Shannon Johnson (Vic) can nearly claim home track advantage today thanks to a couple of recent visits to our shores. Back in January he dominated the KTM/Husaberg WA Supermoto Cup before more recently competing in a round of the WA Superbike Championship.

Here we let Shannon take you for a hot lap of the 2.41km Wanneroo Raceway where today he will be trying to put his Yamaha Racing Team YZF-R1 on the top step of the podium in the third round of the 2005 Australian Superbike Championship.

Shannon takes up the story…

“As I come across the start/finish line on a flying lap I click fourth gear and hold the throttle wide open before hitting the anchors as late as possible and dropping the R1 back to third gear in readiness for turn one, the entry to which can be aided by actually stepping the rear end out a little sideways and backing the bike in a little which can help set me up earlier for the middle of the turn.

“I try and hold a really tight line around this turn so I can get the power down earlier on the exit as I head toward the esses. The bike can get quite lively as I wind the throttle to the stop on the exit before then feathering it a little while negotiating the esses prior to tipping into the left hander. I get in here with good corner speed as the positive camber helps. It is important to hold the bike tight to the left in readiness for the rapid change of direction at the top of the hill. Here I flick the bike back over to the right and get on the throttle hard while drifting all the way out to the edge of the track. Then it’s up to fourth gear for the hard drive down the hill into the basin.

“On the brakes and back to third gear on the entry into the basin before getting back on the gas early to start driving out even before I reach the apex, such is the amazing camber of this turn. As I start the climb up the hill I shift into fourth gear with the back wheel stepped out slightly sideways while laying a black line with wheelspin nearly all the way to the top of the hill. The bike takes me to the left of the track and it’s up to fifth, and then top gear just prior to cresting the top of the hill. I actually have to back the throttle off a little here to prevent the bike from flipping over backwards.

“The speed carried down into the next turn is quite amazing considering the short length of the run down the hill but I certainly know how fast I’m going as I hit the brakes and shuffle back through the box to third gear for the final turn with the suspension maxed out under brakes. This is a serious workout for the forearms!

“Finally I try and late apex the last turn to carry good speed onto the main straight which today is hopefully enough for me to slip past whoever is in front on the run to the line and take the win!"