NW200 memories, cones & the TT - Lee Johnston Q&A

Isle of Man TT winner Lee Johnston has joined the BBC Sport NI team for the North West 200

You asked, he answered.

Lee Johnston is missing the North West 200 after sustaining a broken leg in a testing crash in Spain in February.

But the loss to racing is very much your gain as he gives his insight, wisdom and humour on BBC Sport NI's coverage of the 2024 North West 200.

From his Isle of Man TT prospects, his dream team and taking a cone off the top of his van - the road racing star answers your questions.

A lot of riders say the North West 200 is a warm-up event for the Isle of Man TT. Is that disrespectful to the North West 200? - Driftwoodturner

Lee Johnston: "A little bit, but it’s different for different people. For Glenn Irwin that’s not the case because it’s his one road race event. For the likes of Peter Hickman, Michael Dunlop or Dean Harrison, it’s probably true. Being from Northern Ireland that hurts me a little bit, but it’s the truth."

What is it like to ride Station corner at full speed? - Ian

LJ: "I don’t really know how to explain that in words. It’s like being on the best rollercoaster in the world, but you don’t actually know if you are going to fall off the rollercoaster or not. That’s the best way of explaining it."

You’re creating a road race team with one current rider and a legend from the past. Who are you picking? - Charlie

LJ: "Current rider, I’d probably pick Dean Harrison. He’s really easy to work with. For a rider from the past, I’m going to go for Cameron Donald.

We’re gutted you’re not doing the North West 200. Will you be fit for the Isle of Man TT? - Arron

LJ: "The short answer – I don’t know."

How do you sleep with the cage on your broken leg at night? - Phil

LJ: "Uncomfortably, if I’m honest. I’ve tried loads of different things with a towel, with a dressing gown, with a quilt, with loads of different pillows. You just do whatever way you can and there’s lots of tablets, normally."

How did you get the traffic cone off the top of your van in Scarborough many years ago. I remember you were unable to reach it. - James

LJ: "Someone has tweeted me this, but my memory is terrible. I’m going to say I don’t know what he means, but there is probably a funny story behind that, but I don’t know."

What bike from history would you like to ride? - Phil McC

LJ: "That’s a good one. I’ve a real obsession over Grand Prix 250s. I would love to have a go on Dani Pedrosa’s RS250 Honda."

What is your favourite thing about riding motorbikes? - Sleepybear1

LJ: "Not having to get a real job."

What would then you do if you weren't a motorcycle racer? - BBC Sport NI

LJ: "I don’t know. I’d send Christie, my wife, out to work and I’d be a stay at home husband and dad."

What race from North West 200 history do you wish you were part of? - Jack

LJ: "Oft, I don’t know. There has been some really good ones from when I’ve been here. I used to come and watch as a kid and everything, but I think the racing is as good now as it has ever has been. I’d like to be racing this week, that would be a good one to be a part of."

Just on that, what’s your favourite North West 200 memory growing up? - BBC Sport NI

LJ: "It was different back then, it was always English riders who won like Michael Rutter and John McGuinness. They were always winning. So I always wanted local riders to win like Richard Britton and Adrian Archibald, people like that. I think one of the most special ones was when Michael Dunlop won on the 250 just after his dad, Robert, passed away in 2008. That was special."

Where is the best spot to watch at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT? - Niall

LJ: "At the North West 200, I think Black Hill or somewhere like that. It’s a really good corner. Or even down into York where there are some good passing places.

“At the TT? That's a tricky one. I would say right up in the mountains somewhere, in the middle of nowhere. It’s the most peaceful, scenic view. It’s a hassle to get there and get back, but I think that’s the most special. When I see people up there I know they have made an effort. It’s a cool spot."

Lee Johnston was speaking to Becca Keegan and Andy Gray at the North West 200.