Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Final round for Can-Am

From Can-Am Challenge Series

The Can-Am Challenge Series sponsored by Infinity GP Racing will hold its finale at Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend. The event coincides with the Parts Canada Superbike finals as well.

In the GP 125 class, fans should expect to see John Dempsey, who earned this year’s championship at Mosport International Raceway, demonstrate how he climbed to the top of the points standings to take the number one plate with 229 points. Seventeen-year-old Alex Welsh, with 159 points, leads third place Matt Cooper by 28 points. Cooper (131), Mark White (130) and Joe Melchionda (129) are all separated by two points.

Young Calgarian John-Ross MacRae will be looking for another Shannonville round podium. The series also looks forward to having 14-year-old Brett McCormick again. The Canadian Mini Road Racing champ took like a duck to water in his first 125 race at Mosport, finishing in sixth place.

Rumour has it that Welsh will be spotted on the 250 grid riding an Infinity sponsored RS250.

In the 250 class, John Crook leads the championship with 179 points, followed by Nick Colley at 140 points. Gord MacKay will most certainly be looking for a scrap; the two points that separate him from Colley should provide fans with a great race to look for on Sunday.

The top three riders will most likely be joined by Andre Kipin, who will be making his second appearance with the Can-Am this year. Kipin snatched up two second place finishes at the double-header round at Shannonville.

The Can-Am Challenge Series would like to thank its 2005 sponsors: Infinity GP Racing, onbike.TV, RACE Inc., Flair Photo, Highside Health Services, Diablo Energy Drink, Hjelm Motorsports, Bickle Racing and boB.

Series moves to spec tire

From Professional Motorsports Productions

TORONTO, ON -- The Parts Canada Superbike Championship has concluded a deal with Pirelli to supply a spec, or control tire for its three major classes beginning with the 2006 racing season.

The arrangement, which puts the Canadian tour on the cutting edge of a worldwide racing trend, will apply to the Parts Canada Superbike feature class, along with the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike and International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike national support divisions.

The agreement is for three years.

“Fairness and transparency are the key elements of this deal,” said Colin Fraser, President of Professional Motorsports Productions, which runs the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. “Teams will no longer carry their own tires or do their own mounting. Now everything will be centralized, just like it is in World Superbike, World Supersport and a number of European race series. Everyone, privateer and factory rider, will draw from the same choices of tire and compound.”

The switch to a spec tire will remove a major variable from the Parts Canada Superbike series and is designed to create a more level playing field among competitors. Under the open tire format racers are able to purchase or import their tires from a range of different suppliers. Those with more money or better connections often have access to superior tires or can stockpile the choicest rubber options.

“Under the previous format it has always been easy to point to tire selection as an excuse for performance,” Fraser said. “Now this has been ruled out.”

The opportunity to provide the spec tire for the national series was tendered to the various suppliers in July and Pirelli submitted a proposal that was, in the eyes of PMP, considered to be the most favourable to the series and its competitors.

The arrangement is a marketing partnership between PMP, representing the partner manufacturers in the Canadian National series, and Pirelli, rather than a financial one. As the spec tire provider Pirelli will enjoy a strong corporate presence at each series round.

The feature Superbike class, which uses slick tires, will offer the most choice and a specific tire will be independently selected from event to event. The series will conduct fall testing with a select group of riders to develop product for the headline category.

As an added cost saving measure, the number of tires used per race weekend will be restricted.

The Canadian Thunder class is not included in the spec tire deal yet. The Suzuki SV650 National Cup already runs with a spec Pirelli tire and that arrangement is expected to continue.

Seventh heaven for Mitchell

From Go Fast Media

TORONTO, ON -- The Hindle Canadian Fastest Streetbike Shootout went off with a bang this past Sunday at Grand Bend Motorplex. Those who came out to watch the spectacular show saw the quickest and fastest street legal passes ever made on Canadian turf.

Ronnie Mitchell came over from Michigan and laid the smack down with an opening qualifying pass of 7.82/189, the first ever seven-second pass recorded on Canadian soil. His winning final round numbers of 7.794 and 189.27 MPH earned him the victory and $1000 winner's prize, as well as the street legal records this side of the border.

Canada's own Richard Peppler (RCC Turbos) came close to the seven-second zone, setting a new career best elapsed time at 8.07 secs. and upping his own record for the fastest run by a Canadian - 185.98 MPH - en route to a runner-up finish.

Full results and photos are coming in a day or two at http://www.canadiandragbike.com.

Pole award for Thunder finale

From Vammus Racing

ORANGEVILLE, ON -- Brampton Chrysler, sponsor of the Vammus Motorcycle Roadracing Team has generously offered up a $1000 pole award for the winner of the National Canadian Thunder qualifier at this weekend's final round of the season at Shannonville Motorsport Park.

"We are very enthusiastic about supporting Derek Vammus and his racing efforts," said Wes Yoshida, general manager of Brampton Chrysler. "The opportunity to support the Canadian Thunder class was a welcome one and are looking forward to an exciting event."

Whoever puts their motorcycle on pole for Sunday’s race will also put a cheque for $1000 in their pocket in a special presentation prior to the start of the final.

Darren James of North Vancouver comes into the final round leading the Thunder standings with 180 points. Vammus is second with 157 and Bill Card of Wellesley, ON sits third with 149.

Monday, August 29, 2005

Expanded MX TV coverage

From Bullseye Media

STOUFFVILLE, ON -- Stallybrass Promotions Inc. and Hills Productions are pleased to announce the signing of a television broadcast package with Extreme Sports Channel in the United Kingdom. The package commences with the broadcast of the ‘04 CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships this fall, to be followed by the ’05 and subsequent series.

Extreme Sport Channel reaches 17,000,000 homes in 59 countries.

“This is something we’ve been working towards for some time and now I’m happy to say it’s a reality. Over the past few years we’ve been fine tuning the production of the series so it stands up to international scrutiny,” said SPI’s Mark Stallybrass. “When considering the response we’ve had to the broadcast of the nationals in Canada and the United States we know we’ve achieved that. Now we’re ready to showcase Canadian motocross in overseas markets.”

Stallybrass noted that the expanded broadcast of the nationals will create further awareness of the Canadian Motocross Championships, the quality of the riders participating in the series and the quality of the television production. It should also benefit the riders in terms of increasing their value as representatives of their sponsors. For the manufacturers, the aftermarket industry and corporate sponsors, a wider broadcast reach of the Canadian Championships means increased value by participating in the nationals.

Friday, August 26, 2005

Canucks invited to Vegas

By John Hopkins

TORONTO, ON -- Canadian riders Steve Anderson of Hillsburgh, ON and Quesnel, BC's Tron Cathcart have been invited to compete in the U.S. Open KTM Jr. Supercross Challenge in Las Vegas Oct. 7-9 according to a press release from Clear Channel Entertainment.

The pair qualified by winning KTM Jr. Supercross Challenge events that ran in conjunction with rounds of the 2004-05 THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series. Anderson was victorious at Toronto's Rogers Centre (then SkyDome) while Cathcart won at BC Place in Vancouver.

