Tourist Trophy – Tourist Trophy: Honda recruits Hutchinson and Johnston for 2018 – Used HONDA

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Tourist Trophy: Honda recruits Hutchinson and Johnston for 2018

Tourist Trophy - Tourist Trophy: Honda recruits Hutchinson and Johnston for 2018 - Used HONDA

The expression Annus Horribilis could qualify the 2017 season of the official Honda team registered in road races (Tourist Trophy, in particular), but the Tokyo Reds want to bounce back in 2018 with two new drivers: "Goodbye" McGuinness and Martin, " Welcome "Hutchinson and Johnston !

The poster proposed last year by ("Road Racing" races like the Tourist Trophy or the North West 200) had something to dream about, since alongside the irreplaceable John McGuinness had been recruited the charismatic "chef" Guy Martin !

Unfortunately, the 2017 season of this new "Dream Team" was ultimately a succession of setbacks, more or less serious: mess for the new Fireblade but dirty injury – fractured tibia / fibula! – for …

Tourist Trophy - Tourist Trophy: Honda recruits Hutchinson and Johnston for 2018 - Used HONDA

Damn, the official Honda team has not got rid of this vicious circle: first forfeit of "McPinte" in the Tourist Trophy in 15 years, mechanical problem and fall of "Gaïlle" in the first Superbike round leading to his withdrawal for the rest of the race. ‘test… !

Results of the 2017 campaign for the Tokyo Reds: zero, double zero … Suddenly, the winged crest decided to wipe out the slate in 2018 by recruiting and a new hope in road races: Ian Hutchinson and Lee Johnston !

2018, "Annus sensationalis" for Honda ?

Stopped dead by in his formidable momentum at the Tourist Trophy 2017 (victories in Superbike and Superstock on a BMW S1000RR), "Hutchy" hopes to increase his counters thanks to the new .

The only driver to have succeeded in the Grand Slam (five victories in five races in 2010!), The one nicknamed the "Bingley Ball" has won to date – and in ten years – no less than 16 victories over the perilous route of the Snaeffel Moutain and added 11 other podiums to its brilliant collection.

Tourist Trophy - Tourist Trophy: Honda recruits Hutchinson and Johnston for 2018 - Used HONDA

Alongside him will line up Lee Johnston – not to be confused with Gary Johnson, Norton driver this year -, English Superstock 600 champion in 2008 who spent four years later in road races with certain success: six podiums including three victories in the North West 200 and two podiums in the Tourist Trophy.

The two new recruits of the official Honda road Racing tam will take part in three events in 2018: the North West 200 scheduled from May 13 to 19, the Isle of Man TT from May 26 to June 8, and the Ulster GP from 5 to 11 August. Races and – good? – results to follow on MNC: stay connected !

Statements

Tourist Trophy - Tourist Trophy: Honda recruits Hutchinson and Johnston for 2018 - HONDA occasions

Ian Hutchinson, Honda # 4
"I can’t wait to start with Honda Racing. It’s a new challenge and a new start for me. It’s true that I have some experience with Honda: ten years ago I drove with this official team and in 2009/2010 I rode with Padgetts Honda, with whom I won five victories in one week, so I know the Fireblade quite well. I haven’t ridden the SP2 yet and I will have to wait until testing early next year, but I can’t wait to get the job done. The Honda team have a lot of TT experience and their history speaks for itself with their victories and successes over the years. It’s also nice to see that a large part of the team I’ve worked with in the past is still here, so I’m confident we can get down to business in the new year and start aiming Our goals".

Tourist Trophy - Tourist Trophy: Honda recruits Hutchinson and Johnston for 2018 - Used HONDA

Lee Johnston, Honda # 13
"I am really excited to be part of the Honda Racing team next year. Honestly, I probably haven’t been more excited than this in years! I have had two difficult years and this is good to have everything organized and set up early. This is the most important for me, this is what I wanted above all else: not to have any more outside distractions and to concentrate on my work. I have already ridden on the Fireblade SP2 at Le Mans, when I was a reserve driver for the Honda Endurance Racing team, so I’m one step ahead in that regard. I like to drive the CBR, the tank fits me well and it doesn’t It’s not as big as it looks! I can’t wait for testing to start in March, for the new program for the year to begin ".

Tourist Trophy - Tourist Trophy: Honda recruits Hutchinson and Johnston for 2018 - Used HONDA

Jonny Twelvetrees, Honda team manager
"I’m really delighted to have been able to sign Hutchy and Lee for our 2018 campaign. Hutchy’s record speaks for itself, especially since he was riding Honda at the time. I thought about it when we made our deal, but I have always been aware of his determination and professionalism. I can’t wait to see him on SP2 in our first test: he has a lot of experience on the Fireblade so I’m sure he won’t need to. a lot of time before attacking and feeling what he needs. Lee has always impressed me, he joined the Honda Endurance Racing team as a reserve driver for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and we have since have watched on the road. He’s clearly talented and I’m optimistic: thanks to the team we have, the Fireblade SP2 and the plans we have for the season, he will be able to show his full potential. We are really looking forward to working together and personally, I can’t wait to get back on the road ".

Official video

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