The mentality that fuels road racers, not short-circuit racers, but riders who take on events like the Isle of Man TT and North West 200, is fascinating. At least, it is to me. Growing up in Ireland, one of the few places in the world where road racing is still legal and somewhat prominent, I wanted to do it as a teenager until a friend dissuaded me.
It's still a thought that lingers, but Lee Johnston doesn't let it linger. The thought flourishes within Johnston and drives him, and I think his circumstances make his drive to compete even more interesting because he's on the cusp of great things.
Don't get me wrong, Johnston is already a TT stage winner, an accolade very few names are ever tied to. But he's been so close to winning BSB championships and more TT stages that you can't help but root for him each year. The 34-year-old is a talented rider who's given so much to the sport, physically and mentally.