"This event is a dream come true for the participants in this year's U.S. Open," said Todd Jendro, senior director of operations, Clear Channel Entertainment -- Motor Sports, in the release. "On the same night, same track that supercross stars Ricky Carmichael and Chad Reed compete on, the winners of the KJSC at the THQ AMA Supercross Series will put on a show that is equally exciting."

The KTM Jr. Supercross Challenge consists of seven and eight year old boys and girls from across North America with a 3.0 or better grade point average in school, the release said.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Grand Bend gears up

From Go Fast Media Solutions

TORONTO, ON -- Grand Bend Motorplex will play host to the 3rd annual Hindle Canadian Fastest Streetbike Shootout this Sunday as part of the Hully Gully Summer Sizzler All-Bike Drags.

The Streetbike Shootout sees the fastest street legal motorcycles from Canada and the U.S. battle it out on the quarter-mile for the guaranteed $1000 winner's prize. Nitrous-fed and turbocharged machines will square off head-to-head to see who will go home with this year's title.

Last year, Michigan racer Shane Ratliff took the trophy Stateside aboard a turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusa, running a best of 8.12 at over 182 MPH. The Canadian contingent is hungry to take back the bragging rights however, led by Richard Peppler's 184 MPH turbo 'Busa. The event may also see the first seven-second pass on Canadian soil as racers look to eclipse Robert Suprenant's 8.03-second Canadian record.

The event will also feature the RCC Turbos Horsepower Challenge, open to all racers and spectators on Sunday. The Hully Gully Summer Sizzler will feature several classes - Kevin Blackmore Memorial Quick 16, Superbike ET, Streetfighter ET, Harley ET, Trophy and Pit Bike.

For more class/event info visit http://www.grandbendmotorplex.com. For rules and information about the Hindle Canadian Fastest Streetbike Shootout, visit http://www.canadiandragbike.com/shootout.

New AX series unveiled

From AirLand Entertainment, Inc.

PARIS, ON -- AirLand Entertainment, Inc. has announced the exciting new CMA National Arenacross Series, the first indoor motorcycle series in Ontario. The new series is set to begin racing in May, 2006.

The new eight-race regional series ­ sanctioned by the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA) ­ is looking for motocross and arenacross riders from across Canada and the United States. The series will offer competitive prize money, with $2,000 awarded to first place finishers in each MX1 and MX2 main event, smaller cash prizes for riders with top 16 finishes, and a $500 holeshot award for each class. Series payouts for MX1 and MX2 will exceed $130,000.

“As riders ourselves, we know the physical demands of the sport and wanted to create a series with a top-tier purse that reflects our respect for the riders,” said Joe Baird, co-founder of the series. “We believe the quality of the events, the fans of arenacross and attractive prize money will bring top riders from across Ontario as well as North America.”

Additionally, the affiliation with the CMA means that the series and its riders will be recognized internationally by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM).

“We’re excited to receive the backing and support of the CMA, and that our riders will have an opportunity to add a sanctioned national title to their credentials. AirLand Entertainment, Inc. is looking forward to working with the CMA, and developing the CMA National Arenacross Series into the premier off-road racing series in Canada,” said Baird.

The complete CMA National Arenacross Series is as follows:

May 26-28 Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex, Kitchener, ON; June 9-11 John Labatt Centre, London, ON; June 16-18 Sarnia Sports & Entertainment Centre, Sarnia, ON; June 23-25 Brampton Centre for Sports and Entertainment, Brampton, ON.

“With all four venues located in close proximity to New York and Michigan border crossings, and excellent highway access, we are anticipating a strong Pro and Amateur rider turnout from our southern neighbours. We believe this will create some friendly rivalries, as Canadians and Americans can compete head-to-head on the racetrack,” added Baird.

Ticket prices and packages, along with Early Bird registration incentives, will be announced later this year. For more information on the series and rider registration, go to http://www.axcanada.com.

MXoN team announced

From the Canadian Motorcycle Association

HAMILTON, ON -- Ernée, France is the location of the 2005 Motocross of Nations, which takes place Sept. 24-25.

The Canadian Motorcycle Association is pleased to announce that Canada will be represented in this National Team World Championship event. The team members are Simon Homans, St-Elie d’Orford, QC; Doug Dehaan, Thorndale, ON; Blair Morgan, Prince Albert, SK.

They will participate on Yamaha motorcycles.

All three riders have previous experience as members of the Canadian MXoN Team, with Morgan having the best Canadian performance at the 2004 event held in Holland.

Monday, August 22, 2005

Walton wrap-up

From Chris Lee

WALTON, ON -- When website traffic went through the roof with 20,000 pages views on Friday we knew that fans were hoping for a break in the weather. They got it!

Initial estimates of attendance indicate that despite Friday's washout fans flocked out in record numbers for Sunday's final show to maintain the aggregate attendance record for the week that was set in 2004, 25,000 in total as the five-day 'Celebration of Canadian motocross' wound up with the first time ever Pro and Amateur East West shootouts under cool sunny skies and perfect racing conditions thanks only to the relentless efforts of the Matt Lee led and Ontrac equipped, track crew.

Team selections for the inaugural IMX Canada Cup were announced by team managers Frank Shuster (East) and Roland Giroux (West), to kick off the Saturday night trophy presentations. An enthusiastic group donned their IMX East West Shootout blue and gold bibs and took to the track as part of Sunday's program.

As the checkered dropped the east had scored a decisive victory and consequently collected the gold IMX East West shootout medallions while the west collected silver. Captain and amateur moto winner Tyler Bezzo accepted the IMX Canada Cup on behalf of his teammates.

For amateur riders the Gaerne Bronze Boot went to Junior Kyle Stephens of Orangeville, ON. Following the Port Hope, ON family's heritage of racing skill the Rick Joseph Memorial Award went to Intermediate Kyle Ferguson and the RacerX Canada 'Total Devotion Award' went to Intermediate Davey Fraser of Lower Sackville, NS, who persevered through a recent double wrist fracture.

Willard wins Shootout; Gracyk's clean sweep

From Bullseye Media

WALTON, ON -- A muddy Saturday didn't affect the great ambience the Walton TransCan Grand National is known for. The MX2 East/West Shootout on Sunday more than lived up to expectations with one major twist added into the mix.

Dusty Klatt, the odds-on-favourite to win the event, found himself docked five positions in moto 1 for passing Mike Willard under a yellow flag, effectively costing Klatt a clean sweep and the overall win. Willard, the reigning MX2 East champion was in the lead when reigning MX2 West champ, Klatt, passed him under yellow at the halfway mark of the moto.

KTM Canada's Willard, who had grabbed the first moto holeshot, lost the lead for a few laps to Suzuki OTSFF's Jake Weimer and then reclaimed it to take control until he was passed by Klatt. Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing's Klatt had to chase down Willard from a fifth place starting position and a duel of epic proportions was ensuing when Klatt inadvertently passed Willard under the yellow. Protests were raised by Team Blackfoot about the legitimacy of the flag infraction but CMRC officials stuck to the penalty they imposed on Klatt.

