Friday, December 23, 2005

Pridmore at SUPERSHOW

From SUPERSHOW Events

TORONTO, ON -- As motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the continent gear up for SUPERSHOW 2006, North America’s largest and most comprehensive motorcycle show, an exciting line-up of special guests has been organized. Set for Jan. 6–8 at the Toronto International Centre, the 2006 edition of the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW is a celebration of its 30th consecutive year as Canada’s Motorcycle Show.

The show’s feature guest this year is “American Motorcycle Icon” and host of the popular American Thunder on Speed Channel for the past eight years Michele Smith. Michele will be at the 2006 SUPERSHOW to meet Canadian fans and enthusiasts. Known to most for American Thunder, Michele 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.

For racing enthusiasts, U.S. superbike racer, 2003 World Endurance champion and 2002 Formula Extreme champion Jason Pridmore will be on hand to sign autographs and talk to fans about his exciting racing career and accomplishments. Jason has been both teaching (and learning) how to ride a motorcycle since his first ride at his father Reg’s school in 1981 and has added an additional 200 schools to that count since launching the STAR Motorcycle School in 1998.

Other special guest racers include former Canadian Superbike champions Steve Crevier, Pascal Picotte and Michael Taylor; Canadian Superbike star Frank Trombino; former Canadian Dirt Track champion Steve Beattie; UK Speedway racer Kyle Legault; Canadian Women’s Series racer and Sportbike champion Shawna Aron; and 12-year-old ATV Stock National Racer and Champion Deanna Salib.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Yamaha laces 'em up

From Yamaha Motor Canada

Burlington, ON - There’s a certain appeal in a major National Championship that takes you back to the roots of sport and that gives everyday Canadians a shot to taste the glory. That’s the case with the first-ever Source for Sports Canadian National Pond Hockey Championships to be contested Jan. 27-29 at Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka, ON.

The glimmer of the championship has caught the eye of hundreds of adult recreational teams and several major sponsors including Yamaha Motor Canada.

Championship executive director Neil Lumsden says the chance for local recreational pond teams to go from relative obscurity to national stardom has resulted in the registration of teams from across Canada and internationally.

Close to 600 players, men and women will make the journey to Ontario’s north for a chance to hoist championship trophies carved from Canadian maple. The two championships will run simultaneously.

Yamaha Motor Canada is a presenting sponsor of the championship and will be involved in the thick of the action. Yamaha will help build and maintain the championship’s 24 outdoor rinks with the provision of a fleet of Yamaha snowmobiles and Rhino 4x4’s for pond maintenance and other ‘official’ championship duties. The fun won’t be limited to Championship officials. Yamaha will also set up a snowmobile test track for spectators and participants alike.

The championship’s 126 spots for adult men’s and women’s teams sold out within 48 hours of the event’s unveiling at the Hockey Hall of Fame last August, and there is already a waiting list of more than 300 teams for 2007.

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Win a title, drive a Mini!

By John Hopkins

WHITBY, ON -- BMW Motorrad Canada has unveiled its racer support program for the 2006 Canadian Thunder series and released details on a new motorcycle that will be eligible for the class.

In the BMW contingency program, $1,000 will be paid to the top five BMW finishers in each Canadian Thunder round in 2006, with $400 going to the highest placing BMW racer, $250 for second highest, $150 for third, $100 for fourth and $100 for fifth.

Additionally, should a BMW rider win the 2006 Canadian Thunder title, they will receive a bonus prize of a one-year lease of a Mini Cooper, on behalf of BMW Motorrad Canada.

The new model, the BMW R1200S is an air / oil cooled 1170cc twin with a claimed horsepower of 122 and dry weight listed at 418 lbs. (190kg).

The R1200S would normally retail for $19,000 but as part of the Canadian Thunder program it is available for $13,500. Series competitors would also get a $1,000 parts allowance.

To qualify for the BMW Motorrad Canada Racer Support Program, all interested individuals must supply a copy of their valid RACE license and a rider bio / race resume. For new competitors, a copy of receipt to attend a RACE or FAST school and a letter of intent will be sufficient.

Polaris expands SnoCross sponsorship

From WPSA Racing

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN — Polaris Industries, a leader in snowmobile and powersports manufacturing, will expand its involvement with the 2005-2006 PowerSports Snowmobile Tour season as an official sponsor. The Medina, MN-based company manufactures snowmobiles, as well as ATVs, utility vehicles and motorcycles through its Victory brand. Polaris is also a strategic partner with Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM.

As part of the agreement, Polaris will receive branding identity at the venues and on this year’s television broadcasts, which will air on ESPN2. The company will also participate in PowerSports Snowmobile Tour public relations and promotional initiatives, corporate hospitality and will be featured in the Tour’s advertising and Internet activities.

Polaris will continue a winning tradition, which was showcased by its success last season. Led by Polaris rider T.J. Gulla’s Pro Stock championship, Polaris riders won four of six national titles last year, including Pro Women, Semi-Pro Open and Semi-Pro Stock. Many top competitors on this year’s Tour ride Polaris sleds, including Gulla, Ross Martin and Dennis Eckstrom.

Taylor and LaVallee win

From WPSA Racing

GAYLORD, MI — After a long night on Saturday, and fighting ever-changing track conditions, Steven Taylor (Pro Open) and Levi LaVallee (Pro Stock) won their respective finals during Sunday’s PowerSports Snowmobile Tour Michigan Snocross. The event was held on the ski slopes of the Otsego Club and Resort.

