Lee Johnston ready to renew his rivalry with Tyco riders

Irish star Lee Johnston is set to ride at the opening meeting of the season down the coast at Oliver's Mount, the Ian Watson Spring Cup

Irish star Lee Johnston is set to ride at the opening meeting of the season down the coast at Oliver’s Mount, the Ian Watson Spring Cup this Sunday.

Having made his track debut at the Steve Henshaw Intentional Gold Cup Road Races last September, where he finished third in the David Jefferies 600 race behind Guy Martin and William Dunlop, he will once again be astride Honda Superbike and Supersport machines provided by East Coast Racing.

And he will renew his rivalry with the Tyco Suzuki team-mates, as well as Dean Harrison, James Cowton and Jamie Hamilton, who also impressed last year taking race wins at the 2.43-mile Scarborough course.

The Ulsterman is also entered on a 650 Kawasaki in the SuperTwin Classes, where he will be up against a returning Ryan Farquhar and the likes of Ivan Linton, Davy Morgan, Sarah Boyes, Gavin Lupton and Mick Goodings among others. There will also be two sidecar races.

Ian and Carl Bell will start their preparation for a return to the Isle of Man TT races this year when they go to the grid and their main opposition is likely to copme from come from Conrad Harrison and Lee Patterson and Thirsk pair Tony Thirkell and Nigel Barlow.

The dark horses could be Greg Lambert and Kenny Cole from Catterick.

They started the season off well with a clean sweep of wins at Teesside Autodrome which, could have set them up for a good season.

Making a welcome return after a year’s absence will be Dave Wallis and Steve Wareham.

Practice commences at 9am, with the first race scheduled for 12.30pm.

The bikers’ village campsite, adjacent to the circuit, will be in full swing on Saturday night with a disco and late bar, which is open to race day ticket holders only, who can purchase tickets at the main spectator entrance from 2pm on Saturday.

Admission for adults is £20 with accompanied children 15 years and under free, camping is available at £10 per pitch per night for a tent or £15 for a motorhome or caravan.

That facility is open only to race day ticket holders.

Further information can be obtained by contacting the race office on 01723 373000 between 10.00am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, or on the official website: <a href = 'www.auto66.com'>http://ift.tt/OxnOZX;