Thursday, June 30, 2005

SUPERSHOW sets 2006 dates

From SUPERSHOW Events

TORONTO, ON -- North America's largest and most comprehensive motorcycle show, the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW, is returning to Toronto right after New Year's from Jan. 6-8, 2006.

Known as "the Big One by the Airport," because of its ideal location and free parking at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road), the SUPERSHOW is six halls and 350,000 square feet of "Everything in Motorcycling." Celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2006, the SUPERSHOW is a shopping extravaganza offering something for every interest including sport bikes, cruisers, motocross, off-road, vintage, touring and custom bikes.

"What makes this show so exciting and successful is a mix of retail, entertainment and information," says Bar Hodgson, show producer. "Not only do we present the most comprehensive information for motorcyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts, we offer a range of entertainment from celebrity names to fashion shows. The best part - visitors can browse and shop right on the show floor."

"American Motorcycle Icon" Michele Smith will be at the 2006 SUPERSHOW to meet Canadian fans and enthusiasts. Known to most for hosting the popular American Thunder on Speed Channel for the past eight years, Smith has graced the cover of several magazines including Playboy, Swimsuit International, Muscle and Fitness as well as many motorcycle calendars and posters. She can be seen all three days of the SUPERSHOW.

Other not-to-miss features of the SUPERSHOW include the unveiling of the new 2006 motorcycles and the Joe Rocket Racer Stage. With more than 400 exhibitors, motorcycling enthusiasts can expect to find an unparalleled assortment of new, used and customized bikes, riding gear, bike accessories, special guests, seminars, show bike competitions, fashion shows, clubs and associations and much more.

The show is divided into easy to locate sections - motorcycle industry, accessories, racing, manufactured customs and show bikes.

Motorcycle Hall moves forward

From SUPERSHOW Events

Toronto, ON - In a historic and bold initiative, the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) and the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum (CMHM) have signed an agreement positioning the MCC as title rights holders to the Annual Induction Awards Banquet beginning in 2006 through 2008. The MCC becomes a founding patron of the rebranded CMHM, a position which will stand in perpetuity.

Both parties strongly share the fundamental interests and goals of uniting the motorcycling community across the country; and in general, fostering the growth and well-being of both the sport and industry.

A dedicated Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum evolved in direct response to the expressed interests and needs of the motorcycling community. An exploratory meeting held in January 2004 provided the necessary impetus to move forward with the initiative. Positive feedback was received from many clubs and organizations attending, and they enthusiastically endorsed the concept of creating a dedicated Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum currently enjoys a long established and very positive relationship with the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, and will continue to work with them in a harmonious and co-operative relationship.

Bar Hodgson, founder and chairman of the Canadian Motorcycle Heritage Museum, a federally chartered charitable foundation, generously offered that entity as the basis of the newly combined organization now known as the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. He will continue to serve as chairman of the expanded organization. Details of the MCC Annual Induction Awards Banquet and other CMHM programs will be made available in the near future.

Steven Davies, chair of the MCC, said, "Our Board is enthusiastic about this opportunity to expand the preservation of Canadian motorcycling history and the recognition of contributions to motorcycling in Canada at all levels."

The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada is a national association with more than 200 clubs as members representing close to 80,000 individual riders.

Monday, June 27, 2005

Women's Cup confirms Mosport

From Orion Motorsports

TORONTO, ON -- The organizers of the Pro Honda Women’s Cup Challenge have announced that the tentative race date for the Mosport National round has now been confirmed.

The Women’s Cup Open Sportbike race will take place on Saturday, July 16 as part of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship third round.

“We are very happy that in only the first season of the new series, we were able to deliver an event to the girls of this size and stature," said Benoit Filion, Women's Cup race director. "Thanks to some great support from PMP, Honda Canada, Yamaha Canada, Pirelli and Parts Canada.”

Montreal native Catherine Nadeau comes into this, the fourth round of the series with a strong lead over reigning 600 Sportbike champ Shawna Aron and Honda mounted Marie-Josee Boucher in Expert Open Sportbike. Novice Open Sportbike leader and Honda mounted Vanessa Gareau leads Josee Bouchard and Lea Pinard.

The Mosport track is a fast and very challenging circuit and one that should prove demanding for the ladies but will also showcase their talents in front of a large and eager audience come race time, which is slated for 2:45 p.m., immediately before the national Superbike feature race.

For more info on the Pro Honda Women’s Cup series, please log onto www.womencup.ca.

Klatt best in west again

From CMRC Racing

REGINA, SK -- With four out of four overall victories – two of which were clean sweeps – Dusty Klatt left no doubt that he was the supreme ruler of the '05 CMRC MX2 West Championship. Klatt, who carried a cushy 32-point lead heading into the final round of the title hunt in Regina on Sunday, clinched the championship with a victory in the first moto. In the second moto, the defending champ scooped the overall by finishing second behind Shane Bess.

