The Johnston’s team are excited to officially launch the Johnston’s Race Team (JRT).
Supporting local Taranaki talent is important to us and we’re pleased to have five top quality riders in the mix for the 2025/2026 season ahead.
With strong backing from Johnston’s and a wide range of sponsors, the team is set to take on national and enduro and cross-country competitions throughout NZ.
Meet the Riders
Sam Parker (19, Husqvarna FC350)
Sam has cemented himself as one of New Zealand’s brightest off-road prospects. Currently recovering from injury Sam can’t wait to get back on the bike and his goals for the coming seasons are clear: top three finishes across GNCC and all major off-road series.
Sponsors - Johnston's, Husqvarna, Crown Kiwi Enterprises, Alpinestars, Dunlop, Stux, Hunger Contracting, NDub Graphics, RAV Haulage, New Plymouth Underwater.
Tony Parker (51, Husqvarna TE300)
The most experienced rider in the line-up, Tony brings over four decades of racing to the team. Despite battling injuries, he remains a formidable competitor with some stellar results. His focus for 2025 is returning strong in GNCC and Judd’s Hard Enduro.
Sponsors - Johnston's, Husqvarna, Crown Kiwi Enterprises, Alpinestars, Dunlop, Stux, Hunger Contracting, NDub Graphics, RAV Haulage, New Plymouth Underwater.
Josh Houghton (20, KTM 250XC-F)
A consistent front-runner, Josh is currently sitting second overall in the NZ Enduro Championship. With victories in the South Island Enduro Champs (E1) and Central Enduro Champs. Josh is aiming to capture national titles in Enduro and Sprint, while eyeing a future spot on New Zealand’s Six Day International Enduro team.
Sponsors - Johnston's, KTM, Troy Lee Designs, Stux, Motul, JW Seatcovers, ABD Group, Motomuck.
Luke Thompson (22, Husqvarna FC350)
One of the team’s most versatile riders, Luke has proven himself in both enduro and motocross. Determined to break into the top five overall standings, Luke will compete in GNCC, NCES, and selected national hard enduros.
Sponsors - Johnston's, Husqvarna, Troy Lee Designs, Fist Handwear, Motul.
Blake Lusk (19, Yamaha YZ250FX)
A consistent top-three performer, Blake has stacked up results across GNCC, NZ Cross Country, Sprint Series, and Hard Enduro.. With eyes set on breaking further into the national elite, Blake will continue to focus on GNCC, Club Enduro, and cross-country competitions.
Sponsors - Johnston's, Husqvarna, Troy Lee Designs, Fist Handwear, Motul, Superior Stainless.
Eyes on the Season Ahead
With this epic line up we're excited to see loads of success throughout the coming months. You can expect to see the Johnston’s Race Team charging hard across New Zealand’s toughest terrain—and flying the JRT banner proudly on podiums across NZ as they make their mark across GNCC, Hard Enduro, Enduro, and Sprint competitions.