2006 Australian Superbike Championship (YMF Loan)

Report (Shannon Johnson)

Hello to all,
Following is the results and report from the opening round of the Aust. SBK Championship:

Event: Rd1 Australian SBK Championship
Date: 7th-9th April 2006
Venue: Eastern Creek Raceway NSW
Weather: Fine, warm, little wind

Qualification: 2nd

Race Results:
Race One: 3rd
Race Two: 3rd

Overall Results:
1st: J Stauffer Yamaha R1
2nd: R Holland Honda CBR1000
3rd: Shannon Johnson Kawasaki ZX10R
4th: S Giles Suzuki GSXR1000
5th: D Stauffer Yamaha R1

Rider Report:
Well as I have said to my team from the very start "baby steps forward each time". Over the summer I had some time away from bikes and racing and was able to re-program myself and change some of my old ways. It's still a work in progress but things are coming along....

Since our first race on the all new Kawasaki ZX10R the team have made some noticeable steps forward with the performance of the chassis as well as engine. Thanks guys! Friday morning was the first time out with the bike at a "completed stage 1" state of development. The free practice sessions were spent finding a base setting for the conditions and circuit, the lap times were for Qualifying. I finished the day 6th, I knew we had plenty more in the tank and had achieved the set goal for the day.

Qualification session one went as planned we made improvements and completed the session entirely on race rubber. Qualification two- go time. We started with a short race run to confirm some changes. Michelin offered me a soft option to go for a time, this was my first time on this style of tyre. We moved to P2, then dropped back a short time later. With only a few minutes left I had one last shot and this time moved back into P2 until the end. I kept telling myself "baby steps forward", but it seemed that we were moving forward more like a run.

Race day- this year we have no warm up, so straight out into the race. I made a poor start and was around 7th in turn one, I made some swift moves before the end of the lap and had moved to 5th then the red flag came out. A second chance to get it right. I made a much better start, and was in third place. I was riding tight and used too much tyre too soon. I collected my thoughts mid race and decided 3rd was better than 0. A podium for the first race of the year, great for the team and my confidence.

I spoke with the team manager between races and agreed on a different approach for the second race. I made a OK start, moved forward a few places found my rhythm and pushed toward the front. I spent much of the race in second with the gap to the front yo-yoing. In the closing stages I was passed and unfortunately had nothing left to give. We went over six seconds faster than the first race which was a big improvement and a credit to the team. The bike is still young and I have much to learn, I'm enjoying my racing again and can't ask for a more supportive crew. With many more "baby steps" forward still to come it's hard not to get excited about the year ahead.

Thanks to my sponsors, family and friends.

Regards
Shannon