Lee Johnston looks set to miss the remainder of the 2023 North West 200 after crashing heavily and sustaining injuries during qualifying for a Supersport class he was set to start as among the favourites.
Johnston came down at Church Corner towards the end of the session, his tumble serious enough to bring out the red flags before he was airlifted to hospital for further treatment. HIs injuries are understood to be 'non-critical', according to NW200 event director Mervyn Whyte, speaking to BBC Sport NI.
"It's a fast part of the circuit but the bales did their job," North West 200 event director Mervyn Whyte told BBC Sport NI.
After a lengthy delay, the Superbikes went out for their practice which again was cut short because of a red flag.
Johnston came into the NW200 as one of the favourites for podium finishes in all four classes, but especially in Supersport, a category he currently leads the British Championship in.
Alastair Seeley will get away from pole position in three of the four classes - on the Synetiq TAS Racing BMW M 1000 RR in SBK and SSTK, and his new Milwaukee Ducati Panigale V2 in SSP.
