Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Canada to host World Enduro

By John Hopkins

HAMILTON, ON -- Canada will play host to the World Championships for Enduro in 2006, with an event slated for Parry Sound, ON July 15-16.

The event was approved by the Federation Internationale du Motocyclisme (FIM) during its spring conference meetings last weekend in Geneva, according to a release from the Canadian Motorcycle Association.

The Canadian round will be one week before an event scheduled for the U.S. July 22-23.

The World Championships for Enduro event will be part of the CMA's Diamond Jubilee in 2006 and there will be other major events connected with the celebration.

Thursday, February 17, 2005

Spring show ready to roll

From Bar Hodgson Productions Inc.

ASHBURN, ON -- The 2005 Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show kicks the riding season into high gear Apr. 16-17 at the Toronto International Centre.

Presented by SUPERSHOW Events, this is Ontario's spring motorcycle marketplace, now in its 16th year.

The Canadian Motorcycle Heritage Museum, the Ride for Sight and the B.A.D. Ride have been named the official show charities and the Brampton Motorcycle Association is the host club.

Show hours are Saturday 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, youths six to 12 years $5 and children under six are free. Admission includes a half price discount coupon to the Collector Car Auction being held at the same time at the International Centre.

Enduro schedule revised

By John Hopkins

HAMILTON, ON -- The CMA has updated its 2005 Enduro National Series schedule, reverting to the more traditional format seen in previous years.

The season will now open with the Corduroy Enduro in Bobcaygeon, ON Sept. 17-18, followed by the Great Pine Enduro in Ganaraska, ON Oct. 2 and the Terra Nova Enduro in Primrose, ON Oct. 16.

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Women's series grows

From Orion Motorsports

TORONTO, ON -- The Pro Honda Women's Cup Challenge is pleased to announce a seven-race schedule in Canada this year that will see the girls battle at three Parts Canada Superbike national rounds as well as four regional events in Quebec and Ontario.

Expert and Novice ladies will vie for separate class championships in Open Sportbike and 600 Supersport. The Open Sportbike category will compete at all seven rounds of the series while the 600 Supersport class will be at the four regional rounds.

Pro Honda Oils and Chemicals has picked up title sponsorship of the series while Pirelli Tires will provide the spec tires for the series.

Parts Canada is providing a support package and contingency. Other sponsors include Yamaha Motor Canada, Adam & Eve, Graphic Mart, Euro Moto, Hindle Exhaust, Orion Motorsports, RACE and ASM.

Montreal resident Catherine Nadeau will compete with the number one plate in Open Sportbike while Toronto's Shawna Aron will wear the number one in 600 Supersport.

Complete series rules, schedules and rider information are available at www.womenscup.ca.

Monday, February 14, 2005

Early start for enduros

By John Hopkins

HAMILTON, ON -- The CMA Enduro National Series will have a spring start according to a schedule released by the Canadian Motorcycle Association today.

The three-round series is slated to kick-off with the Great Pine Enduro in the Ganaraska Forest, east of Toronto May 1. The season will then take a summer break before resuming with the Corduroy Enduro, based out of Bobcaygeon, ON Sept. 18-19. The chase for the number one plate wraps up with the Terra Nova Enduro in Primrose, ON Oct. 16. Traditionally the three national enduro rounds have all run in the autumn.

The OCMC is the organizing group for the Great Pine, the Steel City Riders will handle the Cord and the Terra Nova is under the guidance of the Halton Off-Road Riders Association.

The CMA also unveiled its eight-round Hare Scrambles National Series schedule. The season opens May 15 with a round put on by HORRA at an unconfirmed venue. The Niagara Timberline Riders host the second round May 29.

The remaining races are slated for June 12 in Barrie, ON (OCMC); July 3 TBA (Erie Ramblers); July 10 Moorefield, ON (K-W); July 24 Vienna, ON (Otter Ridge); Aug. 7 Ohsweken, ON (Steel City); Aug. 28 St. Thomas, ON (Lynn Valley). The final round will be sponsored by Lightning Kawasaki.

