The home track advantage in any discipline of motorsport is a well-documented psychological phenomenon, relating to the strength and consistency of a team or individual at a place where they have turned countless laps.

All racers aim to greet the chequered flag in first place, but the victory is always that much sweeter when celebrated in front of a crowd of family, friends and fans.

When the YMF Loan Australian Superbike Championship makes its first pointscoring visit of 2006 to Victoria's Winton Motor Raceway on October 20-22, a number of the nation's premier two-wheel talents will look to capitalise on this edge and rise up to and above the field in their quest for a win at home.

Within the Superbike ranks, three Victorian riders occupy berths in the current top 10 championship placings ¬ Scott Charlton (5th), Shannon Johnson (7th) and Adam Fergusson (9th).

Privateer Scott Charlton has done a stellar job aboard his Tarmac Civil Constructions Yamaha R1 in 2006, delivering consistent results to climb into the competitive top 5.

Charlton is enthusiastic at the prospect of taking to the track in front of his home crowd, and said he would be buoyed by the local support.

"It's always good to race in front of home state supporters," explained Charlton, "It gives any rider extra motivation to perform well, and I have a lot of experience here at Winton."

"We've played the game of consistency this year, and kept right on the heels of the factory guys, this now shows with 5th place in the championship."

"It's been a great year and I'm hoping to continue the run of results at Winton in two weeks time."

Lack of testing hampered the previous round run of Kawasaki Racing Team rider Shannon Johnson, and he is preparing himself to bounce back at Winton Motor Raceway in just under a month's time.

The Victorian has extensive knowledge of the 3.0km circuit after spending much of his early career racing here.

"As is the case with most circuits around the country, I've had some good and bad experiences at Winton. It's a place I learned some valuable lessons in the early stages of my road racing career," said Johnson.

"The circuit has remained relatively unchanged since the first time I raced there in 1998, but unfortunately we won't get a chance to test ahead of the round. This just means we have to work extra hard in the Friday practice sessions to make up the ground on the other riders," he said.

"My championship position has been on the move lately, but its going in the wrong direction!"

"We've faced a few technical hurdles at the previous rounds, and it's a credit to the team that we are able to remain in the hunt for a top three finish to the year."

While both Charlton and Johnson continue preparations for the October 20-22 round, an injury cloud still hangs above Joe Rocket's Adam Fergusson.

Fergusson was recently the subject of an exciting new development within the Honda Racing ranks ¬ he will ride in 2007 for his own satellite team, DVS Honda.

'Krusty' will contest both Superbike and Supersport classes next season, and will certainly be a local rider for Victorians to watch out for in the next 12 months if he does not make the upcoming Winton meet.

Victorians are encouraged to come along and show support to their favourite teams and riders when they hit the track from Friday October 22.

A number of flexible ticketing options, including the best value family pass in national motor racing ($50 for 2 adults and up to 5 children) are on offer, and all indications are pointing to a spectacular showcase of two-wheel talent at the series' penultimate round.

Tickets for round six of the 2006 YMF Loan Australian Superbike Championship are available online www.aus-superbikes.com.au and at the gate and cost:

Saturday Adult: $20
Two Day Pass/Sunday Adult: $35
Pensioner: $20
Family (2 adults and up to 5 children): $50
Children (6-15): $10
Program: $5