2010 was a particularly significant year for the Australian Superbike Championship, with a number of manufacturers confirming their debut or renewed participation.

Today we look back at the initial announcement from KTM Australia that saw it unveil plans to field Shannon Johnson aboard the RC8 R V-twin under the banner of the Evolution Sports Group.

KTM dipped its toe in the water with the RC8R in 2009, entering Johnson in the Formula Xtreme ranks where he would win both the Formula Oz and Pro Twins classes.

The move would be announced by KTM shortly thereafter, with general manager Jeff Leisk confirming the German-built race bikes to be freighted directly to Australia for the team to test and develop.

“We had tremendous success with Shannon racing on the KTM 1190 RC8 R this year and with the support of ESG, we feel we can further develop the bike and Shannon’s ability on the race track,” said Leisk.

For Johnson, the move to the Superbike class on a bike he had considerable success on was a big one.

Shannon Johnson aboard the KTM RC8 R. Image: Andrew Gosling/TBG Sport.

“I’m really very excited about this joint venture with KTM and ESG,” he said. “For me as a rider I have the best of both worlds.

“Not only am I continuing a relationship on a motorcycle I enjoy immensely, I’m also doing the same with my technical crew from ESG.

“Furthermore, Rob Twyerould who was also a big part of the team this year, will also contribute to the technical guidance required on behalf of KTM for the 1190 RC8 R set-up, which I personally believe is invaluable.”

Johnson would complete a solid pre-season testing program at Phillip Island prior to the first round of the year at the same circuit.

“All competitors bikes will be fitted with the same 2-11-GP Dunlop Tyres, so we will all be on a level playing ground in terms of tyres, but each rider then needs to find their advantage point,” he added.

“For me I honestly believe it will be a bike point advantage. The KTM 1190 RC8 R performs really well on these tyres, so this combined with the mechanic and technical guys from ESG, should see us with a good chance to podium.”

A concerted effort from ESG, KTM and Johnson would see the RC8 R deliver some good results but also face a number of technical challenges.

Johnson was a consistent top 10 runner but a double-DNF to conclude the 2010 season at Symmons Plains would ultimately see him finish the year in ninth.