Although a heavy downpour on Saturday night turned the super fast Moto Valley track into a muddy mess, by both second motos of the day the track had dried out under a hot prairie sun. Richmond Racing Kawasaki Canada's Colton Facciotti holeshotted the first MX2 moto, but a crash turned over the lead to KTM Canada’s Jimmy Nelson on the first lap. Nelson led for four laps, only to be passed by Facciotti's teammate Jeff Northrop.

Klatt, meanwhile, slid out in the first corner, adding some drama to the proceedings. He remounted in 12th place. Despite difficult passing conditions Klatt charged his way into sixth before the end of the first lap. Ahead of Klatt, Nelson hounded Northrop to reclaim the lead a few laps later. By lap 7 Klatt had relegated Northrop to third place and then started reeling in Nelson. Not to be denied, Klatt put a pass on the Las Vegas native shortly before the checkered. Much to Nelson's surprise he saw second place turn into third when Richmond Racing's Teddy Maier also put a pass on him in the final moments of the moto.

In the second moto, Klatt put on a demonstration that brilliantly mirrored his championship status. He parlayed a disastrous start that saw him flounder at the back of the pack into 11th place by the end of the first lap. On lap 2 he chewed his way into seventh; on lap 4 he was fourth. Up front, after he holeshotted the moto, Nelson was unable to keep first place for very long. Pacific Yamaha’s Bess took command of the lead. The American started creeping away while behind him raged a battle for top three positions.

Klatt systematically disposed of Maier, Morgan Racing Yamaha's Erik Vallejo and Team Suzuki OTSFF's Jake Weimer to settle into second. On the last lap, in a titanic duel with Bess, he stuck a pass on the Yamaha rider. In what was basically a drag race to the final corner before the finish line Bess managed to repass Klatt to take the checkered by a bike length for a well deserved win.

"There were a lot of fast riders in the series but that only motivated me to ride that much harder. My goal was to repeat as champion and everything worked out great," said Klatt. "I'm extremely happy to have come out with another championship for Team Honda Blackfoot Fox who provided me with excellent equipment and support. I'd like to thank them for their confidence in me, and my mechanic Jon Balducci for keeping my bike in the mix every weekend."

The premier MX1 title chase unfolded as another Jean Sebastien Roy show. In keeping with the success of his Blackfoot teammate Klatt, JSR made short work of the competition to claim his third clean sweep of the season.

In the first moto, Team Suzuki OTSFF Motorsport's Keith Johnson snared the holeshot while JSR rounded turn one within the top 10. Johnson had the honour of leading the pack for one lap until Roy took over. Johnson's teammate Gavin Gracyk worked his way into second, at Johnson's expense. Gracyk would finish there, 18 seconds behind an untouchable JSR.

The second moto holeshot again went to Johnson, but with JSR in his rear wheel his lead was as short lived as in moto one. Roy took control of the moto on the second lap and checked out. Gracyk, who carded 2-2 motos for second overall last week, knifed his way into second place from a fifth-place start while Johnson faded to fourth. With his 3-4 motos, however, Johnson grabbed third overall for the day. Morgan Racing Yamaha's Craig Decker, who finished seventh in the first moto, snared a third place in the second.

Multi time champion Blair Morgan, still struggling with the results of a snowcross leg injury, carded 5-8 motos in his home province national. The Prince Albert, SK native took his Morgan Racing Yamaha to sixth overall for the day.

Thursday, June 23, 2005

New Blackfoot site

From Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing

CALGARY, AB -- Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing is extremely appreciative of not only its sponsors but also its loyal fans. The new website www.blackfootracing.com will allow the team to further connect to fans with contests, press releases, photo galleries, team sponsors, team riders, team statistics, national advertisements, promotional “SWAG,” downloadable desktop wallpapers and team news.

In celebration of this new launch, Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing is offering a contest to all artists of all ages. From now until Aug. 1, 2005 fans can submit a team related drawing for the opportunity to win an autographed Fox Strafer team jersey from their favourite team rider. The winning drawing will be used in a future Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing double-page spread advertisement.

Please see the website for more details.

Monday, June 20, 2005

Canadian agent appointed

From Cagiva, USA

Willow Grove, PA -- Reddendale Sales & Marketing Inc. has been appointed as exclusive agent for the sales and marketing of MV Agusta and Husqvarna lines in Canada and as consultant to Cagiva USA business in the United States.

As part of a broader North American expansion plan, Cagiva USA has appointed Reddendale Sales & Marketing Inc. to manage the development of MV Agusta and Husqvarna sales in Canada. Led by president Mike Breault, Reddendale Sales & Marketing Inc. will work in close collaboration with Cagiva USA and MV Agusta Motorcycles S.p.A (Varese, Italy), managing Canadian dealer development, sales, and marketing functions for these prestigious brands.