Wednesday, February 9, 2005

Ducati joins Edmonton police

From Ducati North America



CUPERTINO, CA -- Ducati North America today announced that a 2005 Ducati 749 Biposto, customized by Argyll Motorsports of Edmonton will join the Edmonton Police Department in a unique capacity. Rather than being outfitted as a traditional pursuit or traffic enforcement motorcycle, the exotic Argyll Motorsports-Ducati support vehicle has been assigned to the Department's special Blue Line Racing division, which conducts an innovative STREET LEGAL Program that attempts to get youngsters and their high performance vehicles off the streets and onto local drag strips.



The STREET LEGAL Program, operated by a group of Edmonton Police Department constables, includes two drag racing cars and now the new Ducati 749. STREET LEGAL's goal is to reduce death and injury of youths age 15-25 caused by traffic-related collisions, by developing an awareness for young drivers and riders to operate motor vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.



Rather than cracking down with increased traffic patrols and tickets, Edmonton's Police Department has opted for a different tactic, using the stylish and powerful Ducati to reach out to young riders and drive home its "take it to the track" safety messages.



"Edmonton has seen an increase in the number of sport bike rider deaths in the past few years peaking with a total of eight sport bike-related deaths in 2004," says Edmonton Police Constable Ryan Sparreboom, an avid motorcycle racer and the officer in charge of the specially prepared Ducati 749. "We'll be using our race cars and the eye-catching 2005 Ducati 749 Biposto to bring added attention to our program and, hopefully, save some lives in the process."

Tuesday, February 8, 2005

New venues, series for Supermoto

By John Hopkins



TORONTO, ON -- A variety of new events and a planned two-race North American Championship highlight the 2005 Supermoto Canada Championship calendar.



In addition to the pair of North American Championship rounds, the calendar consists of five national events and six regional rounds.



The North American Championship, an independent venture of Supermoto Canada, will open at the USA International Kart Track near Milwaukee, WI June 19 and conclude with The Docks Red Bull Event in Toronto Aug. 27-28. Defending Supermoto Canada KTM Supercup champion Perry Pritchard, a Wisconsin native is a prime mover behind the Milwaukee event.



The round at The Docks will also conclude the Canadian National series. That competition opens at the Grand Mere Kart Track in Trois-Rivieres, QC June 11, an event promoted by CMRC Quebec's Buddy Ford, and continues with the Alderney Landing Street Race in Halifax July 2, the Sport Bike Rally in Parry Sound, ON July 9 and an additional Toronto event slated for July 24, which should be confirmed later this month.



The regional series begins May 8 at the Point Pelee Kart Track in Leamington, ON. That event is followed by a round at Cayuga Speedway in Nelles Corners, ON May 22, the Mosport Development Track in Bowmanville, ON July 31, the Sarnia Grand Prix Aug. 13-14, Sutton Kart Track in Sutton, ON Sept. 18, and Cayuga Speedway Sept. 25.



The venue for the Sarnia Grand Prix has not been finalized, but the races will reportedly be promoted by top competitors Steve Beattie and Glen Fenwick.



Show scored a success

From the Toronto Motorcycle Show



TORONTO, ON -- The Toronto Motorcycle Show is only three years old and is already considered a world class event. In December, it attracted almost 35,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from all over Ontario.



“Our exhibit space was sold out with a waiting list more than a month before show time. The Toronto Motorcycle Show is firmly established as Toronto’s premiere industry event," said Sherri Verdec, show manager of the Toronto Motorcycle Show.



There were more than 125 exhibitors on the almost 200,000 square foot exhibit floor.



The 2005 edition of the Toronto Motorcycle Show returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4.

Monday, February 7, 2005

Roston continues with Kawi

By John Hopkins



TORONTO, ON -- Canadian Rob Roston, formerly a mainstay of Michael Taylor's successful road racing program, is continuing in his role as parts / logistics coordinator for Kawasaki's MotoGP team this season.



In an email to Inside Motorcycles Roston, who is now based in Germany, indicated he has been busy preparing for the 2005 campaign.



