KTM has put its name to the final and double-header round of the 2009 Formula Xtreme Superbike Series which is to be held at Wakefield Park Raceway (NSW) on the weekend of 26-27 September.
While KTM is not new to racing in Australia, especially through the many years of success the brand has achieved in motocross and off-road racing, it is the first time the manufacturer has taken on the role of road racing event sponsor.
KTM tested the waters in Australian Superbike racing with the entry of international racer Shannon Johnson into round one of the Formula Xtreme Superbike Championship at Winton Motor Raceway (VIC), back in May, where Johnson secured two podium positions on the KTM 1190 RC8 R.
Shannon Johnson entered two classes on the KTM 1190 RC8 R, the Formula Oz class where he took the outright win, and the Pro Twin class where he placed second outright to Ryan McLaughlan.
Round two of the Formula Xtreme Superbike Championship took to Eastern Creek (NSW) in June, with Shannon pushing the KTM 1190 RC8-R to another podium in the Formula Oz class, and the Pro Twin class.
In the Formula Oz class at round two, Shannon competed in four races winning three, and pulling in from another due to wrong tyre choice.
Three wins from four starts gave Shannon second in class for the round, behind James Spence who took the win.
Yet Shannon’s second place podium combined with his win at the opening round, has put him in the lead of the Formula Oz class on 175 points, over second place Fayad Elmouhamed on 119 points.
In the Pro Twin class, Shannon had a similar situation to the Formula Oz, again competing in four races, winning three and pulling in from another when torrential rain set in early in the race.
Johnson chose to pull in as he was running slicks, and didn’t want to risk damaging the motorcycle.
The final result saw Ryan McLauchlan take the round win, and Johnson in second. McLauchlan leads the Pro Twins class on 148 points, with Johnson in second on 125 points.
“We are getting closer to the perfect race meeting, whilst considering the KTM RC8-R is a brand new motorcycle to road racing, the team and I are amazed at its potential," Johnson said.
“At each race meeting every single change made to the KTM RC8-R has been a step in the right direction, whether it be a change to the bike, or me changing my style to suit the 1200cc twin, we never made a sideways step let alone a backward one.
"It’s been an awesome ride so far, and I’m confident with a great team behind me KTM could bring home its first major road race championship in Australia.
KTM Road Racing Team Manager, and Technical Director, Rob Twyerould comments, “Shannon’s success on the race track opens up a new level of racing for KTM, especially since the KTM 1190 RC8-R is a street bike anyone can buy through a v-twin dealership, and we have built it into the weapon it is with all genuine KTM Powerparts, also available through dealerships.
“KTM is stepping up its commitment to road racing with Shannon Johnson and now lending its name to the final round of the Formula Xtreme Superbike Championship, when we make a commitment to something we see it through, so this is likely to be the start of greater things to come.”
The Formula Xtreme Superbike Championship is a five round series. The final two rounds sponsored by KTM will take place at Wakefield Park (NSW) on 26-27 September 09.
Both days are full stand alone rounds of the series with racing from approximately 10.30am both Saturday and Sunday for all classes of racing from Juniors and 600 Superstock bikes through to the very popular BEARS, Pro-Twins, Formula Oz and Formula Xtreme classes.
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