“MV Agusta and Husqvarna reside at the pinnacle of motorcycling. Each has a storied history of World Championships and delivering race developed technology to production motorcycles,” said Breault.

"The opportunity to work with these brands and deliver them to the Canadian market is truly a privilege.”

Finding a strategic partner to lead the Canadian expansion was paramount for Cagiva USA director Larry Ferracci.

“Clearly, we’ve recognized the potential of the Canadian market for some time now, along with its uniqueness. Success in Canada requires intimate knowledge of the motorcycle market and a dedicated effort to develop the MV Agusta and Husqvarna brands.”

Established in 1997, Cagiva USA is a subsidiary of MV Agusta Motorcycles S.p.A and the exclusive North American distributor of MV Agusta, Husqvarna and Cagiva motorcycles, parts and accessories.

Big changes for schedule

From Professional Motorsports Productions

TORONTO, ON – The Parts Canada Superbike Championship has been forced to make major changes to its 2005 race schedule.

The series has cancelled both of its Quebec rounds, slated for the Molson Indy Montreal Aug. 26-28 and Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant Sept. 9-11. In place of those events, the series will now run doubleheaders at Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park July 1-3 and Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS Aug. 5-7. This will keep the series at eight rounds.

“We are disappointed, frustrated and sad,” said Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions, which runs the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. “These are both events in a key market with lots of fans. Everyone involved in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship wants to come back to Quebec in 2006. We apologize to our fans.”

The cancellations were brought about by a change of promoter at the Molson Indy Montreal and a change in management at Mont-Tremblant.

“Both events deserved to continue on merit,” Fraser added. “They were big races for us in terms of sponsors and fans. We would like to come back if we can get a sensible, fair agreement. People were not willing to honour agreements we had in place."

The doubleheaders at Race City and Atlantic Motorsport Park will run to traditional series format, with races for the Parts Canada Superbike feature class and Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike division on both Saturday and Sunday. A Thursday practice session will be added to the AMP event.

“We have a strong tradition of running successful doubleheaders at Race City,” Fraser said. “Although we haven’t used the doubleheader format at AMP, this track is famous for very close races and exciting television. Both groups have been very co-operative with these last minute changes.”

The Race City event will also include a doubleheader for the Suzuki SV650 Cup series.

2005 Parts Canada Superbike Championship Schedule
Round 1 May 20-22 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Pro Track) Shannonville, ON
Round 2 July 1-2 Race City Motorsport Park Calgary, AB
Round 3 July 1-3 Race City Motorsport Park Calgary, AB
Round 4 July 15-16 Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, ON
Round 5 July 15-17 Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, ON
Round 6 Aug. 5-6 Atlantic Motorsport Park Shubenacadie, NS
Round 7 Aug. 5-7 Atlantic Motorsport Park Shubenacadie, NS
Round 8 Sept. 2-4 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Long Track) Shannonville, ON

Roy, Klatt win again

From CMRC

CALGARY, AB -- Team Honda Blackfoot Fox Racing’s Dusty Klatt and Jean Sebastien Roy scored their third consecutive victory in MX2 and MX1 respectively at Round 3 of the CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships in Calgary on Sunday. In an event that almost faced cancellation due to record rainfall in the Stampede City, Roy grabbed the overall with a his second clean sweep of the season – Klatt did the trick with 3-2 motos.

Despite almost two weeks of unrelenting rainfall that had turned Wild Rose MX Park into a muddy quagmire, the event went ahead almost as scheduled. Although CMRC officials had to cancel practice and qualifiers on Saturday, they were able to give the go ahead for Sunday’s MX1 and MX2 Championship races. Members of the Wild Rose MX club worked almost round the clock to pump water from the track, dig drainage ditches and deposit gravel where needed. CMRC track groomer Chick Schumilas also helped save the event with his awesome dozer work that saw him get just two hours sleep on Saturday night.

Two qualifiers plus an LCQ were run for both classes on Sunday morning on a track that could only be described as extremely muddy. But after having to contend with tons of mud at Round 1, and to some extent at Round 2 most riders were up to the challenge. By the start of the first MX1 moto, track conditions gradually improved, partly because of the sunshine and a lot of hard work by Schumilas.

Richmond Racing Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, who was brought in from the U.S. to ride an injured Brady Sheren’s bike, dominated the first MX2 moto from the time the gate dropped till the checkered flag. He gapped most of the field while comfortably running his own race. Klatt, who spun off the line, getting a mid-pack start in the process, gradually charged his way through the pack to connect with Villopoto's Kawi teammates Jeff Northrop and Teddy Maier. The Blackfoot ace followed Maier as he made a pass on Northrop, finishing third.

In Moto 2, KTM Canada's Jimmy Nelson grabbed the holeshot, only to lose the lead to Maier, who then led a good portion of the race. He was eventually displaced from the front by Suzuki's Jake Weimer. Klatt, meanwhile, experienced another poor start that saw him once again have to work his way to the front from mid-pack. This time he crossed the finish line in second place, which was good enough to give him the overall for the day, and his third consecutive win of the season.

