Aussie ace confirmed to ride carbon fibre-frame BMW HP4 Race
Tyco BMW has announced that David ‘Davo’ Johnson will join its line up for the MCE Ulster Grand Prix, which gets underway at Dundrod next week.
The Adelaide native, who competed at this year’s North West 200 and Isle of Man TT with Shaun Muir Racing in the iconic Gulf colours, will make the switch from one BMW to another as he teams up with Philip and Hector Neill to mount his challenge for a debut podium at the Ulster.
The move comes off the back of a strong run of form from the 34 year old, who took two fourth places in the Superbike and Superstock races on the island in June, while last time out at Dundrod he recorded his best ever result with another fourth place finish in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Superstock race.
With Tyco, Johnson is now confident that he’ll have the chance to go one better with the help of some new machinery, commenting:
“The Ulster is one of my favourite tracks so it’s great to have this opportunity with Tyco. The team knows what they’re doing and are proven winners around here, and with the HP4 R I’ll also have the machinery to challenge with for sure. The bikes will be amazing so it’s all down to me.
“I’ve been on BMWs all year and was riding them at Dundrod in 2017 too, so I’m feeling good and should be up to speed right away. It’s always hard to know until you get there, but for me the big goal is to get on the podium and be in the fight for wins with Hicky, Dean and guys right at the front. If we come away with that I’ll be happy.”
Speaking about the deal, Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the MCE Ulster Grand Prix added that he too sees Johnson and Tyco as a natural pairing:
“There’s no question that Davo is a fast, fast rider, but he hasn’t always had the best of luck around Dundrod, so I’m really pleased to see him get this chance. He definitely has the pace to run at the sharp end on the big bikes, but now he also has the added support of the Tyco team behind him, I think it could make all the difference. They’ve been winning around here, for well over a decade, so you just couldn’t rule him out of a good result.”
The MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week runs from the 5th – 11th August 2018. This year Hannon coaches will be offering transport to the Dundrod circuit from 23 pick-up points across Northern Ireland, including Coleraine, Omagh and Newry. Grandstand seating, this year, will be lcoated at the start/finish line and Leathemstown.