Johnson heads 2023 IOMTT ‘Top 20’ starters

With just over 60 days to go, the top 20 seeded riders for the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races have been confirmed.

Heading the start line for 1000cc RST Superbike, RL360 Superstock, and Milwaukee Senior TT Races, David Johnson on the C&L Fairburn Properties by Jackson Racing Honda is set to lead the field away at number 1, just as he did in 2018, with the Australian getting his first TT action since 2019 after injury forced him out of last year’s event.
 


He’ll be followed at number 2 by 2019 Senior TT winner Dean Harrison, who continues in his familiar starting position onboard the DAO Racing Kawasaki ZX-10RR. Harrison starts ten seconds ahead of 23-times winner John McGuinness who assumes the number 3 spot once more for Honda Racing UK, after being the first man on the road for his 100th TT start twelve months ago.



At number 4 is Jamie Coward, who has been rewarded with a big step up the order after four top-six finishes and an impressive showing at TT 2022. Coward will ride a new Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade for the same KTS Racing team, switching from Yamaha.
 


James Hillier goes off at his regular spot riding with number 5 for OMG Racing Yamaha, whilst Michael Dunlop will once again start at number 6. Continuing with Hawk Racing for another year, Dunlop is another rider to switch to Honda for the new season, the first time he’s campaigned the Fireblade since 2013.
 


A returning Josh Brookes will get his race week underway from number 7 on the FHO Racing BMW M 1000 RR, ahead of expected front runner Davey Todd. Like 2022, the rising star who took a maiden TT podium in 2022 will start at number 8 on the Milenco by Padgett’s Motorcycles Honda.
 


Lee Johnston moves up the order from his familiar number 13 to number 9 on