Richmond Racing Kawasaki's Colt Facciotti and Willard's KTM Canada teammate Pierce Chamberlain benefited from Klatt's penalty by moving into second and third respectively. Unfortunately for Facciotti, he would suffer a DNF in the second moto which saw him end the shootout in ninth place.

In the second moto, an on fire Klatt blasted his way to the holeshot and then checked out. The battle everyone had expected between west coaster Klatt and east coaster Willard never materialized. Willard took satisfaction with a third place finish, a position he held from lap 6 onward, to nail down the overall win.

Behind Klatt, a battle for second ensued between Richmond's Jeff Northrop and his teammate Kyle Chisholm. Klatt, meanwhile, who said from the podium he had a point to make, did just that by finishing some 45 seconds ahead of Chisholm.

With 6-1 moto results, Klatt carded second overall for the day. Chisholm, runner up in the MX2 East title hunt, eventually took a hold of second and finished there. A 24th place in the first moto, however, saw him card seventh overall. Chamberlain, who suffered through a tepid '05 MX2 East campaign, rode another impressive moto to snare third at the checkered, finishing the day with a well-deserved third overall.

To the disappointment of the thousands of fans in Walton, the final round of the MX1 points chase was without Jean Sebastien Roy on the track. Roy, who clinched his fifth consecutive MX1 title at Round 8 in Ste-Julie, QC, announced he was not going to race the MX1 because of a rib injury he sustained in Ste-Julie. Although he rode his qualifier on Saturday, he said he was in too much pain to ride the final two motos of the season.

With the mighty JSR out of the picture fans were treated to a one-man show by Team Suzuki OTSFF's Gavin Gracyk. The 21-year-old American convincingly won both motos with more than 30 seconds to spare at the checkered. Gracyk's domination put an end to Blackfoot's winning streak of 17 overalls, which they had accumulated since the final round in Walton in 2003.

It was up to Blackfoot's Damon Huffman to keep that winning streak going, but the Californian was no match for Gracyk, who had already proved he could win motos earlier this season. With 7-2 motos for the day Huffman, who announced his retirement from motocross after the second moto, climbed the podium in third overall.

Blackfoot was dealt a second blow when Huffman was penalized for a Red Cross flag infraction while running in second place during moto one. Also penalized for jumping while the medic's flag was being waved were Craig Decker, Keith Johnson and Evan Laughridge. The trio was behind Huffy in third, fourth and fifth respectively. Again, protests were launched in every direction, and again CMRC officials held steadfast in applying the rules.

In addition to Gracyk, local hero Doug DeHaan proved to be the other big revelation of the day by carding second overall on the strength of 4-3 motos. An emotional DeHaan said from the podium the season couldn't have ended better for him because he had started the series with a second overall in Mission. The Yamaha Canada rider received a standing ovation from the many fans crowded around the podium.

With JSR already crowned MX1 champ, the final showdown of the season was for runner-up in the series and that spot went to Gracyk, thanks to the awesome ride he put in on the highly demanding Walton track. Huffman finished the points chase in third. Gracyk's Team Suzuki OTSFF teammate Johnson snared fourth, while Morgan Racing Yamaha's Decker rounded out the top five.

MCC to hold October Congress

From the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada

TORONTO, ON -- The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) will hold its first planning congress for members since its incorporation in January, 2005. As with its prior events in 2003 and 2004, MCC also invites Canada’s motorcycle organizations to attend and offer their perspective and input.

The focus of this year’s Congress will be to establish election procedures (for the Board of Directors), to evaluate organizational structures that will serve motorcycling and motorcyclists and to establish a plan for its 2006 activities. The Congress will be held in Toronto, October 21-23.

MCC directors will be in attendance as will representatives of its member clubs. Organizations interested in attending can view more information on the association’s website, www.motorcycling.ca or contact MCC directly.

MCC is Canada’s newest and largest association representing motorcyclists’ interests. Originally named the Motorcyclists Alliance of Canada (MAC), the MCC was incorporated in January, 2005. Its membership comprises more than 200 clubs and represents over 70,000 riders.

MCC is title sponsor of the Induction Dinner for the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. MCC also serves on the advisory committee for the Canadian International Motorcycle Festival (www.cimf.ca).

The MCC’s vision is to foster the expansion of all aspects of Canadian motorcycling by working together to increase awareness of the positive aspects of motorcycling. Its mission is to provide leadership and unity in promoting and protecting the interests of responsible motorcycling in Canada.

Hacking wins class in Mongolia

From Bullseye Media

ST. CATHARINES, ON -- Enduro rider Lawrence Hacking, the first Canadian to finish the Paris-Dakar Rally, won the 250cc class in the Beijing to Ulanbataar Rally, finishing 17th overall in the motorcycle division.

“It was the ride of a lifetime,” said Hacking. “The rally was something very special. I had a great time and I would have to consider it a success.”

The rally, which started Aug. 7 in Beijing, led competitors on a gruelling six-day journey across the Gobi desert to Ulanbataar in Mongolia. Hacking rode a basically stock Honda CRF250X shod with Pirelli tires and fitted with heavy duty tubes. The only alterations to the bike were the addition of aftermarket fuel tanks and an emergency water tank to the skid plate. The CRF’s gearing had also been changed and the suspension stiffened.

“I was truly impressed by the Mongolian people and their country. The SSER organization took very good care of me, and my fellow competitors were friendly and helpful. The rally had a great atmosphere. The riding was unparalleled,” said the 51-year-old Hacking.

VRRA honours members

From the Vintage Road Racing Association

MOSPORT, ON -- At the Vintage Festival at Mosport International Raceway Aug. 19-21, Canada’s premier festival of vintage and classic motorcycle racing, members of 25-year standing were to be honoured by their peers.

A special parade of the 25-year members on their motorcycles was scheduled to be held at 12 noon on Saturday. Members were to take several laps of the 2.5-mile circuit and return to be presented with a commemorative 25-year Rose Bowl.

This special event within the vintage and classic motorcycle racing weekend was sponsored by the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Annual Induction Banquet presented by Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada.

The15 members to be honoured were: Neil Cawthra, Caledon, ON; Harry Edge, Scarborough, ON; Tom Faulds, Fenwick, ON; Kevin Hall, Wilno, ON; Don Hodge, Georgetown, ON; Ken Hodge, Ballinfad, ON; Dave Hughes, Oakville, ON; Gus Johnson, Puslinch, ON; Garry McCaw, Brantford, ON; Ron Peter, Port Perry, ON; Joe Rogers, Belleville, ON; Paul Shakespeare, Toronto; Fergus Warwick, Willow Beach, ON; Manzi Warwick, Pickering, ON; Bob Whittleton, Ajax, ON.

Monday, August 15, 2005

A SLAM DUNK FOR WILLARD IN MX2 EAST THRILLER -- JSR CROWNED MX1 CHAMP

Courtesy Bull's Eye Media Relations

KTM Canada's Michael Willard claimed the MX2 East Championship at the final round of the points chase in Ste-Julie, QC on Sunday with a convincing double moto win, presenting KTM their first National Canadian Motocross Championship. Willard came into the ultimate showdown of the four-round title hunt trailing series leader Kyle Chisholm by eight points. When all was said and done, he put a one point deficit on Chisholm to win the championship.