"Since I have been back in Germany [in early January] things have been crazy," Roston wrote. "I have been to Swiss to help get the 2005 bikes ready and all the parts. Then I was off to Sepang for the first test of the new bike. I am now back trying to organize all the stuff for this season, and next week I am off again to Sepang for more testing. And the year is just over a month old."

New sponsor for Soodeen

By John Hopkins



CALGARY, AB -- Alberta road racer Jessica Soodeen has announced a sponsorship arrangement with Seitzco Motorsports, a Yamaha dealer based in Okotoks, AB.



Soodeen will compete aboard Yamaha equipment in western Canadian regional road racing series in 2005, as well as the burgeoning Western Canadian Mini Road Racing Series.

Tuesday, February 1, 2005

Swap meet marks 20 years

From Todd Copan



VANCOUVER, BC -- It's the biggest motorcycle swap meet in the Northwest. With over 35,000 sq. ft. of display space, this year's 20th Annual Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show n' Shine takes place Sunday, Apr. 24 at the South Delta Recreation Centre in Tsawwassen, BC.



Now filling three separate arenas, Swap Meet tables will feature parts for classic and vintage British, American, European and Japanese bikes. Also featured are club displays, memorabilia and complete bikes for sale.



This year's theme display features "100 years of Velocette," with bikes from this great British firm.



More information is available at www.classicbikeswapmeet.com.



Manitoba back with CMRC

By John Hopkins



WINNIPEG, MB -- The Manitoba Motocross Association (MMA) has rejoined the CMRC for 2005, according to a Jan. 28 press release from the MMA.



"We knew that to grow to the next level we needed to be part of the national body," said MMA president Doug Hilderman in the release. "The CMRC will add a lot of value to the MMA race experience and by working together we can ensure both groups enhance motocross in Canada."



Added CMRC president Mark Stallybrass, "We are very pleased to have the MMA rejoin our national structure, and to again provide riders from every region across the country the opportunity to participate at CMRC sanctioned events at the regional and national levels."



Taylor tops honours

By John Hopkins

HAMILTON, ON -- CMA dirt track champion Donald Taylor was named winner of the White Memorial Trophy at the sanctioning body's annual meeting in Halifax Jan. 23.

The 18-year-old Welland, ON racer became the youngest winner of the CMA's number one plate, winning six of eight races in the feature class.

Kelly Graffunder of Clearwater, BC earned the Bert Irwin Memorial Ontario Cup for claiming the best Canadian performance at the ISDE last fall.

The Fulvio Callimaci Memorial Supporters Award, which is presented for outstanding efforts in support of motorcycling, was shared by KTM North America and KTM Canada, the Pike Falls Classic Motorcycle Club in Kemptville, ON and Ward Brown of Yorktown, SK.

The CMA also announced its directors and officers for 2005. Joseph Godsall will serve as president and David Hewgill as vice president. The executive committee will also consist of Paul Imrie and Marilynn Bastedo.

The board of directors will be made up of Marc-Andre Thibeault (Quebec), David Stewart (Ontario), Imrie (Saskatchewan), Hewgill (Alberta) and Godsall (BC). Board positions for Atlantic Canada and Manitoba will be filled at a later date.

Vammus to ride Thunder Ducati

By John Hopkins



ORANGEVILLE, ON -- Derek Vammus has announced he will race a Ducati 1000 SS in the Canadian Thunder national series in 2005.



"I'm glad to be riding a Thunder bike again," said Vammus in a Jan. 29 press release. "With the Canadian Thunder class becoming an official support class in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship things are certainly looking good for 2005."



Vammus previously raced a Ducati 900 SS for Brampton Cycle in 2002, running two events in the inaugural Canadian Thunder series.



"The Ducati Supersport was a flawless bike to ride in 2002 and it's been improved since then," Vammus said. "I've got some unfinished business from that season and I'm really looking forward to this year."



Sean Picavet will again act as crew chief and Corey Warren returns as riding coach.



Ducati and Brampton Cycle will again sponsor Vammus in 2005. Additional support will come from Ducati Performance, Dunlop Tires, Eurocorsa Performance, DP Brakes, Motovan, Joe Rocket Leathers, KBC Helmets and MC Reproductions.

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