Lee Johnston and Hudson Kennaugh will ride for Ryan Farquhar’s KMR Kawasaki team at this year’s Isle of Man TT.
The duo will ride a pair of ER6 650cc Kawasaki’s in the Bennetts Lightweight TT Race after competing at the North-West 200 in May.
Johnston is expected to challenge for his maiden TT win and will run in the vivid red colours of the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance.
Johnston is a three-time winner at the North West 200, including two Lightweight class victories in 2014, and raced for Farquhar in the 2015 Lightweight TT race where he lapped at close to 119mph and was holding onto a podium position before being forced to retire on the final lap.
Kennaugh’s machine will run the branding and colours of the International Energy Group. He will make his debut for the team at the North West 200, which will also be the South African’s first appearance at the 8.9-mile Triangle circuit.
Now based at Ashby de la Zouch in the Midlands, 2017 will be the 36-year old South African’s fifth time on the island with his best finish, 24th, coming in last year’s RL360 Quantum Superstock race.
Team boss Farquhar, although no longer racing himself, is excited about his team’s chances for success in 2017 and is looking forward to the season ahead.
He said: “It’s great to be back in a position running a team once more and from where I was at the North West 200 last year to where I am now is a big bonus. Lee’s perfectly suited to the bike and has done a good job for me in the past whilst Hudson is a fantastic short circuit rider and more than capable of getting some good results on the roads.
“The majority of my trade sponsors have stayed with me, which is terrific news, and whilst it will be different for me this year with not riding, I’m really pleased to have two great riders on board. I’m looking forward to seeing the boys out on track and with a competitive package, I’m confident we’ll be there or thereabouts come race day.”
The Lightweight TT Race at this year’s TT is due to take place on Wednesday June 7.
