Sharrard Talks Testing at Roebling

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Category: CSBK News

Published on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 08:02 EDT

Written by Administrator

During Honda Canada’s new model motorcycle media event last week in and around Savannah, Georgia, reigning MOPAR CSBK Canadian National Superbike Champion Jodi Christie visited with the press, and did a little riding, too.  On hand to assist with chassis set-up, as well as work on Christie’s test mule CBR600RR racer, was his crew chief John Sharrard.

Owner of chassis and suspension set-up company Accelerated Technology, Sharrard has worked with Christie since the 22 year old Pro Champ’s way-back Amateur days, and served as Christie’s crew chief for the last four years.  Sharrard and Christie shared a sort of tech talk short hand, able to review a number of factors in short order, in a busy pit lane during a short period of time.

While the factory Honda Canada squad didn’t have their new Limited Edition CBR1000RR SP models to test, there was work to do while enjoying the warm weather and mostly dry running.

“Primarily, we want try out a new brake supplier, both rotors and pads,” explained Sharrard in the Paddock garage at Roebling Road Racetrack in Pooler, Georgia.  “We want to back-to-back a couple of different compounds of pads, and check on what we liked best last year.”

“In 2014, we were pretty happy with the original equipment (OE) Honda rotors and Performance Friction pads,” continued Sharrard.  “But you can’t be sure of your choices unless you are always trying new ideas, and we know our competition will be looking for every little edge, too.”

As well as testing some specific performance-related items, Sharrard confirmed that “it is also great for morale, it’s always good to get Jodi some seat time during the off season.  This is the start of our whole team getting prepared for 2015, and we can always make use of any opportunity to test.”

“While this isn’t a track we will race at, Jodi has been here before, and he’s comfortable, so he can push hard here in relative safety.  We’re also trying some different fork internals, and we have some new chassis directions that we are just getting started with.”

Of course, everyone wants to hear about the differences between the CBR1000RR machine that Christie took to last year’s title and the news SP that Honda homologated for the 2015 MOPAR CSBK tour.  

“Riding the new 1000, once we have it ready, will depend on timing and the weather,” explained Sharrard.  “That early season conditions in Canada are a major concern, but we just have to wait and see what is possible.”

Looking forward to the opening 2015 MOPAR CSBK National at Calabogie MotorSport Park south west of Ottawa on June 14, Sharrard is optimistic that Christie is starting their set-up work from a good place. 

“Jodi’s done a two minute flat (lap time) at Calabogie with basically no set-up,” smiles Sharrard.  “That was with worn tires, so we were happy with that little bit of running.  But you can’t take anything for granted, and that’s why we’re going to be working right through the 2015 season.”