Gary Johnson
Hi guys, how are we doing? I’m in good shape and pretty damn excited for the Macau GP. It’ll probably be going on by the time you get your filthy paws on this issue of the mag, so I should explain a major change in the plan. I was meant to be racing it on my Suzuki GSX-R1000R superbike, but I simply ran out of time building it and didn’t relish the reality of riding my nuts off on a half-spec bike that would get hammered by the fully-blown team efforts that annually descend at Macau and make the going bloody hard work. So, at the eleventh hour, right when I thought my number was up and I’d have to break out the excuse book in advance, Lee Hardy stepped in and offered me a ride on his Briggs Equipment ZX-10R; the one that Jake Dixon’s been nailing impressively this season. It made good sense for both parties, and I was lucky to get a test in the bag a couple of days ago at Donington Park. Sod’s law, it was pretty crappy weather so I couldn’t give it the berries, but I went fast enough to get a feel for the Kwacker, which is a respectable package. It’s now in a crate, jetting its way off to warmer climes, while I’m here in Blighty doing the last few bits of prep before the flight to the Portuguese municipality (big word, that). It’s a mega place and I love the randomness of it. After a hard year’s racing, most of us that compete there see it as the best way to finish off a season and bag a bit of RnR at the end of it all. My tan’s not in the best of shapes, so that’ll get a decent top up while I’m at it. Well, once I’ve got the racing side of things out of the way.
I’m optimistic of a decent result. I wouldn’t be heading out there if I wasn’t, but I’m also impressed by the depth of field in the line-up. A lot of the leading BSB boys have really got their teeth into the gig and they don’t need any encouragement around the street circuit. Hicky, Rutter, Irwin and Jessop will be my main contenders. I was P2 in most sessions last year, and rounded off with a fifth in the race, but I know I can do better than that. I’m just keen to clock a bit more track time on the ZX-10R, but it’s a base to start with. Glen Richards is my crew chief, and he knows a thing or two about getting the best from a bike. I’ve got a lot of time for him and the rest of the boys in the team seem spot on.
I just wish I’d of decided to take this route a little sooner and put a bit more time into testing it. Learning its way will be the biggest hurdle, but I’m well acclimatised to the track, so at least I’ve got that in my arsenal. It’ll all come good, I’m sure. People always ask about coverage of the event, as it’s a bit difficult to keep tabs on things, but there’s always a live stream on someone’s Facebook page. Just give Macau GP a search and you’ll find it. I might even give you a wave.