Kawasaki Racing Team's (KRT) streak of misfortunes continued at the 6^th Round of the Australian Superbike Championships at Symmons Plains, Tasmania, on 30-31 August when an in form Scott Charlton crashed in dramatic fashion on board his Ninja ZX-6R.

With a spate of injuries and testing trials behind them, KRT went to Tasmania brimming with confidence and optimistic of a strong result in both the Superbike and Supersport classes.

Long hours of testing and development to both the ZX-6R and ZX-10R was paying dividends as Victorian KRT rider Scott Charlton qualified sixth fastest in the Supersport class and came out firing in his first race.

Racing into fifth position and having recorded the equal fastest speed trap time on board his ZX-6R, Scott Charlton looked good for a top 5 finish. However disaster struck on the 13^th lap when Scott hit some water that found its way onto the track from the apex. Scott came off his Ninja as a result of the water on the track and was sent straight to the medical centre with concussion, ending his day’s racing.

Scott says, “The ZX-6R was running great and the track was really well suited to the Ninja’s top end performance. I felt really good out there and was confident of some good results until I crashed on some water that was dragged onto the track. My day ended early so obviously I’m disappointed. I can’t wait to come out firing at the MotoGP.”

Fellow Victorian and KRT rider, Shannon Johnson, was happy to be back on board the ZX-10R after missing the last two rounds with injury. Shannon’s absence from the bike proved costly as he fought hard to regain his strong form. Shannon finished his first race inside the top ten taking eighth place and went on to take 11^th in his second race.

KRT manager Dave Cullen says, “The ZX-6R was very strong out there so it’s a shame Scott’s day ended early, preventing him from displaying his own form and the bike’s. The ZX-10R was competitive and it’s getting quicker each time it races too. Injury and misfortune have hampered the team’s results lately however we’re still very confident we can get a podium finish."

KRT will be looking for that podium finish at the Australian round of the MotoGP at Phillip Island on 3-5 October.