Irishman Lee Johnston will use BMW power in the big races at this year’s Isle of Man TT, North West 200, Macau GP and Ulster Grand Prix in 2015 after signing a new deal with East Coast Racing for 2015.

Johnston joins the likes of Guy Martin and William Dunlop at BMW - with more expected to follow suit - and, having been the dominant marque at TT2014 in the hands of Michael Dunlop, it confirms that the manufacturer is now one of the favoured mounts for the challenges posed by the Mountain Course.

East Coast Construction Racing and Lee Johnston will benefit from the BMW Motorrad UK International Customer Racing Programme, which will provide the team with technical and product support.

Johnston will also be amongst the favourites in the two Supersport Races where, like the 1000cc races, he’s switched manufacturer this time lining up on a 675cc Triumph Daytona. He will also take in selected British Superbike Championship events and will be backed during the 2015 season by Leamington Spa based company Burdens.

“I think we showed our potential in 2014 in all the classes at the events we contested and as a team we are looking to build on that for 2015 with the aim of being a regular feature on the podium at the International Road Races,” said the little Irishman.

“The TT remains the priority for me and East Coast Construction Racing and we know how hard it is to make the breakthrough into the podium positions around the Mountain Course. But we took some solid results there last year despite carrying an injury from the North West 200, and with the increased support from BMW Motorrad UK, Burdens and all our other team sponsors we will be as ready as anyone come June.”