Luke Johnston switches to BMW Power for 2017 Season
2016 Masters Supersport Pro Champion Luke Johnston and his Unlimited Industries Racing team will make the step up to the 1000cc category for the 2017 season. The team have acquired a brand new BMW S1000RR machine built to Superstock specification by Phillip Crowe Racing, and plan to contest the Masters Superbike Championship in Ireland along with selected mainland UK events, budget permitting.
Speaking on the move, Luke said, “I’m really looking forward to the 2017 season and the new challenge ahead. After five seasons in the Supersport category I’m under no illusions that making the move up to the bigger machine will be one of the toughest challenges in my career but I’ve got some brilliant people behind me and I can’t wait to get going.
Our plans moved quite slowly over the winter and it has only been in the last few weeks really that everything has fallen into place. Phillip Crowe has been absolutely fantastic in preparing the bike in such a short space of time and his knowledge of the BMW machinery is outstanding.
Not only is the bike more powerful than anything I’ve had before but modern 1000cc bikes now have sophisticated electronics and rider aid packages, something which I have limited prior experience in so there’s a lot to get used to. As a family run team, there’s no pressure for results and we’re treating this season as a learning year to get to know the new bike. If we’re getting on well, then towards the second half of the season we may attempt some events in the UK mainland but this depends on our budget.
While we try to maintain as professional an image as our budget allows, I can’t stress how much of a family effort this is. Purchasing the new bike has been a significant investment for us and I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, least of all my parents. As well as support from the family business Unlimited Industries, we also wouldn’t be here without our loyal sponsors Farlough, DC Racing, Graphics Unlimited, Snickers Workwear, Mondello Park, Interfigo, Adam Agnew Agricultural Contractor, Johnston Plant Sales, Sharvogues Supporters Club, MD Motorcycle Services, LJC Moto, IG Race Management, X-Lite, Five Advanced Gloves, Gaerne, GB Racing and DC Chains.
If anyone else is interested in coming on board, please get in touch as any support, no matter how big or small would be much appreciated.
We had a great season last year winning the Masters Supersport championship and I can’t wait to get stuck into this new challenge with Unlimited Industries Racing BMW.”
The first competetive outing for Luke and the Unlimited Industries Racing BMW will be at the first round of the Masters Superbike Championship at Mondello Park on March 25th and 26th.
Photo Credits Unlimited Industries Racing and Derek Wilson Photography.
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