Jake Johnson Interview - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

**drgibson** · 02-02-2009, 01:43 PM

Ok Last one, for now.

This one hits on Suzuki pulling out of Flat Track as a team sposor. The impact of this is already being felt. Those who are moving away from the Suzukis are finding that you can't hardly give one away.

With factory support from American Suzuki, Jake Johnson has won two Grand National Single Championship's over the past three years and will now be entering the 2009 season as a privateer. Since 2005 Jake has competed exclusively on Suzuki motorcycles in the twins and single classes, never finishing out of the top 10 in the final season standings.

After strong results over the past four seasons with Suzuki, Jake finds himself in the midst of Suzuki making considerably cut backs for 2009. The rider from Franklinville, New Jersey has his work cut out to insure the Dave Burks team stays together and competitive each and every week.

Taking his second Grand National Single Championship last year, Jake will carry the big number 1 on the front of his Suzuki 450cc at the season opener in Daytona Beach, Florida during Daytona Bike Week. The same track where he won back-to-back Nationals last year.

We had a chance to catch up with Jake to discuss last year and how he feels going into 2009.

Q. You started your season strong last year, winning the Short Track Nationals both nights at Daytona. Was that a big surprise to you?

A. Yes it was. I don't know what it is about that place but it puts knots in my stomach. Just to come out of that place with some points let alone two wins was unbelievable.

Q. What specific advantage do you think you had last year in the Singles class?

A. Great motorcycles and great people behind me.

Q. Even in the twin's class last year it looked like you guys were making great progress moving to the SV650cc at times rather than running the 1000cc. What was the reason in trying the SV650cc?

A. Just to try something new. Plus that 650 was Travis' baby and it killed him to have that thing just sit around.

Q. What type of support is Dave still getting from Suzuki?

A. Its not what it's been the past few years but we should still have some help with bikes and parts.

Q. Travis Smith has played a role in making the team work well. Is he staying with you and Dave?

A. Yes. He has been a big part of this team's success and I'm glad to have him back on board.

Q. Let's talk a little about your singles effort for this year. Will you be racing last year's model or the new 2009 RM-Z 450cc?

A. We should have some of both, but there is really not much difference between the 08 and 09.

Q. What are your thoughts about production racing in the singles class is new for 2009. How do you think it will affect your program?

A. I'm not really sure how I feel about it yet. I'll let you know after Daytona.

Q. Have you started your testing for the Daytona Short Tracks? What are finding out about how the bikes work?

A. We tested a little bit back in December and plan on doing some more riding soon. The bikes seem to be working great as usual.

Q. There are ½ Mile National Hot Shoe's in Savannah, GA and Barberville, FL during Daytona Bike Week. Will you be racing those? If so... on the 650cc or 1000cc?

A. Yes I will. I will most likely ride the 650 and try to get the bugs worked out before the Twins Series gets fired up.

Q. Will you concentrate on the 650cc exclusively this year in the twin's class?

A. I think so. We do still have some 1000s in the corner just in case.

Q. Do you feel after the improvements last year, do you think you can win a Twins race this year?

A. I really do. I feel we already should have won some races but it seems like everytime we're in position to win bad luck strikes.

Q. What has been the biggest improvement in your twins program?

A. Switching to the SV650. It seems to be a little more user friendly than the 1000s.

Q. There were a lot of people in the paddock last year at Indy who had you picked to win, including Pat Alexander from Suzuki. What happened?

A. That was heartbreaking. We had a really good chance at winning that race and had a rod go out.

Q. You have a lot fans pulling for you and the Suzuki. Anyone you want to thank before we close?

A. There is a huge list but I'll keep it short. Mainly I need to thank Dave Burks, Pat Alexander, Travis Smith, Tom Norton, my family and friends, my girlfriend Jodi, and all of my sponsors.

Q. Good luck this year.

A. Thanks a lot.