Lee Johnston on his 250cc Honda during practice at Dundrod on Wednesday

Northern Ireland’s Lee Johnston has suffered a suspected broken collarbone following a crash during opening practice at the MCE Ulster Grand Prix.

The Fermanagh rider’s participation in the event is now in serious doubt after he came off at the hairpin on his 250cc Honda.

Johnston claimed the man of the meeting award last year following a brilliant hat-trick, which included wins in both Supersport races and the Superstock event.

The East Coast Racing rider was aiming to finish the major international roads season on a high after a crash at the Spring Cup meeting at Scarborough in April hampered his prospects at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.

Wednesday’s practice sessions at Dundrod have been hindered by lengthy delays due to an oil spill in the morning and deteriorating weather conditions.

Kyle White