Willard, who becomes the fourth American to win the MX2 East title since its inauguration in 2000, grabbed the start he needed in the first moto to take an early lead. He then took that position unchallenged to the finish line, gapping his pursuers in the process. Richmond Racing Kawasaki mounted Chisholm put forth a valiant effort to keep the championship in the Kawasaki camp for another year by working his way from a mid-pack start to grab second place at the checkered.

In Moto 2, Willard was third off the start behind his KTM teammate Matt Barnes and Chisholm. Barnes led the pack for a while but was passed by Chisholm, who needed to win the moto in order to snare the title. In a thriller of a moto that had Team KTM holding their breath for the entire race, Willard first disposed of Barnes to then gradually reel in Chisholm who had banked a bit of a lead. In the final laps, Willard stuck a pass on his rival cutting to the inside of Chisholm when he lost contact with his footpegs on a rutted downhill section.

"I knew I had to stay focused on the race and not think about the championship being at stake. That would have been too much pressure," said Willard. "I just kept on reeling in Kyle and I saw my opportunity to pass him when he ran into a bit of trouble. I'm really happy with the outcome of the championship and proud that I won it for KTM. The team really deserves the championship. They really worked hard for this."

For Mitch Cooke, who was second in the standings after three rounds, trailing Chisholm by seven points, the dream of winning the championship came to an end on lap one of the first moto. Despite getting a great start Cooke went down when he and his Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing teammate Chad Charbonneau ran into each other, while running with the front of the pack. Cooke remounted dead last, nearly a lap down, to claw his way through the field and finish 11th at the flag.

In the second moto, Cooke, the only Canadian in contention for the title, got a fifth place start which he converted into a third place finish behind Chisholm and Willard. The Atlantic Canada native concluded the series with a third place ranking.

In the MX1 Championship, defending champion Jean Sebastien Roy reconfirmed his superstar status by clinching his fifth consecutive title for Team Honda Blackfoot Fox. Despite severely bruised ribs, sustained during practice on Saturday, which put his participation for Sunday's race in question, JSR nailed down his seventh overall victory of the season on the strength of 2-1 motos.

"After crashing yesterday I knew I was in trouble because my ribs were hurting bad, I was scared that I might have broken one or two and I didn't know if would be able to race today," said Roy. "Luckily there was nothing broken and I was able to start today. I wasn't sure if I could wrap up the title, though. I'm glad to say that that was the case. It feels great to have made it five in a row. Without a great team like Blackfoot behind me and great bikes to ride like Honda, I'm not sure if that would have been possible."

In Moto 1, Team Suzuki OTSFF Motorsports Keith Johnson snared the holeshot to basically run away with the race right to the finish line. Johnson first held off his teammate Gavin Gracyk, and towards the end second place finisher JSR, who had gotten a lacklustre start. JSR and Gracyk swapped positions in a nail-biting duel that lasted a number of laps before JSR finally stuck a pass on the American.

In the second moto, Gracyk got the holeshot but his lead position was taken over by JSR's teammate Dusty Klatt early on the first lap. JSR got a much better start this time, rounding turn one in fifth. Klatt, who repeated as MX2 West Champion earlier in the season, led for half the race but had to concede that position to a strong running JSR. Klatt managed to keep a pesky Gracyk at bayand follow JSR across the finish line in second place. On the strength of 9-2 motos Klatt carded fourth overall for the day.

Johnson, meanwhile, was unable to do much better than the fifth place he started in when the gate dropped for Moto 2. He eventually finished fourth, which with his first moto win saw him take second overall. Gracyk, on the strength of 3-3 motos, further put Suzuki in the limelight by taking third overall.

Results: Round 4 MX2 East Championship
1.Michael Willard 1-1
2.Kyle Chisholm 2-2
3.Matt Barnes 4-4
4.Derrick Fisher 5-5
5.Mitch Cooke 11-3
6.Jay Burke 7-6
7.Trevor Hall 10-9
8.Johnny Montes 13-7
9.Ryan Lockhart 3-DNF
10.Clint Shealy 9-14

Top 10 MX2 East Standings (final)
1.Michael Willard (KTM) 176 pts
2.Kyle Chisholm (Kaw) 175
3.Mitch Cooke (Hon) 156
4.Chad Charbonneau (Hon) 113
5.Matt Barnes (KTM) 102
6.Kyle Keast (Hon) 101
7.Jay Burke (Hon) 99
8.Doug DeHaan (Yam) 74
9.Ryan Lockhart (Kaw) 70
10.Pierce Chamberlain (KTM) 62

Results: Round 8 MX1 Championship
1.Jean Sebastien Roy 2-1
2.Keith Johnson 1-4
3.Gavin Gracyk 3-3
4.Dust Klatt 9-2
5.Shane Bess 10-5
6.Craig Decker 7-8
7.Blair Morgan 4-14
8.Simon Homans 13-6
9.Doug DeHaan 12-9
10.Damon Huffman 6-16

The week of the Walton TransCan is finally here!

Courtesy CMRC Head Office

Walton Ontario, August 15, 2005 - Some out of province riders have already dropped in for a quick look before heading off to acclimatize. A few dozen intrepid souls even mixed up their dates and showed up to inadvertently watch track prep this past weekend. They were astonished to take in the all new features such as the start gate and approach (fast, wide, sweeping and watchable) the Machine Racing tower (dominates the landscape ), the Two Wheel Kawasaki Mountain ( it is huge ) and the Hully Gully street bike park and hospitality area (it was empty - but that will change!). They will have to come back when Honda presents the real action in a few days.

Should a 'Furious''Dirty Girl' wear a 'Chinjock', 'Shok-SpotR' and 'Tech Sox'? You can find out after over forty vendors, service crews and exhibitors complete setup Monday. They are followed by the amateur riders who will come pouring in Tuesday morning. They will sign up and prepare for Wednesday's practice and opening ceremonies of the 14th annual Wiseco Amateur GNC.

Coverage of this year's event will be of unprecedented variety. In addition to the one hour SPI television production (Sportsnet, Speed, Global, RDS, Xtreme) Dave Hatch's 'Motorcycle Experience (TSN) will prepare two features and Final Cut Productions will produce a DVD documentary ready in time for Christmas. On radio 94.5 The Bull will be broadcasting live from the event and the www.waltontranscan.ca website will webcast all the action, all day. Results will be posted daily to www.cmrcracing.com. The Heidi's RV / Mostly Digital Media Centre will encourage all riders to post their personal reports on www.waltontranscan.ca as well allow media professionals to submit on-the-fly.

After the Yamaha demo rides, freestyle demos, paintball and helicopter rides you may want to relax. Food service has been expanded and there are some new wooded spectator areas to kick back in or you can grab a Budweiser in the Bull Pit and listen to the lineup of bands such as the Mudmen, Ictus, Never Seems Happy and Scarlet Sins .