Weimer and Northrop joined Klatt on the podium in second and third on the strength of 5-1 and 4-3 motos respectively.

“I didn’t get the starts I wanted but all in all it was a good weekend for me,” said Klatt. “With Kyle Beaton and Teddy Maier crashing today I managed to get a fairly decent points lead. That’s definitely going to help out next weekend.”

Team Suzuki OTSFF Motorsports’ Gavin Gracyk claimed the holeshot in the first MX1 moto, with Morgan Racing Yamaha’s Craig Decker by his side. JSR, who started in fifth place, rode conservatively on what was basically a one-line track. It took the defending champion some 27 minutes to take the lead. Gracyk held off fellow American Decker to finish in second place.

JSR’s Blackfoot teammate Damon Huffman charged from an eighth place start to finish fourth behind Decker, which would contribute to his first podium overall for the season.

In moto two, Morgan Racing Yamaha's Blair Morgan grabbed the holeshot but his lead was short-lived when he was passed by Gracyk two laps later. Gracyk, who had JSR follow him past Morgan, didn’t last long at the head of the pack either. He simply was no match for the Quebecer, who was intent on making it a double-moto win on Blackfoot’s home turf. Once in control, JSR was never challenged for the lead cruising to his third win of the season.

“It was a little tougher out there today than the first two rounds because everyone is stepping up speed wise. I got pretty good starts and that allowed me to take it easy a bit to work my way into the lead. The track was really nasty, really rough so I didn’t want to push it too hard and risk crashing,” said Roy.

Gracyk managed to hold onto second place, which combined with his second slot in the first moto saw him card second overall for the day. Huffman, who again got a mid-pack start, clawed his way into third, giving him third overall for the day.

Friday, June 17, 2005

Strutt off to Japan

By Mark Orchard

TORONTO, ON -- Ten Yamaha technicians from across the country earned the right to compete in Yamaha Canada’s Technician Grand Prix on June 15. This was the second running of the event, which is held every other year. The program was developed by Yamaha to help recognize the efforts of its dealership technicians.

After competing in their local regions, finalists gathered at Yamaha Canada’s head office to compete head-to-head under the close scrutiny of Yamaha personnel as well as the gathered media and VIPs. Following a stressful, eight-hour competition consisting of 12 labs of timed exercises Roger Strutt from Strutt Yamaha & Marine out of Kindersley, SK emerged as the victor. Strutt earned the honour of representing Canada at the finals in Japan, Oct. 19. Yamaha officials are expecting 6000 competitors from 38 countries to be in attendance.

Proving the intensity of the Canadian competition, Strutt’s victory was by a slim eight points with totals running near 1000. Nick King from Vernon Motorsports Ltd. in Vernon, BC was the runner up with Bloys Dekker from Spunky’s Motorcycle Shop in Parksville, BC third, also only a few points back.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Fall show announced

From SUPERSHOW Events

RICHMOND HILL, ON -- The 13th Annual Fall Classic Motorcycle Show will be presented by the Great Pine Ridge section of the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group on Sunday, Sept. 18 at Richmond Green (Main Building).

A special Vincent motorcycle display will feature a beautiful legendary 1951 Series C Black Shadow. Club members will show some of the finest vintage and classic motorcycles in Canada.

Vendors and riding clubs will also exhibit and there will be a display of bikes from the Canadian Motorcycle Heritage Museum. A new feature this year is a technical “ask the experts” area.

Show hours are 10am to 4pm, admission is $7 for adults, children under 12 admitted free, and there is ample free parking.

Richmond Green is located at 1300 Elgin Mills Road East (at Leslie).

Peris to World Supersport Misano

From Colin Fraser

TORONTO, ON -- Yamaha Canada's Chris Peris, a frontrunner in AMA Xtreme and Supersport action in 2005 aboard the Topline Printing Yamaha YZF-R6, will make a one-off appearance at the next round of the 2005 Supersport World Championship.

The Calgary-based rider will compete at Misano, Italy on June 26 in his first ever World Supersport event. Previously, Peris competed in the final 125cc Grand Prix event of the 2002 season aboard a privateer Aprilia in Spain.

The 18-year-old is slated to ride a Belgian-based, Moto 1-entered Suzuki GSX-R600. The Moto 1 squad had a falling out with its sole 2005 entry, Christophe Cogan, and was looking for an up-and-comer to try its machine. No plans are in place for Peris to compete in further World Supersport rounds, although the door is apparently open.

The World Supersport tour uses "spec" Pirelli DOT rubber. With this in mind, Peris will travel to California this Thursday for a Friday test at Thunder Hill. There, Peris will ride a Vesrah Suzuki equipped with Pirelli rubber under the supervision of his lead suspension and chassis technician, Max McAllister.

