Christie’s Georgia Adventure

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Category: CSBK News

Published on Thursday, April 2, 2015 07:26 EDT

Last week, MOPAR CSBK National overall Champion Jodi Christie was busy working for sponsor Honda Canada in Savannah, Georgia. Christie was there to attend a track launch, visiting and riding with 12 journalists delivered to the warm south to test a wide variety of new motorcycles.

As well, Christie did some aggressive track lapping, his first time on a road race course since his RACE Regional appearance at Shannonville Motorsport Park late last September.  Previously, Christie had ridden at the Roebling Road Raceway facility during a spring Honda event in 2011, and it only took a few laps for him to get up to speed around the sweeping  9 turn, two mile long layout.

“I have to admit, it was awesome to get back on the bike,” stated Christie during an interview on Thursday afternoon, March 26.  “My bike felt like my bike right away, so that was good.  This opportunity definitely helps, just shaking it all out, and it was also a beautiful place (Savannah) to spend a few days, too.”

Christie is getting use to questions regarding his new Honda CBR1000RR SP, now approved for use on the Canadian tour.  Everyone wants to see the new bike, still under construction back in Ontario, and Christie can’t wait to ride it.  He did, however, get a chance to pilot a stock, Repsol-livered, Marquez replica CBR1000RR SP at the track, pulling some impressive wheelies along the way!

“We definitely have a good plan in place running up to the start of the MOPAR CSBK season,” explained Christie.  “We’re building the bikes for Canada, for our specific varieties of tracks.  We’re taking a step back, re-assessing everything, we want to make sure we get the most out of every part of our new package.”

“I’m really excited to get back out on the track (at the Nationals) this summer,” confirmed Christie.  “I can’t wait to get the whole team together, and I think we can have a lot of success in the future, everything we need is there.”

As far as his own riding is concerned, Christie explains that “I feel really motivated, I know I am in a good situation, and I’ve been working at a physical job all winter.  I’m ready to race right now.”

As far as the testing of equipment at Roebling Road is concerned, Christie quipped that “I’m smart enough not to get over my head at a track that we don’t race at.  The goal is to be consistent in my performance, to offer good feedback, to make sure our evaluations are correct.”

“It’s always easy working with John (Sharrard), we are very close, we have a good understanding, it makes testing relatively simple, and I already feel like I have all the rust out.  At any track, you are always learning, working on lines, changing set-up, maybe adapt to a new bike while you maintain a good pace.”

When asked if evaluating parts and systems items is an activity he could enjoy beyond preparation for specific races, Christie said that “I would look forward to more testing, and in the right situation, in the right environment and with the necessary time and support, it can be fun.”

“Testing is not the primary reason for this trip, but it has been productive.  I really enjoy the time with the media, working on camera and with the journalists, it’s great because everyone is so into their jobs.”