Amateur rider excitement is high for Sunday when the week culminates with the IMX Canada Cup competition. With most of the top riders confirmed to attend the MX2 East/West shootout will be a barn burner as these rising stars clash one time time only to establish national supremacy. Jean Sebastien Roy may have clinched the MX1 series title but the battles continue unabated back through the pack for series standings and national numbers for '06. With nothing left to hold back for you can be sure that nothing will be held back in pursuit of the sword claimed each year by the 'King of Walton'.

The buzz from added promotions such as the billboard campaign in Kitchener Waterloo, the 'Sweet Summer Steals' give away on A-Channel and the support of The Bull 94.5 and strong advance ticket sales give every indication that last year's 25,000 attendance record will be shattered, especially since the weather outlook remains near perfect!

For more information contact http://www.waltontranscan.ca

Friday, August 12, 2005

OAKLEY ANNOUNCES OPENING OF FIRST CANADIAN O STORE IN TORONTO


FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif., August 11, 2005 – Oakley, Inc. (NYSE:OO) today announced the opening of its first Canadian O Store® located in the Queen West district of Toronto. The Queen Street West location is the latest addition to the company's expanding domestic and international retail presence and will be owned and operated by Oakley, Inc.

"We’re very excited to open our first Canadian O Store in Toronto,” said Oakley Chief Operating Officer Link Newcomb. "The Oakley brand has an enduring and respected history in Canada and given Toronto’s leading international reputation for forward looking designs, this store provides an ideal venue for showcasing Oakley’s full product line.”

The Toronto O Store’s location at 383 Queen Street West features a modern interior with glass, stainless steel and brushed aluminum fixtures synonymous with Oakley’s retail architecture. The trendy Queen West area of Toronto is as old as the city itself and has seen a colorful past including Victorian residences, art and music revivals as well as today’s numerous boutiques, offbeat cafĂ©s and restaurants. The district is an equally popular destination with local Torontonians and tourists.

O Store® and Oakley Vault® Concepts
Armed with the widest, most comprehensive inventory of Oakley innovations, O Stores offer a full selection of the company's premium sunglasses, prescription eyewear, footwear, apparel, electronics, watches and accessories. Additionally, O Stores offer customers a unique venue to view new Oakley performance products. The Oakley Vault® concept offers customers a unique opportunity to purchase off-season and discontinued merchandise from all categories.

Including the Toronto location, Oakley now operates 47 company-owned O Stores® and Vaults® including locations in Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States. There are also seven other international locations operating as licensed stores in Austria, Australia, Chile, France, Spain, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Additionally, the company operates 92 sunglass specialty stores through its wholly-owned Iacon subsidiary under seven separate retail concepts comprising: Sunglass Designs, Sporting Eyes, Occhiali da Sole, Oakley Icon, Optica, Sunglass Club and Sunglass Icon.

About Oakley, Inc.
Oakley: a world brand, driven to ignite the imagination through the fusion of art and science. Building on its legacy of innovative, market-leading, premium sunglasses, the company offers a full array of products including performance apparel and accessories, prescription eyewear, footwear, watches and electronics to consumers in more than 100 countries. Trailing-12-month net sales through June 30, 2005 totaled $615.3 million and generated net income of $49.0 million. Oakley, Inc. press releases, SEC filings and the company’s annual report are available at www.oakley.com.

Thursday, August 11, 2005

ISDE team off to Slovak Republic

From the Canadian Motorcycle Association

HAMILTON, ON -- The 80th International Six Days Enduro, World Championship for Teams will take place at the historic location of Povazska Bystrica from Sept. 13-18.

The CMA Trophy Team is made up of Andrew Christiansen of Coquitlam, BC (GasGas), Shane Cuthbertson of Airdrie, AB (KTM), Lee Fryberger of Wardlow, AB (Husaberg), Clint Riviere of Pincher Creek, AB (KTM), Derrick Sproule of Pincher Creek, AB (KTM) and Andrew Weiss of Toronto (Husqvarna).

Cuthbertson, Riviere and Sproule will also form the KTM Manufacturers Team.

Trials des Nations team announced

From the Canadian Motorcycle Association

HAMILTON, ON -- Sestriere is the site of the 2005 Trial des Nations, Womens' Trials des Nations and World Championship for Women Sept. 23-25.

Canada will be represented in all three competitions.

The men's TdN team will consist of Sean Bird of Port Coquitlam, BC, Maxime Gobeil of St-Gedeon, QC, Andrew Young of Welland, ON and Matthew Zajac of Mississauga, ON.

The womens' team is a repeat of 2004 and includes Christy and Kerry Williams from Port Moody, BC and Heather Wall of Calgary.

Kerry Williams will also compete in the Womens' World Championship event, which will be first up on Sept. 23.

Roy drives for five

From Bullseye Media

STOUFFVILLE, ON -- With a whopping 86-point lead over his Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing teammate Damon Huffman, very little stands in the way of Jean Sebastien Roy clinching his fifth consecutive MX1 title on home turf this weekend at Ste-Julie, QC. If JSR does accomplish the task, it will be the fourth time in five years that he races the final round of the season in Walton as the newly crowned champ.

"It would be nice to get it over with in Quebec, in my home province, but it’s never over until it’s over and that could mean it does go down to Walton if I run into some bad luck or something," said Roy. "If things go well then it should be a done deal, but I'm not counting my chickens until they're hatched."

While Roy is well on his way to start counting his chickens, the rest of the top 10 contenders are too close in points to be counting anything. Only 23 points separate Huffman from Team Suzuki OTSFF's Gavin Gracyk, currently fifth in the standings. Even closer on Huffy's heels is Morgan Racing Yamaha's Craig Decker, who is looking at a mere nine-point deficit. Keith Johnson, fourth in the points chase, is only two points ahead of his OTSFF Suzuki teammate Gracyk, and just 12 points behind Decker. Any one of these riders is in a position to claim runner-up in the championship.

The rest of the top 10 club, Yamaha Canada's Simon Homans (sixth), Morgan Racing Yamaha's Blair Morgan (seventh), Richmond Racing Kawasaki's Evan Laughridge (eighth), Blackfoot Honda's Dusty Klatt (ninth) and OTSFF Suzuki's Mike Treadwell (10th), are in equally precarious positions to be assured they will finish the season with the rankings they now hold down. Homans and Morgan both have 182 points; Laughridge trails them by 17 points. Klatt is just eight points behind Laughridge while Treadwell trails Klatt by 11 points.

Unlike the highly predictable outcome of the MX1 championship, the MX2 East is a wild free-for-all as the tour settles into Ste-Julie for the fourth and final round. Richmond Kawasaki's Kyle Chisholm, at the head of the pack with 129 points, leads second place Blackfoot Honda mounted Mitch Cooke by just seven points. KTM Canada's Michael Willard is firmly in the title mix, trailing Cooke by just one point.

McCormick takes four

From McCormick Racing

Quesnel, BC -- The Canadian Motorcycle Association held its Mini Road Racing National Championships at the scenic Cariboo Kart Club track in Quesnel Saturday. The event was a big success as the weather was perfect for some great racing attended by riders from Canada as well as the Northwestern United States.