The chance to attend the Misano World counter has spoiled the Top Line team's plans to test its new Yamaha Canada YZF-R1 Superbike for the first time at Spokane, WA this weekend. After the World round, Peris will return to Calgary in preparation for the second round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship, July 1-3 at Race City Motorsport Park. A winner at Race City in 2004, Peris is the favourite for the Hindle Exhaust 600 Sport Bike class victory in his first Canadian start of the season.

Monday, June 13, 2005

Maxime Mercier

By Colin Fraser

TORONTO, ON -- Maxime Mercier died Sunday evening from head injuries sustained during Amateur Superbike race action in round 2 of the RACE Ontario Superseries at Shannonville Motorsport Park's North Fabi track.

Starting lap 2 of the second last event of the day, Mercier collided with another competitor entering turn 1. This collision locked the front brake on his Sport Bike/DOT class Yamaha R6, sending him over the front of his machine. Mercier landed on the track, his bike veering left into the end of the pit lane guardrail. From there, observers believe Mercier got tangled up with his machine, sustaining massive injuries. No other bikes were involved.

Although he was transported to hospital in nearby Belleville with a pulse, he soon succumbed to his injuries without ever regaining consciousness.

Mercier would have turned 18 on June 18, this Saturday.

The funeral is expected to take place in his hometown of Thedford Mines, QC, with a memorial service in Belleville early next week, details to be announced.

Mercier had considerable experience riding at Shannonville. His parents (Michel and Odette) are the owners of the successful FAST Racing School based at the popular southern Ontario venue. Maxime planned to spend the summer in the Belleville area, working at his parents' school.

Maxime Mercier started racing with some Supermoto activity in 2003 before moving to the SV650 Cup Championship last season. This year, Maxime entered the main "rising star" class in Canada, Amateur 600 Production.

A dirt track star in the seventies, Michel Mercier won three Canadian Superbike Championships (1986 and 1987 for Suzuki, 1990 for Yamaha) before concentrating on his FAST School business. Michel Mercier is credited with developing the early career of reigning Canadian Superbike Champ Pascal Picotte, and was deeply involved in his son's racing activities.

The entire Canadian racing community is in mourning for the popular Maxime.

Supermoto results

From Tim Dailey

GRAN MERE, QC -- Results of the opening round of the Supermoto Canada Nationals:

Premier Open
1. Ben Carlson (KTM); 2. David Baffeleuf (KTM); 3. Dominic Beaulac (Yam); 4. Steve Beattie (Hon); 5. Dave Arnold (Hon); 6. Doug Beattie (Hon); 7. Guy Rousseau (Husaberg); 8. Guy Giroux (KTM); 9. Lino Zecca (Yam); 10. Kevin Lacombe (Suz)
250 Pro-Am
1. Dominic Beaulac (Yam); 2. Kevin Lacombe (Suz); 3. Steve Beattie (Hon); 4. Doug Beattie (Hon); 5. Jim Dickerson (Hon); 6. Lino Zecca (Yam); 7. Dave Arnold (Hon); 8. Wes Cyr (Hon); 9. Allan Doneth (Hon); 10. Michael Johnson (Yam)

Klatt, JSR continue domination

From CMRC Racing

NANAIMO, BC -- Compared to a dreary and wet opening round last weekend, the weather gods smiled on round 2 of the CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships, held yesterday in Nanaimo, BC. Although it rained on Saturday, Sunday was spared the wet stuff and a relatively cool temperature of 15C prevailed.

For Dusty Klatt and Jean Sebastien Roy, however, the weather and track conditions were as irrelevant as they had been at Mission Raceway one week ago. The Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing riders continued where they left off at round 1 by winning their respective classes. Although the mighty JSR didn’t claim his MX1 overall with a repeat clean sweep of the motos, Klatt, riding his home track did just that in MX2 West.

In the first MX2 moto, Richmond Racing/Kawasaki Canada's Teddy Maier took the holeshot with Factory Yamaha's Kyle Beaton in tow. It took Klatt about eight minutes to stick a pass on Beaton and Maier. Once in the lead, Klatt started distancing himself from Maier and the rest of the field. By the end of the moto, the Campbell River, BC resident had accumulated a 30-second gap over Maier.

In moto two, Klatt took over the lead from Pacific Yamaha's Shane Bess by the end of the second lap and checked out. Beaton, in turn, had some work to do in this moto. At the halfway mark, the Surrey, BC native was in eighth place, battling with the likes of Richmond's Colton Facciotti and Jeff Northrop, Bess and Morgan Racing Yamaha's Eric Vallejo. By the end of the moto Beaton had installed himself in fourth place, which was good enough to give him third overall for the day. Second overall, Maier followed Klatt across the finish line 20 seconds later.

Rounding out the top five were Northrop, fourth on the strength of 5-3 motos and Bess, who carded fifth with 4-5 motos.

