Lee Johnston’s return to racing after his TT withdrawal ended in spectacular style as he slid out of the Supersport feature race at Brands Hatch.

Lee had delivered a solid fifth place finish in the sprint race at the famous circuit, but he failed to build on that in race two as his day ended prone on the tarmac.

The latest round of the British Supersport Championship provided Lee with a chance to return to competitive racing after his TT week was ended prematurely with an eye infection that had affected his vision on the high speed mountain sport.

Lee opted for a sensible safety first approach in the Isle of Man, and the lingering after effects also ruled him out of the last BSB round the following weekend at Knockhill.

Brands Hatch was the setting for his return, and he made a steady start to the event.

He set the sixth fastest time in the first free practice session before qualifying in ninth position for the opening Sprint Race.

Johnston had produced a string of early season podium finishes and had threatened a race win, but having dropped off in the championship he was looking to solidify his third place in the series standings, and he quickly improved on his ninth place start, eventually coming home in fifth after the 12 lap race.

Any hopes of making further improvements in the feature race were quickly dashed however.

After a good start, Johnston lost control of his Ashcourt Racing Yamaha on lap four of the race, sliding unharmed into retirement.