The big winner turned out to be Yamaha-sponsored rider Brett McCormick from Saskatoon. McCormick won his four qualifiers and six races on his Proline Motorsports Yamahas to secure four national championship titles in the Formula 80, Motard, Thunder 4-Stroke and Clash classes. McCormick rode a fairly stock Yamaha
YZ85 to victories in the Formula 80 and Motard classes and a stock (other than tires) Yamaha TTR125L in the Thunder 4-Stroke and Clash classes.

McCormick Racing endeavours are made possible by Yamaha Canada/Proline Motorsports Saskatoon, Steve Dick Racing, Driving Force - Vehicle Sales, Leasing and Rentals, Flaman Trailer Sales, Boston Pizza, VR-1 Suspensions, Montaro Canada/VP Race Fuels, Motul Lubricants, Motovan Corporation, DID Chain, Bickle Tire Warmers and Jessica Soodeen.

Sunday, August 7, 2005

Wild win for Crevier

From Professional Motorsports Productions

SHUBENACADIE, NS – Maple Ridge, BC’s Steve Crevier became the fifth different winner in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship this season as he scored a dramatic victory at Atlantic Motorsport Park Sunday.

Riding the Diablo Performance Honda CBR1000RR, Crevier took the lead from the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 of Kevin Lacombe on lap 9 of the 22-lap race and held off the Granby, QC rider by 0.182 secs. at the finish.

Francis Martin of Rock Forest, QC placed third on the Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000 and extended his lead in the Parts Canada Superbike point standings with just one round remaining.

The win was the 40-year-old Crevier’s 23rd career national Superbike triumph and his sixth at AMP. He is the all-time leader in both categories.

“I’m very proud of my accomplishments and as I get older I get more emotional about my wins,” said Crevier, who also has more Canadian Superbike national titles than any other rider with six.

Sunday’s race was the second half of a doubleheader at AMP. Lacombe won Saturday’s Parts Canada Superbike round and grabbed the lead off the start in Sunday’s feature. He held off Crevier, Martin and the Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 of Pascal Picotte before Crevier was able to get by in turn 7 on the 11-turn, 2.56km (1.6-mile) track.

“Kevin didn’t seem to have the grip off the corners he had yesterday,” Crevier said. “I just closed my eyes and pinned my Honda [to make the pass]. My bike seemed pretty stable through there.”

Martin held third the whole way and increased his series lead to 22 points over Calgary rider Clint McBain, 277-255. McBain, riding the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 passed Picotte four laps from the end to finish fourth.

Picotte settled for fifth in the race and slipped to third in the standings, although the defending Parts Canada Superbike champion is just one point behind McBain with 254.

Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON finished sixth riding the Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR and is now fourth in points with 250 heading to the season finale at Shannonville Motorsport Park Sept. 4. A race win is worth 50 points.

In other action at AMP, Crevier clinched the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike feature with his second win of the weekend and his fifth of the season riding his Honda CBR600RR. McBain finished second aboard a Suzuki GSX-R600 and Chris Peris, also from Calgary completed the podium riding the Topline Yamaha YZF-R6.

Mark Douglas of Warkworth, ON extended his lead in the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike standings with his second victory in a row Sunday. Stephen Chabot of Oshawa, ON placed second and Woodstock, ON rider James Collins took third. All three rode Yamahas.

Darren James of North Vancouver scored his first Canadian Thunder win of the season aboard his Buell and Toronto rider Norm Tang won the Suzuki SV650 National Cup feature.

Action from this weekend will be televised later this summer in a one-hour show on TSN.

Thursday, August 4, 2005

Gearing up for Walton

From CMRC Racing

WALTON, ON -- The Walton TransCan Grand National Motocross is only days away. Event organizers have already received over 900 rider entries from across Canada . An army of Amateurs will arrive on site Aug. 16.

The Bull 94.5FM will chart the progress of the more distant competitors as they cross the country via cell phone progress reports. As they race daily ,starting Wednesday, friends, relatives and fans back home will be able to follow the action via live web audio on www.waltontranscan.ca.

Preparations are moving ahead at full speed to welcome spectators who are fully expected to exceed the 2004 attendance record of 25,000. New viewing areas, easier access and a spectacular new start area layout are sure to add to the Walton experience. The Yamaha Playground is back by popular demand and includes the chance to win a new Yamaha for demo ride participants.

The ninth round of the Pro national series will host the MX2 East/West Shootout for the first time. This unique event will see the best MX2 Pro riders go head to head for the only time this year. Regional bragging rights will also be established Sunday when the amateurs compete for the IMX Canada Cup for the first time in a team format.

The premier MX1 class has just completed Round 7 in Moncton. While Jean Sebastian Roy has built a commanding lead and looks set to repeat his title, the next four riders are separated by less than one moto worth of points. The Aug. 14 round at Ste-Julie, QC will set the stage for the final showdown. Series standings can be followed at www.cmrcracing.com.

Four-rider fight heads east

From Professional Motorsport Productions

TORONTO, ON – For the second time in the past three years the Parts Canada Superbike Championship is heading for a dramatic down to the wire finale. And once again Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS will be a key battleground in the war for the title.

Four riders come into this weekend’s doubleheader event, the penultimate stop on the 2005 tour, with a solid shot at claiming Canada’s biggest motorcycle road racing prize. Francis Martin of Rock Forest, QC leads the standings with 198 points, but just two points behind him is Brantford, ON ace Jordan Szoke. Calgary’s Clint McBain is just another two points behind with 194.

Meanwhile, lurking in fourth in the standings with 179 points is Granby, QC rider Pascal Picotte, who shot into contention for the title after sweeping the doubleheader at the previous event at Mosport International Raceway.

This weekend’s races are the sixth and seventh rounds of the eight-race series, which wraps up at Shannonville Motorsport Park on the Labour Day Weekend of Sept. 2-4.

Picotte is bidding for a third straight Canadian Superbike crown, a feat not managed since Steve Crevier won three in a row from 1991-93. But his championship aspirations appeared to be over after he was injured in a practice fall at the Parts Canada Superbike season opener at Shannonville in May. Picotte was dominant at Mosport, however, qualifying on pole and leading both races lights-to-flag on his Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1.

Riding the Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000, Martin won the Shannonville season opener and has two other podium finishes to his credit this season. He has never won at AMP, but is a past national Superbike champion, taking the title for Kawasaki in 1999.

Although he hasn’t won yet in 2005, Szoke hasn’t finished lower than fourth in the first five races of the season on his Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR. The Canadian Superbike champion in 1998 and 2002, Szoke has won twice at AMP.

McBain has been the other winner this season on the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000. He scored a popular home sweep at the second and third rounds of the series at Race City Motorsport Park but suffered a big crash in the first race of the Mosport doubleheader. He bounced back to claim second place behind Picotte the next day and stay in contention for a possible first Canadian Superbike crown.