In MX1, Morgan Racing Yamaha's Blair Morgan, still recovering from a late season snocross injury holeshotted ahead of Roy and Richmond Racing Kawasaki's Evan Laughridge. In no time at all, however, Roy took over the lead from Morgan, who eventually finished the moto in 12th place.

Klatt, also on the line for the MX1 confrontation, turned a seventh place start into second place within a few laps. He chased down Roy and to the noisy approval of his hometown fans passed the defending champ around the halfway mark. At the checkers, Klatt had an eight-second lead on his Blackfoot Honda teammate.

Roy, in turn, gapped third place Laughridge by nearly a full minute, giving an indication of the blistering pace set by the Honda duo.

The second moto was red flagged nine minutes after the gate dropped. In the restart, Morgan Racing Yamaha's Craig Decker grabbed the holeshot, only to be passed by JSR. The Californian managed to hang on to second place for the remainder of the moto.

Klatt, who by the final race of the day had won three back to back motos, settled for eighth at the checkered. Coupled with his first moto victory, however, he joined overall winner Roy on the podium in third spot. Laughridge, meanwhile, lost the battle for third place to Blackfoot's Damon Huffman, but Laughridge's fourth was sufficient to see him finish runner-up for the day. Huffman, with 7-3 motos carded fourth overall, while Team Suzuki/OTSSF Motorsports Keith Johnson cemented fifth with 4-5 motos.

Swanson Yamaha Racing's Josh Demuth, who wasn't scheduled to join the National MX1 tour until round 3, surprised everyone by lining up behind the gate at The Wastelands. The two-time U.S. National Arenacross Champion, coming off severe wrist injuries nailed down an impressive sixth overall on the strength of 5-7 motos.

LeGros first in Suzuka

From MotoStep Racing

SUZUKA, JAPAN -- Canadian road racer Shane LeGros piloted his MotoStep Suzuki GSX-R1000 to an SP class victory and 32nd overall at yesterday’s Suzuka 300km race.

This years’ race, contested by 75 teams was won by the pairing of Yukio Kagayama and Atsushi Watanabe of the Yoshimura Japan team. The 300 is contested by a variety of machine classes and is a yearly lead up to the Suzuka eight-hour endurance race. LeGros was one of less than 20 riders who opted to do the race solo.

SP or ‘Super Production’ class rules allow modifications to all areas of the bike providing that the engine itself remains stock.

LeGros, a former regular in the R.A.C.E. Super Series and Parts Canada Superbike Championship before moving to Japan in 2004, took the SP class lead and set a new class course record in the early going. LeGros was closely shadowed by Naoki Yamada of the Z-Tech team. Yamada relegated LeGros to second in SP when his tail section support failed, leaving his tail section dangling from the back of his bike.

MotoStep crew chief Motoo Furukawa quickly had the damage repaired, the bike fuelled and tires changed allowing LeGros to rejoin quickly.

The tailsection damage forced LeGros to pit early putting his stops out of sync and would have forced a second stop for fuel later in the race were it not for some luck in the form of the safety car, which came out twice in the later stages of the race due to crashes. This allowed LeGros to conserve fuel enabling him to finish the race on one stop.

“It was real close," LeGros admitted. "The fuel light was on for six laps. The bike started sputtering on the cool down lap.

“What can I say? Furukawa-san did his usual perfect job in prepping the bike and managing the pits. It’s not like you can forsee something as strange as a failure like we had today. It’s great to have a guy like Furukawa; you know the bike will be perfect and everything will be done.”

MotoStep Suzuki would like to thank Striker, Agras, Hyod, Elka, Design Factory, Nutec, RK, Dunlop, KDC, GP Suspension and Bickle Racing.

Full race results will be posted at www.motoracing-japan.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2005

Demuth ready for return

From Swanson Yamaha Racing

Corvallis, MT -- Swanson Yamaha Racing, Thor and Yamaha USA are proud to announce the return of two-time arenacross champion Josh Demuth to the CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships series, beginning with round 3 in Calgary June 19.

After spending the first two rounds finalizing the physical therapy and rehabilitation of his wrists injuries, which many experts were calling career-ending, Demuth is ready to return to action.

“It was a difficult decision to have Josh sit out the first two rounds, but we wanted to make sure that when he returns he is able to return at 100 per cent," said Curtis Swanson, general manager for Swanson Yamaha. "It is remarkable the amount of hard work and training that Josh has put in these past months to return to the quality of riding style that allowed him to win two national championships in the U.S. AMA Arenacross Series. We are very proud of Josh and are confident that he will return to the CMRC Series with all the style and skills necessary to be competitive with the top riders.”

