacity Superbike and Superstock events on BMWs and the Supersport races on a Triumph.

The 25-year-old will ride a Supertwin for Ryan Farquhar's KMR Kawasaki team in the Isle of Man Lightweight TT.

Johnston has taken North West podiums in Superstock and Supersport races.

"I have sold the bike I rode last year and I want to concentrate on the bigger bikes this year so I won't be racing in the Twins races," explained the Fermanagh rider.

"When you have too many bikes you can't have that focus and I really want to try to win a 600cc or big bike race this year at the North West."

Johnston says he wants to build on the good form that he showed on a superbike at the Ulster Grand Prix and Macau at the end of last season.

"I had good runs at the Ulster and in Macau in 2014 so maybe I've proved I can ride a big bike now." he smiled.

"I want to carry that on at the North West but it is going to be tough for a small team like us against the factory boys."

Johnston's preparations for the new season begin next week with tests at Almeria and Guadix in Spain.