Action this weekend will also include a doubleheader for the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship. Honda rider Crevier leads the standings despite seeing his three-race win streak come to an end at Mosport. He has 216 points to the 193 of Suzuki’s McBain, while another Calgary racer, Chris Peris is creeping up in third after winning both Mosport rounds on his Topline Yamaha YZF-R6.

Sunday’s racing will also include features for the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike, Canadian Thunder and Suzuki SV650 National Cup competitors.

Mark Douglas of Warkworth, ON holds a slim 11-point lead over Woodstock, ON’s James Collins, 125-114 in Amateur 600 Sport Bike after taking his first career series win at Mosport. Vancouver’s Olivier Spilborghs is third in points with 81. All three are aboard Yamahas.

Buell rider Bill Card of Wellesley, ON leads the Canadian Thunder standings after sweeping the doubleheader at Mosport, while 15-year-old Karl Daigle of Roxton Pond, QC has won the last three SV650 Cup features to take command of that series.

Qualifying for the Parts Canada Superbike and Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike series will take place Friday afternoon with feature races set for Saturday and Sunday.

The Amateur 600 Sport Bike, Canadian Thunder and Suzuki SV650 National Cup competitors will qualify Saturday for their Sunday features.

Courtesy Jill Latondress

This Tuesday, Aug 9, is the last ride-in of the season! We have had great turnouts this year, partly because of the weather and I am sure partly because of the delicious hotdogs made by yours truly, Pauline and Katie. We will be again serving up hotdogs ($2.00) pop ($1.00) and Tim Horton's coffee ($1.00).

All profits go to the local charity Wendat. There will be great prizes to be won and of course our 50/50 draw, the proceeds of which will go to the local charity Community Living Huronia.

Remember, you have to be here to win the $750.00 shopping spree in the store. Make sure to make it out for the last one of the season.

Thanks for your support!

Wednesday, August 3, 2005

Jabouri sidelined

From Jabouri Racing

TORONTO, ON -- Adam Jabouri had what appeared to be a minor crash while practicing SuperMoto last Wednesday. Unfortunately, he was in obvious pain and was taken to Soldier's Memorial Hospital in Orillia, where he was diagnosed with a burst spleen. He was then taken by ambulance to Toronto Sick Children's hospital, where he is receiving some of the best care available in the world.

Adam was expected to be released yesterday under strict doctor's orders: no physical activity until he is cleared.

"I'm bummed out that I'll miss the rest of the season," commented Adam, "but I'll still come out to the races and help coach my brother. Also, special thanks to Gary McAdam for taking me to the hospital after my crash."

Adam's brother Jamie, 10, will be testing Adam's Kawasaki KX85 before the next round of the national series and if that test proves successful, he will ride Adam's bikes for the rest of the season.

The next round, in Sarnia, ON Aug. 13-14, will be a huge event, with multiple races and a big influx top U.S. racers. Please visit www.festivalofhorsepower.com for more information.

New feature at Toronto show

From Toronto Motorcycle Show

Toronto, ON -- Not only will visitors to the Dec. 2-4 Toronto Motorcycle Show have an exclusive opportunity to view and receive information on the newest bikes and accessories direct from the manufacturers, but at the request of motorcycle clubs and associations, the exhibit area has been expanded to encompass a new hall on the street level of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The hall will be the home of Rider Nation 2006.

“Access to the Rider Nation street level hall will be free to the general public and offer a broad range of information to potential motorcycle riders considering taking up the sport and exploring the on and off-road riding lifestyle," says Darryl Bond, show manager. “There will free seminars and information on associations, clubs, rides and events.”

More than 35,000 visitors will meet 125 exhibitors on a 215,000 square foot exhibit floor at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It is the only event in Ontario where the major manufacturers set up their corporate displays to introduce and showcase hundreds of new 2006 models to the motorcycling public. All the major manufacturers participate, 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.

In addition to the exhibit area, the show is famous for entertainment and special features. There will be a fashion show, seminars and celebrity appearances.

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

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).

SuperMoto results

From SuperMoto Canada

MOSPORT, ON -- Results of round 4 of the SuperMoto Canada National Championship:

450 Premier Class
1. David Baffeleuf; 2. Benny Carlson; 3. Steve Beattie; 4. Aaron McDonald; 5. Doug Beattie; 6. Dave Arnold; 7. Robert Loire; 8. Dan Rounding; 9. Brent Strong; 10. John Briand

Teknic 250 ProAm Class
1. John Lewis; 2. Dave Arnold; 3. Doug Beattie; 4. Lino Zecca; 5. Steve Beattie; 6. Wes Cyr; 7. Michael Johnson; 8. John Briand; 9. Jim Dickenson; 10. Bill Wallin

Tuesday, August 2, 2005

Brian House

From Bullseye Media

STOUFFVILLE, ON -- It is with great sadness that CMRC announces the passing of a Pro rider in Moncton this weekend at the seventh round of the Canadian Motocross Championships.

Brian House, 33, of Outer Cove, NF sustained fatal, irreversible injuries when he took a fall, then was hit by a fellow racer during practice on Saturday.

House was transferred to the Moncton General Hospital but passed away shortly after due to severe internal injuries.

“The motocross community of racers, mechanics, industry members, family and friends will all feel the loss of one of our own,” said CMRC president Mark Stallybrass. ”If Brian’s passing was meant to be, then it was meant to be participating in the sport he dearly loved.”

House leaves behind a wife Danielle, a brother Leon and his parents Levi and Donna House, as well as many family members and friends.

He is resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Rd. St. John's, NF with visitation on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 3 at 2:00 p.m. in Wesley United Church. Interment follows at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in Brian’s memory may be made to the Newfoundland & Labrador Lung Association.

Monday, August 1, 2005

JSR is back

From Bullseye Media

MONCTON, NB -- Racing action unfolded under sunny skies and perfect track conditions at Riverglade MX Park in Moncton Sunday. It was the first time since the CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships kicked off in Mission, BC, this past June that there wasn’t some issue with the weather or the track.

After dealing with knee problems last weekend in Joliette, QC – which saw him without his first MX1 podium finish of the season – Jean Sebastien Roy returned full force at Riverglade to card his fifth clean sweep of 2005. JSR’s Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing teammate Damon Huffman claimed third spot on the podium, while Richmond Racing Kawasaki’s Evan Laughridge snared second overall for the day. Laughridge chalked up 2-3 results to claim a well deserved runner-up; Huffman hammered down 5-2 motos to secure third.

Huffman, riding with a bruised tailbone that made his life far from easy in the saddle of his Honda CRF, blasted out of the gate to snare the holeshot of both motos. Although he fell off the pace somewhat in the first moto, in the second Huffy did what he had to do to climb the podium and score points that solidify his hold on second place in the title hunt.

JSR, meanwhile, put on the same clinic we’ve grown accustomed to: no fuss, no muss, and no-nonsense wins. Once in the lead – which was within the first half of the first moto and within one lap of moto 2 – Roy tolerated no challenges. Although he crossed the finish line with less of a margin than his previous victories, he nonetheless enjoyed a cushion over second place somewhere in the 10-second range when the checkered was waved.