“I am very excited to be in this position to return to the sport after many said that I may have suffered a career-ending injury," Demuth said. "I am so appreciative of the confidence that Thor, Parts Canada, Yamaha USA and Swanson Yamaha have shown in me and I am confident I will be able to perform to the standards that are expected of me. I have been training extremely hard, both in physical fitness training as well as riding, and I am ready to return at 100 per cent.”

Swanson Yamaha, which began the 2005 season by securing the Shogun Yamaha factory semi, is committed to making a strong showing in the CMRC Nationals this summer as well as next year’s AMA Arenacross Series and East Coast Supercross Series.

Tuesday, June 7, 2005

Stuyt conquers Moose

By Dan Paris

MORRISON, IL -- Since its inception in 1994 the United Off-Road Racing Moose Run has been feared as the ‘toughest race in America.'

The ‘new’ Blackwater is designed by promoter Bill Gusse to be a nearly impossible test of man and machine, with the 35-mile (56km) loop covering peat bogs, swamps, river crossings and motocross sections.

Rising Canadian off-road star Scott Stuyt competed in last weekend's event aboard a Husqvarna TC250 and despite a high-speed crash Saturday that put him in hospital, the first year Intermediate rider came back to finish third in the Intermediate class in Sunday's main event, earning the respect and admiration of many observers.

“I felt really good that I finished. This is the toughest race ever,” Stuyt said after a painful ride on his damaged bike. “At one time I didn’t feel like finishing. I couldn’t have done another lap…This is way tougher than the ‘Cord…the trail, everything was just tougher than the ‘Cord. America’s toughest race lives up to its name.”

The Pro class was won by Suzuki’s Jimmy Jarrett, who beat KTM’s Shane Watts by a mere two seconds after a three-hour battle. Suzuki’s Brian Garrahan finished third. Many riders were still struggling into the pits at nightfall, nearly six hours after starting.

See the full story soon in Inside Motorcycles.

Monday, June 6, 2005

Roy, Klatt master rain

From CMRC

MISSION, BC -- Under continuously rainy skies and muddy track conditions, Dusty Klatt and Jean Sebastien Roy crushed the competition at Round 1 of the CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships in Mission, BC yesterday.

The Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing duo left no doubt they will be the riders to beat as they defend their titles in the MX2 West and MX1, respectively. In a rerun of last year’s season opener, Klatt and Roy put on a clinic that saw them finish the day with impressive clean sweeps.

After the gate dropped for the first MX2 West moto, Richmond Racing/Kawasaki’s Colton Facciotti grabbed the holeshot with Yamaha Motor Canada’s Kyle Beaton in tow. While Beaton wasted little time taking over the lead from Facciotti, Klatt had to knife his way from a sixth place start to connect with the frontrunners. By the end of lap 2, the Blackfoot ace was in second place; three laps later he had command of the lead.

Once at the head of the pack, Klatt simply checked out. Despite the atrocious track conditions and riding without goggles because he had no tear-offs left 10 minutes into the moto, Klatt finished with a 28-second margin over second place Beaton.

Surrey, BC’s Beaton, whose fire couldn’t be extinguished by the rain, grabbed the second moto holeshot but he was passed for the lead by Klatt on lap 2. Facciotti, who crashed in the first moto to finish off the podium, rebounded in the second to stay in the mix and follow Beaton to the flag in third place.

As in the first moto, Klatt had to once more toss his goggles. That didn’t prevent him, however, from lapping up to third place and putting a 56-second gap on Beaton by the end of the race.

“It was brutal out there today, especially riding a good deal of both motos without goggles. The mud and rain just chewed my eyes, but that made winning so much sweeter. It was a tough race for everybody,” said Klatt.

Like Klatt, a lot of the other riders ran out of tear-offs and had to toss their goggles, making for extremely challenging racing conditions in the mud and rain. Track conditions were so bad in places, some riders saw their bikes sink into the slime all the way to the hubs of their wheels.

In both MX1 motos, Roy's starts were not the best but his pace was so much faster than the frontrunners, it was obvious it was only a matter of time before he would take control. In the first moto, coming from an eighth place start, he took the lead from Yamaha Motor Canada mounted Doug DeHaan on lap 4. Like his Blackfoot teammate Klatt in MX2, Roy basically waved the rest of the field goodbye. In typical JSR fashion, he pulled away lap after lap to greet the checkered flag 45 seconds ahead of an impressive riding DeHaan.

Morgan Racing Suzuki’s Craig Decker challenged DeHaan on a number of occasions but had to settle for third at the finish line.

The start of moto two was delayed due to track repairs. When the gate finally dropped, Roy had to make good on a 12th place start. No problem for the Quebecer, however. In short order he passed OTSFF Suzuki’s Gavin Gracyk for the lead and never looked back. When all was said and done JSR crossed the finish line 32 seconds ahead of OTSFF Suzuki’s Keith Johnson, who carded second overall on the strength of 6-2 motos. Decker, meanwhile, completed the podium thanks to 3-7 motos.

