DAVID JOHNSON JOINS C&L FAIRBURN PROPERTIES BY JACKSON RACING FOR 2023

Australia’s David Johnson has confirmed he will contest the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races with the C&L Fairburn Properties by Jackson Racing team, having been forced to miss last year’s event through injury.

The fan-favourite will campaign a Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade in the Superbike and Superstock Races as well as a Honda CBR600RR in the Supersport class.

Having made his TT debut in 2010 where he won the coveted Newcomers Trophy, the now 40-year old is no stranger to the Japanese brand having taken his only TT podium to date in the 2019 RL360 Superstock Race whilst riding for the official Honda Racing UK team.

Johnson was looking to build on that success last year, but a spill at Oulton Park ahead of the TT left him with a fractured pelvis and collarbone, forcing him out of action and, instead, into the commentary booth to provide insight and analysis as part of the live television coverage on TT+.

He did return to racing at August’s Manx Grand Prix, taking a fine third-place finish in the RST Classic Superbike Race - the result following on from a dramatic victory in the same race in 2019.

However, the commentary booth’s loss is the TT’s gain and Johnson’s return to the start line is a tremendous boost as he’s expected to be a firm challenger for the podium positions.

The C&L Fairburn Properties by Jackson Racing team were only formed on the eve of the 2022 racing season but made an instant impression in last year’s British Superstock Championship, finishing a close second to Davey Todd courtesy of Johnson’s good friend and countryman, Billy McConnell.

Speaking about the announcement, Johnson said:

“I’m very happy to have joined the C&L Fairburn/Jackson Racing squad for 2023. Chris [Fairburn] is a very good friend of mine and his team is very new but expanding very fast and I’m pumped to be a part of it!”

“Together with the knowledge of the Jackson boys [Alan and Andy], the three bikes will be top spec for this year’s TT. After missing last year due to injury, I’m hungrier than ever to give the team results. I can’t wait to get testing started very soon.”

Chris Fairburn, Team Owner, added:

“I’ve always wanted to have the team compete at the Isle of Man TT, and I always wanted the rider to be Davo. We’ve known each other for quite a while and he’s an experienced rider who has repeatedly scored top class results on the roads. He fits what we’re looking for perfectly and when he found himself without a ride for 2023 it was a no-brainer to step up and bring him into the team.”

“Jackson Racing are equally experienced when it comes to road racing and with the TT generating superb coverage across all forms of media, we’re looking forward to showing everyone what we can do.”

Johnson will contest the early season National Superstock Championship rounds prior to the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races.