The big revelations of the weekend were Laughridge and his teammate Colton Facciotti. Laughridge, who like Facciotti has had his fair share of DNFs, proved once again that on a good day he’s podium material. Facciotti, with 4-4 moto results, which gave him fourth overall for the day, put on a demonstration that leaves no doubt he belongs to a new generation of Canadian motocross greats.

In the MX2 East points chase, Michael Willard piloted his KTM Canada ride to the overall with 1-2 motos. Blackfoot’s Mitch Cooke pulled a repeat from last weekend by claiming second overall. Richmond Racing’s Kyle Chisholm continues to cling onto top dog in the rankings after carding 2-3 motos that saw him grab third overall.

Cooke now trails Chisholm by a mere seven points going into the final round of the title hunt in two weeks.

“I finally got a good start and that’s all I needed. It all worked out perfectly for me. The crowds cheered me on in the first moto to make my way into fourth and onto a win in the second moto,” said Cooke. “But I couldn’t have done this without the team’s support. I can’t say enough about the guys in the paddock.”

Unofficial top-5 results: Round 7, Moncton, NB

MX1
1. Jean Sebastien Roy (Hon) 1-1; 2. Evan Laughridge (Kaw) 2-3; 3. Damon Huffman (Hon) 5-2; 4. Colton Facciotti (Kaw) 4-4; 5. Keith Johnson (Suz) 3-6
MX2
1. Michael Willard (KTM) 1-2; 2. Mitch Cooke (Hon) 4-1; 3. Kyle Chisholm (Kaw) 2-3; 4. Pierce Chamberlain (KTM) 7-5; 5. Aaron Dieter (Yam) 10-4

CMRA Results

From Race City Motorsport Park

CALGARY, AB -- Results of round 3 of the 5-round Calgary Motorcycle Roadracing Association season at Race City Motorsport Park Sunday, showing position in race, number, status (Amateur or Pro), rider name, hometown, motorcycle make):

WALT HEALY'S/RANCHMANS Superbike Pro/Am combined
1. #36P, Peter Holzinger, Banff, Suzuki; 2. #88P, Chad Pasowisty, Invermere, BC, Kawasaki; 3. #46P, Tim Easton, Calgary, Suzuki

BLACKFOOT MOTOSPORTS Heavyweight Sportbike Pro and BRAD GAVEY PERFORMANCE RIDING SCHOOL Heavyweight Sportbike Am combined
1. #36P, Holzinger; 2. #15P, Mitch Rathje, Calgary, Yamaha; 3. #88P, Pasowisty

BOW CYCLE MIDDLEWEIGHT Superbike Pro/Am combined
1. #5P, Guy Tomlinson, Calgary, Suzuki; 2. #44P, Tom Cody, Calgary, Yamaha; 3. #23A, Shawn Jones, Coquitlam, BC

WALT HEALY'S Middleweight Sportbike Pro and BOW CYCLE Middleweight Sportbike Am combined
1. #5P, Tomlinson; 2. #44P, Cody; 3. #18P, Jeff Seehorn, Rockford, WA, Kawasaki

DEFINITELY DIFFERENT LEATHERWORKS Formula II
1. #13P, Carey Fourgere, Calgary, Yamaha TZ250; 2. #121P, Shawn Becker, Penticton, BC, Suzuki SV650; 3. #76A, Peter Cronhelm, Calgary, Suzuki SV650

QUALITY TROPHIES Senior Open
1. #39P, Kevin James, Crossfield, Yamaha; 2. #8P, Kel Davidsen, Calgary, Suzuki; 3. #88P, James McCarthy, Edmonton, Kawasaki

UNIVERSAL CYCLE Veterans, PERFORMANCE CYCLE & AUTO Lightweight Sportbike Pro/Am combined
1. #27A, John Ross MacRae, Calgary, Honda RS125; 2. #70P, John Jones, Calgary, n/a; 3. #29A, Bill Marsh, Calgary, n/a

TAGE DAVIDSEN DRYWALL SUPPLIES SV Cup and TJ'S CYCLE Sportsman combined
1. #13P, Fougere; 2. #121P, Becker; 3. #76A, Cronhelm

Triumphant return for Holzinger

From Race City Motorsport Park

CALGARY, AB -- Peter Holzinger of Banff made a triumphant return to Calgary Motorcycle Roadracing Association action Sunday afternoon at Race City, riding his Suzuki GSX-R1000 to victory in both the Blackfoot Motosports Heavyweight Sport Bike 10-lap race and the Ranchman's Superbike 15-lap feature.

Holzinger won the Heavyweight class by default when the Kawasaki of Invermere, BC's Chad Pasowisty was found to be one horsepower in excess of the limit. In the Superbike race, however, Holzinger had a blisteringly-fast start - going from the sixth and last row and taking over the lead by turn 1. Holzinger was never challenged and won by a margin of over five seconds.

Guy Tomlinson won both the Middleweight Sport Bike and the Middleweight Superbike races. Riding a Suzuki, Tomlinson outpaced the Yamaha of runner-up Tom Cody of Calgary in both races.

MotoFest hits Montreal

From Torchia Communications

MONTREAL, QC -- Fresh off its phenomenal success when the Formula One four-wheelers arrived in the city in June, Crescent Street, the soul of Montreal’s downtown core, is set to rock with the two-wheeled set. Crescent Street is playing host to its first ever MotoFest, a two-day event combining freestyle motocross demonstrations, motorcycle and parts displays and rock concerts, Aug. 5-6.

Organized by promoter Brian Fogt of BBF Promotions & Events, in collaboration with the Crescent Street Merchants Association, MotoFest is designed to cater to families, fans of all ages, and motorcyclists of all genres. Visitors, for instance, are sure to be enthused by the 20-minute freestyle demonstrations by the Coors Light Suzuki Freestyle Motorcross team taking place three times per day during the festival.

The show, which includes a jump ramp, 53-foot landing trailer and a dazzling display of light, music and smoke, features a three-man team composed of freestyle wizards Benoit Milot of Yamachiche, QC, Jeff Banks of Campbell River, BC and Justin Johansen of Salt Lake City performing breathtaking aerial manoeuvres.

There’s also plenty for chopper fans, recreational riders and performance bike lovers, whose interest will be piqued by the various bike demonstrations, showbike displays and the latest trends presented by parts manufacturers. And just to make sure riders feel welcome, free bike parking has been reserved to provide space for an impromptu Show and Shine.

MotoFest 2005, presented by Coors Light and sponsored by Parts Canada, will see the top half of the Crescent Street block used for the take-off and landing ramp of the Coors Light Suzuki Freestyle Motocross team, while the lower end leading to Ste-Catherine Street will be devoted to Parts Canada display tents and numerous other manufacturers and exhibitors presenting their latest motorcycles, gears and fashions.
The festival will open at 11:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and wrap up at 11:00 p.m. following the concerts on the Coors Light stage. Motorcycle-related merchandise will be on sale on the street throughout the festival.

Montrealers and festival-goers can consult the complete schedule of events and more by going online at www.montrealnow.com

Blog Archive