By Carly Rathmell
May 31 2005

Xpress Racing: A podium for Dave Johnson in the European Suzuki Cup, Silverstone World Superbike, 29th May 2005. www.xpressracing.co.uk

Regular British Superstock contender, Xpress Racing’s Dave Johnson, received a last minute ‘wild card’ invitation to ride in the European Suzuki 750 Cup, which runs as a support class to the World Superbike series, where he achieved an inspiring third position.

Johnson rode the Suzuki GSX-R750 for the first time on Friday, and found himself well suited and adapted himself well to the new machinery. The 22-year-old rider, now based in Hinckley, looked comfortable throughout the weekend and qualified in a confident third place on the grid.

Dave Johnson - photo © Raceline Photography

A excellent start saw Johnson settling into third position. He was being hounded throughout the race by a number of riders and, as positions swapped and changed ,it was the young Australian who had his mind set on a podium finish. It was nearly all over in the first lap when Morales ran into the back of him at the Esses. Much to the delight of the huge crowd, it was the two ‘wild card’ riders, Johnson and Coates, who scooped two of the podium positions, showing that they can mix it with the best riders in the world.

Johnson was delighted with his result, saying, “I only found out on Tuesday that I would be riding at Silverstone, and to walk away with a third was a great feeling. It was a tough race and I was being pushed all the way. It’s a great confidence boost before we head to Croft next weekend. I’d like to thank my team, especially Nigel Broomhall, for their support over the weekend, they were all a great help.”

Nigel Broomhall (Xpress Racing), added, “I’m very please for Dave. He was completely focused and worked very hard all weekend. I would like to thank Andy Parr for giving Dave this opportunity, and I am proud that we were able to support Suzuki GB this weekend.”

Johnson’s next British Superstock round will be at Croft Circuit, North Yorkshire, on the 5th June.