Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson, born on July 20, 1980, in Broughton, Lincolnshire, England, is a British motorcycle racer with the number 24, known as a “road racing veteran” for his consistency and success in international road racing. As of September 29, 2025, he grew up in a motorcycle-loving family and began his career around 2005 in British support series, inspired by legends like Joey Dunlop. Johnson, who lives in Brigg, Lincolnshire, is a trained mechanic and balances the sport with his job, intensive training, and family (married, father). His motto: “Never give up” – a principle he has lived by in over 150 races, including victories in the Isle of Man TT and the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC). He made his debut in the North West 200 in 2007 and established himself in the TT from 2009, taking Supersport victories in 2011 and 2012. Johnson primarily rode BMW S 1000 RRs, Yamaha YZF-R6s, and Suzuki GSX-Rs for teams such as East Coast Construction, Smiths Racing, Penz13.com, and Gary Johnson Racing (his own team). Known for his reliability on road courses, he shared lineups with riders such as Ian Lougher. His career spanned BSB support, IRRC (2013 champion), and road races such as UGP and Macau. With two TT wins and the IRRC title, Johnson is an “underdog hero”—he overcame financial hurdles and breaks (e.g., 2017–2019) through self-initiative. He is committed to safety (e.g., Devitt Insurance campaigns) and youth development. His philosophy: “Road racing is passion, not perfection” – a legacy as a “gentleman racer”.
Important racing successes
Johnson’s career has been characterized by consistent road racing, with a focus on TT and IRRC. He has achieved two TT victories and one IRRC title. Here is an overview of the highlights (not exhaustive; based on TT, IRRC, and NW200 results):
| Year | Championship / Event | Success | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | North West 200 – Supersport | Debut & Top 20 | First professional start; Yamaha R6; entry into road racing. |
| 2008 | Manx Grand Prix – Junior | Top 5 | Strong debut on the Isle of Man; close to the podium. |
| 2009 | Isle of Man TT – Supersport | Top 15 | TT debut; consistent performance; Yamaha. |
| 2011 | Isle of Man TT – Supersport Race 2 | winner | First TT victory; East Coast Construction Yamaha R6; close to the lap record. |
| 2012 | Isle of Man TT – Supersport Race 1 | winner | Second TT victory; Smiths Racing Yamaha; double potential. |
| 2013 | IRRC Superbike | champion | Title win; multiple victories (e.g., Frohburg); BMW S 1000 RR with Penz13.com. |
| 2013 | North West 200 – Superstock | Top 5 | Consistent season; close to the podium. |
| 2014 | Ulster Grand Prix (UGP) – Superstock | Top 10 | Solid finish; Dundrod strength. |
| 2015 | IRRC Superbike | Vice Champion | Just behind the winner; multiple podiums; BMW. |
| 2016 | Isle of Man TT – Supersport | Top 10 | Best TT performance post-win; Penz13.com Honda. |
| 2017 | Macau Grand Prix – Superstock | Top 10 | International highlight; Solid Guia finish. |
| 2018 | North West 200 – Superstock | Top 5 | Comeback after break; consistency. |
| 2019 | IRRC Superbike | Top 5 | Multiple top-3 finishes; Gary Johnson Racing. |
| 2024 | Isle of Man TT – Supersport | Top 15 | Return after 8 years; Gary Johnson Racing Suzuki. |
| 2025 | IRRC Schleizer Dreieck – Superbike | Top 10 | Hengelo Race 1/2: P8/P10; Schleizer: P6; IRRC return. |
| 2025 | Isle of Man TT – Supersport Race 1 | Top 12 | TT return; Gary Johnson Racing Suzuki GSX-R600; Quality P10. |
| 2007–2025 | Road Races / IRRC / TT | Multiple wins/podiums | 2 TT wins, 1 IRRC title; over 20 podiums; strength on the Mountain Course and Frohburg. |
Notes on his successes: Johnson’s two TT Supersport victories (2011/2012) are his highlights; his international breakthrough was the 2013 IRRC Champion with Penz13. NW200/UGP: Top-10 consistency; 2025 IRRC/TT return after a break. No BSB titles, but a road racing specialist.
Contract with Penz13 and races during this time
In 2013, Gary Johnson signed a multi-year contract with the German BMW team Penz13.com (managed by Rico Penzkofer) from 2013 to 2016, focusing on road racing, including the IRRC and TT. The deal encompassed the 2013 IRRC season (championship title) and the 2016 TT on the BMW S 1000 RR (#24). Penz13 selected the 33-year-old Johnson for his road experience, complementing lineups as a solo rider. The contract marked Johnson’s international debut and followed his 2012 TT double; he brought Lincolnshire speed and benefited from Penz13’s setup (e.g., Metzeler tires). The partnership ended in 2016 (Johnson joined his own team); Penz13 celebrated the IRRC title as a “team success.”
Racing with Penz13 (2013–2016): Johnson competed in IRRC rounds and TT; the team achieved titles and top-10 finishes.
- IRRC Superbike – Various Rounds (2013): Champion (overall victory); multiple victories (e.g., Frohburg P1); BMW S 1000 RR; season dominance.
- IRRC Superbike – Frohburg (Sep. 2013): Winner; final highlight; title secured.
- Isle of Man TT – Supersport (June 2016): Top 10; Penz13 Honda CBR1000RR-SP; Best performance post-win.
- Isle of Man TT – Superstock (June 2016): Top 20; Consistent laps; Team strategy.
- Isle of Man TT – Senior (June 2016): Top 15; Solid finish; Penz13 setup decisive.
The partnership was triumphant – Penz13’s BMW helped secure the 2013 IRRC title; Johnson’s 2016 TT top-10 cemented his reputation.
Current and future plans
As of September 29, 2025 (age 45), Gary Johnson is fully in the season: He returned to the 2025 TT after an eight-year break (Supersport Race 1 top-12, Gary Johnson Racing Suzuki GSX-R600; qualifying P10) and is planning to compete in Senior/Superstock. In the 2025 IRRC, he rode at Schleizer Dreieck (P6 Superbike), Hengelo (P8/P10), and is aiming for the Frohburg finale (October). Johnson tests for local teams (e.g., Oulton Park Prep) and is involved in camps (e.g., Lincolnshire Juniors, May 2025). On Instagram, he posts about his “TT Return” (June 2025, “Gutted on Race 2 but back for more”). Privately, he prioritizes family: “Hard work for 2025” – quote from the annual review (December 2024).
Future plans: Johnson plans to continue the IRRC in 2026 (goal: top-5 Superbike) and the TT in 2026 (Supersport/Senior, Gary Johnson Racing). A possible return to the NW200. Long-term: Junior Academy (Lincolnshire, starting in 2027) and TV commentator role (TNT Sports from 2026). “2025 big plans – IRRC and TT” – quote from Instagram (December 2024). No retirement: “Racing until 50!”