The big surprise of the weekend was DeHaan, his factory Yamaha teammate Simon Homans and Richmond Kawasaki’s Ryan Lockhart. Although DeHaan was unable to equal his first moto second place finish, his 10th place in the second moto was good enough for fourth overall. Homans, who finished ninth in moto one, carded a noteworthy third in the second moto, grabbing fifth overall for the day. Lockhart, meanwhile, carded sixth overall on the strength of 4-8 motos.

Suzuki adds rider

From Team Suzuki/OTSFF

Concord, ON -- Team Suzuki/OTSFF has made a last minute and final rider addition to its 2005 National Motocross race team. Jake Weimer from Rupert, ID will join the already potent field of riders in the Suzuki pits. Weimer will contest the Western rounds of the CMRC National series aboard a Suzuki RM-Z250 alongside Bruce Prochnavy from Calgary in the MX2 class, and amongst Gavin Gracyk, Keith Johnson and Mike Treadwell in the MX1 class.

“Jake is a great kid with some solid motos under his belt these past few months in the U.S.,” said Cole Gress, motocross support manager of American Suzuki Inc. “He has really found his zone over the past eight months and I have high hopes for him at the Loretta Lynn’s National Championship this coming August.”

“I’m excited to come up there and ride,” stated the energetic 17-year-old. “I’ve heard about that series and seen it on TV, now I’ll get my chance to compete in it.”

New Supermoto group formed

From NASMOTO

Encinitas, CA -– NASMOTO, a new organization designed to greatly expand the sport of Supermoto in North America, has launched the NASMOTO Grand Prix for all levels of Supermoto riders, kicking off June 18-19 at the USA International Raceway in Shawano, WI.

NASMOTO, formed in partnership with AMA Sports, has received the official blessing of the AMA and Supermoto Canada along with inscriptions from the FIM and NAMU.

“The NASMOTO Grand Prix will be a terrific grassroots program to help build riders for the AMA Pro Supermoto Championship,” noted AMA Sports senior director Douglas Neubauer. “The AMA is excited about the evolving opportunities for Supermoto in North America, and NASMOTO is a great way to grow the sport at all levels, benefiting everyone from promising beginners to the AMA Pro Racing Supermoto Series.”

The first event in Shawano, dubbed the NASMOTO Grand Prix of Green Bay, will be followed by races in Cleveland, Toronto, Southern California, the Northwest and Southeast regions, and at October’s Red Bull Supermoto-A-Go-Go on the streets of Reno, NV. NASMOTO will also produce the 2005 AMA Supermoto Grand Championship for riders who qualify at 2005 NASMOTO Grand Prix events.

Inspired by recognized international competition standards, the premier class for the Grand Prix will be the SM1 450 Open class format, enabling the best of the best to pull out all the stops. Additionally, to fulfill NASMOTO’s goal of creating “Supermoto pros of the future,” the Grand Prix will feature a full range of classes, from the youngsters of 85cc Mini-Moto to the Sport Moto class that encourages the use of stock equipment and DOT tires.

“We are excited about this year’s slate of events,” said Ted Baker, VP of NASMOTO and president of Supermoto Canada, “and we are actively seeking out promoters and participants locally and regionally throughout North America so they can be included in the AMA-sanctioned NASMOTO program.”

2005 NASMOTO Grand Prix schedule:

June 18-19 NASMOTO Grand Prix of Green Bay USA International Raceway Shawano, WI
Aug. 6-7 NASMOTO Grand Prix of Cleveland Northcoast Harbor Cleveland, OH
Aug. 27-28 NASMOTO Grand Prix of Toronto The Docks Entertainment Center Toronto, ON
Sept. 17-18 NASMOTO Grand Prix of California Southern California location TBA
Oct. 1 NASMOTO Grand Prix of Reno Red Bull Supermoto-A-Go-Go Streets of Reno, NV
* Dates subject to change; visit www.nasmoto.com for most current information.

Toronto show dates announced

From the Toronto Motorcycle Show

TORONTO, ON -- The 2005 Toronto Motorcycle Show will take place from Dec. 2-4 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Over three days, the event’s 125 exhibitors will meet more than 35,000 visitors on a 215,000 square foot exhibit floor.

“To meet exhibitor demand, we have expanded the exhibit floor to encompass a new hall on the street level of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre,” says Darryl Bond, show manager. “This year, riders and aspiring riders are in for a real treat.”

The Toronto Motorcycle Show is owned by the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council (MMIC) and the event is produced by Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows (CNSS).

Visitors will have an exclusive opportunity to view and receive information on the newest bikes and accessories direct from the manufacturers – including Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Victory, KTM, Vespa and Aprilia. These manufacturers, major retailers and distributors of motorcycles and ATVs will feature every conceivable product and service.

Full information on the Toronto Motorcycle Show is available at: www.motorcycleshows.ca or www.sportshows.ca.

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