KTM AUSTRALIA:

Victorian racer Shannon Johnson won KTM its first title in a Superbike Championship last month claiming both the Pro Twin and Formula Oz class at the Formula Xtreme Superbike Championship, on board the KTM RC8-R at Wakefield Park.

Looking towards conquering his next major event Johnson will take on the Kings of Wanneroo International, taking place at Barbagallo Raceway (WA) over three days 6-7-8 November, where he will again ride the KTM RC8-R alongside international KTM guest riders Jeremy McWilliams, and Mike Swann.

KTM Australia has high hopes of Johnson being the man to beat on the RC8-R. Road Racing Team Manager, Rob Twyerould comments, “The competition at the Kings of Wanneroo is going to be extremely tough, with riders entered who have competed in European Superbike Championships, and made it onto the podium, but that doesn’t shy us away from our own ambitions which are to have an Aussie KTM rider win this event,” said Twyerould.

“We’re very confident in Shannon Johnson’s ability to win this event, and know he will give his entry 110 percent.”

Shannon Johnson has already conducted some testing at Barbagallo Raceway, and is eager to return.

“I am under no illusion as to how difficult the Kings event is going to be to win, many of the riders I have watched on TV, and admired their ability,” said Johnson. “Although having said that I still believe that with how the KTM RC8-R is working, Rob T’s knowledge of the machine, and my current form we have the ingredients to have a very successful weekend.

“We had a good test the other day setting some very strong lap times given the conditions, it was very hot and normally with high ambient, and circuit temperature lap times are not overly fast. I feel that in slightly cooler conditions we should be able to go a bit faster, which is great for my confidence.

“We won’t know our true form until we get out on the track, and I know the competition is going to be tough, but I’m very confident in the team, the bike and my racing capability to bring home a podium result, preferably the top of the podium.”

The Kings of Wanneroo International will be conducted over three days – Friday practice, Saturday qualifying with Sunday as the main race day featuring the Kings International Production Superbike class and the Kings International Sidecar title events with support classes of Supersport, Superstock and Clubman racing.

Barbagallo Raceway Wanneroo is located north of Perth. Main Entrance end of Wattle Avenue, Neerabup, off Old Yanchep Road off Joondalup Drive (exit the Mitchell Freeway at Joondalup Drive).

Advance purchase event tickets are now on sale at Pitstop Bookshop, King Street Perth www.pitstop.net.au or Tel: 9322 5544 Country 1800 622 422.

Stay tuned to Shannon Johnson’s results at www.ktm.com.au.