Gary Johnson will replace Lee Johnston in the East Construction Racing team at this week's Ulster Grand Prix after the County Fermanagh rider fractured his collarbone in opening practice yesterday
Johnston was out on a 250cc Honda in preparation for the Classic TT later this month when he crashed at the Lindsay Hairpin in the first session. Team boss Phil Reed subsequently called Johnson, who rode for the team in 2011 winning the Isle of Man TT Supersport 600cc race, with the Lincolnshire rider jumping on a plane and arriving in Northern Ireland at 11.30pm last night.
"It's not the nicest of circumstances to get a ride and when Phil called me I thought it was because he wanted a bit of company," said Johnson. "Lee's a good friend of mine and I would have been rooting for him from the sidelines but Phil called me at 3.30pm yesterday and asked if I fancied coming over so here I am.
"Obviously I've got history with the team and we had a good year together in 2011, winning my first TT race and I know all the team so it's a good opportunity. At the same time it's a tall order as it's different bikes, different tyres to what I've been used to for the last couple of seasons and I missed all of Wednesday's practice but I'll just build things up in time for race day.
"There's no pressure on me and no expectations so it's nice in that respect and as I haven't competed at the Ulster since 2013, I can just take it as it comes. I'm an experienced rider to know what I'm doing though and come race day I'm confident I won't be far away. It's a well run, family team and they have a really good set up so I'm really looking forward to getting out on track."