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KRT’s Shannon Johnson Podiums Superbike Class at MotoGP

From KRT
KRT rider Shannon Johnson has ridden his Ninja ZX-10R all the way to the podium in the Superbike class at the Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island on 3-5 October. With Shannon’s 2008 season not entirely going to plan due to injury and bike set up issues, the Kawasaki riders 3rd place at Phillip Island proves that the team and Shannon are well and truly making headway in the development and set up of the powerful Ninja ZX-10R superbike.

Shannon Johnson’s Australian MotoGP racing campaign got off to a brilliant start when the number 42 rider qualified his ZX-10R in 3rd place. Shannon then got down to business taking out 4th, 3rd, 5th and 3rd place in his four Superbike races to finish in 3rd place overall.

Shannon’s KRT team mate, Scott Charlton, also enjoyed a successful meet on board his
ZX-10R finishing his first race in 2nd place. Scott also found the podium on board his Ninja ZX-6R taking 3rd place in the third race (after the second race was abandoned.).

Whilst the powerful Ninja ZX-10R superbike is renowned for being a formidable machine on the street, it’s no secret that KRT have taken a little longer than anticipated to find the ultimate set up for the powerful Ninja ZX-10R on the race track in 2008. However thanks to hard work and a fresh approach by KRT manager Dave Cullen and head mechanic Glen Willing, KRT have turned a corner, unlocking the potential of the formidable ZX-10R and are now enjoying the long awaited podium results.

KRT rider Shannon Johnson was happy to be back on the podium, saying, “I’m quite satisfied with the overall result. I’m very happy for the whole team and all the work they’ve put in. It hasn’t been an easy season with the injuries but finally we’ve made progress and I’m back to full fitness.”

“The Ninja ZX-10R is the best it’s ever felt. We found a setting at last week’s test that worked well for both the bike and myself and I’m looking forward to Eastern Creek..”

Shannon Johnson, Scott Charlton and all of the Kawasaki Racing Team head to Eastern Creek on 17-19 October for the final round of the Australian Superbike Championships. KRT are confident of continuing their success and racing to the podium at The Creek!


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Shannon Johnsons Race Report

Event: Moto GP National SBK Support Event
Date: 2nd-5th October
Venue: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
Weather: Warm, Sunny, Cold, Wet, Fine

SBK:
Qualification: 3rd

Race Results: Overall Results:
1st: G Allerton Honda CBR1000RR
2nd: J O'Halloran Honda CBR1000RR
3rd: Shannon Johnson Kawasaki ZX10R

Report:
I can actually say I'm quite satisfied with the overall performance, I'm a competitive racer.

Really it is very nice to give the mechanics, my personal sponsors, supporters and partners of the team a reward for their loyalty and support during what can only be described as a very difficult year- both on and off track.

Qualifying was strange as our session was held after a large oil spill down the front straight and entry to turn one, the officials did the best thing possible to clean the track. The only thing was that the sun was setting and it took some time for the track to dry completely, meaning the first 5-7minutes of our session the track was completely dry apart from the front straight and turn one. Not very nice on slick tyres. My mechanics and I had a plan for the session and it played out perfectly, we were inside the top three all session.

Race One could not have been held in more different circumstances, it was wet, very wet. We made a good start and went with the front group. I was having some issues with traction and decided it would be safer to finish and collect solid points for fourth rather than none at all. It was great to see my team mate finish second though, we both have endured difficulty on and off track this year and results like this help no end, well done Scotty. Also it is the first time Kawasaki has had two ZX10R Ninja riders finish inside the top four of any National SBK race anywhere in the world.

Race Two was held in dry conditions. Before the race I was a little nervous, I was confident of a strong result and as it has been a long time since having done so the nerves were there. From the start I went with the lead group, it was a three way battle fighting over third. Annoying as it was getting passed down the straight most laps I was glad as it made me find something extra in the turns. Coming into the last lap I knew the last two turns had to be perfect to avoid getting passed before the finish line.

Thankfully our tyre choice was correct and setting worked well over race distance. My first podium on the new bike and the teams first in dry all levels equal playing field.

Thanks boys!

Race Three was almost a carbon copy of race two, this time it was a four way battle for third though. The problem was that I used quite a few cards in race two they knew were to block my passing attempts. The race went so quick with passing back and forth that I missed the last lap board and my final attempt to improve my position. Up until that point all year we would have been happy to finish a very close fifth in a dry race, now the terms are different.

Race Four was lay them all out there and see what we get, between the four of us battling for third was- 5 National SBK Championships, 2 National SS Championships-, three different manufactures, and four unique riding styles each with strength and weakness. I happy to say that my team, my bike, and I ended up on top. With the front two guys riding the way they were this really was like a second victory within the race. The number of passes and position changes was a little less than the other races but the pace was faster for longer. Eventually I was able to drop the pack and clear out on my own; it was strange to see +2 on my pit board when it was +0 all weekend long!

I really want to express sincere thanks to the surprisingly large amount of well wishes and supporters that went out of their way to offer their congratulations over the weekend. It was a very nice feeling and a number of times I was surprised to hear it come from some of the people saying it. Most importantly my family, amazing personal sponsors for sticking by me, friends and supporters, along with a great team of staff that work so hard for me this result is for you.

Thanks to Arai Helmets, Spy Eyewear, Mi-Cut Australia, Swimming with Sharks Footwear, Gas Imports, The Creative Ones, GiMoto Leathers, Impact Armor, Berik Boots, Gas, Race-Fit Training, and Musashi Health Supplements for their amazing support personally and to all the sponsors of the team.

Warrian Enterprises, Silkolene, NGK, DID, and Kincrome.

Sincerely

Shannon

Ninja ZX-6R Takes Scott Charlton to the Podium at MotoGP

From KRT
Not unlike his KRT team mate Shannon Johnson, Australian Superbike and Supersport rider, Scott Charlton has overcome a season hampered by injury to finish on the podium in the Supersport class at the 2008 MotoGP at Phillip Island on Sunday 5 October on board his Ninja ZX-6R.

Due to a broken scaphoid sustained earlier in the year, Scott Charlton hasn’t enjoyed the season that he is deserving or capable of. Upon his return to racing at Simmons Plains for the sixth round of the Australian Superbike series, Scott’s season was again struck a blow when he crashed heavily on a wet part of the track resulting in a concussion.

Feeling he had something to prove, Scott came out firing at the MotoGP. If anybody was questioning his fitness or form coming into the GP, they were quickly answered as Scott led the field on board his ZX-10R in the first Superbike race, eventually finishing in 2nd place.

Scott rode his Ninja ZX-6R to 5th, 3rd and 5th place throughout the three Supersport races to finish the Supersport class at the MotoGP in 3rd place.

Scott was very happy with his results saying, “It’s great to be back on the podium.”

“The ZX-6R was working really well at Phillip Island. The fast flowing corners really suited the Ninja. I’m really looking forward to Eastern Creek.”

KRT Manager, Dave Cullen said, “Congratulations to both riders. KRT are back on the podium where we belong. Both the Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-6R performed really well this weekend. The ZX-6R has really good top end thanks to the M4 exhaust we’ve fitted and the Ninja really suited Phillip Island’s open flowing track.”

“We’ve had a chance to look at the new 09 ZX-6R and we’re really excited about it. It’s shorter, steeper, lighter and more powerful than the existing model so we’re really looking forward to the 09 season.”

Shannon Johnson, Scott Charlton and all of the Kawasaki Racing Team head to Eastern Creek on 17-19 October for the final round of the Australian Superbike Championships. KRT are confident of continuing their success and racing to the podium at The Creek!