The duo also raced in the weather-delayed AMSOIL Duluth National, which was held on Saturday, as well as the early rounds of the Michigan Snocross, which followed the Duluth program, lasting until nearly 11pm. The Duluth event was postponed due to heavy fog.

Taylor (Blair Morgan Racing Team/Ski-Doo) traded the lead with teammate Dave Allard twice before running away with the Pro Open final, winning his second career national event and the first of the season. Allard (Blair Morgan Racing Team/Ski-Doo) finished second, ahead of Robbie Malinoski (Olah Racing/Arctic Cat).

“Our sleds are definitely the best out there,” said Taylor. “I followed Dave around for a few laps, and copied a few of his lines. He lost a little bit of ground halfway through, and I passed him. It was great to be up front with a teammate and a friend."

Allard also finished on the podium in the Pro Stock final, grabbing third.

“I’m really, really happy,” said Allard of his first Tour podiums. “Working with Blair Morgan Racing has been a great experience. This will give us good luck going forward.”

LaVallee, who sat out most of last season with a knee injury, proved his recovery was complete, winning the Pro Stock final. LaVallee took the lead from Kurtis Crapo (Arctic Cat), after making accidental contact with Crapo. Carl Schubitzke (AMSOIL/Polaris) finished second, followed by Allard.

“As I popped off that jump, Kurtis came across in front of me, and I saw him while I was in the air,” said LaVallee of the incident with Crapo. “I just clipped the rear end of his sled as he was trying to jump. It was just an accident. I spoke with Kurtis afterward. He’s a great guy and he understood.”

Other winners were: Semi-Pro Open, Phil Johnson (Kowalski Racing/Ski-Doo); and Semi-Pro Stock, Willie Elam (Blair Morgan Racing Team/Ski-Doo).

Four added to X Games

From WPSA Racing

GAYLORD, MI — Aaron Christensen, Garth Kaufman, Ross Martin and Matthew Piche earned spots in the Winter X Games 10 field by winning their respective non-points, invitational events Saturday at the Michigan Snocross PowerSports Snowmobile Tour event at the Otsego Club and Resort. Four invitational events were held, with only the winners advancing.

Christensen (Ski-Doo), Kaufman (Arctic Cat), Martin (Polaris), and Piche (Arctic Cat) are now eligible to compete in Winter X Games 10, being staged in Aspen/Snowmass, CO Jan. 28-31.

Sarah McQuestion (Vern Johnson Sons Tree Farm/Ski-Doo) won the Pro Women final, while longtime WPSA racer Earl Reimer (Blair Morgan Racing/Ski-Doo) edged Kirk Hibbert (Arctic Cat) to win the Pro Veteran final.

Other final winners were: Sport Open, Kyle Strandlund (Polaris); Sport Stock, Josh West (Stud Boy/Arctic Cat); 300cc, Justen Timpe (Ski-Doo); Junior 10-13, Logan Christian (Christian Brothers Racing/Arctic Cat); Junior 14-15, Jason Deneweth (Deneweth’s Greenhouses/Ski Doo); and Junior 16-17, J.P. Price (Stud Boy/Ski-Doo).

First win for Morin

From WPSA Racing

GAYLORD, MI — French Canadian rider Mathieu Morin earned a debut win in the Pro Stock final, while D.J. Eckstrom won the Pro Open event during the weather-delayed AMSOIL Duluth National, Saturday at the Otsego Club and Resort. Morin (Ski-Doo), who is substituting for the injured C.W. Sirjane, made his Pro class debut this weekend, while Eckstrom led a Polaris sweep of the podium in the AMSOIL-sponsored machine.

Fog stopped the Semi-Pro and Pro finals in Duluth on Nov. 27, so the Tour completed the Pro Stock and Pro Open finals, as well as the Semi-Pro Stock and Open final. The Duluth events were run as part of the Michigan Snocross here.

Kurtis Crapo (Arctic Cat) was second in the Pro Stock final, ahead of Eckstrom, who competed in both events. Ross Martin (Judnick Motorsports/Polaris) was the Pro Open runner-up, followed by defending Pro Stock titleholder T.J. Gulla (TEAM Industries/Polaris).

Zach Pattyn (Ski-Doo) won the Semi-Pro Stock final, while Jeff Snow (Olah Racing/Arctic Cat) grabbed Semi-Pro Open honours.

Morin led every lap of the Pro Stock event. Morin, who qualified for Winter X Games 10 by winning an invitational race two weeks ago at Duluth, wasn’t certain of his racing future. Then, on Sunday at Duluth, he was tapped to fill in for Sirjane, who had suffered a season-ending knee injury.

“In Duluth, at the time, it was just my dad and I; we had no sponsorship,” said Morin. “We thought we’d only run a few Semi-Pro events here and there. To be given the opportunity to compete in Pro Stock this year is quite an honour. I didn’t think I would win so quickly. It felt great to win the race, and now I know I can race with these guys. So tomorrow should be fun.”

Eckstrom, who lives in Duluth, was excited to bring the trophy home. Eckstrom took the lead of the Pro Open final in the first corner and never looked back.

Toronto show draws crowd

From The Toronto Motorcycle Show

TORONTO, ON -- The Toronto Motorcycle Show, held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in early December, was the only event in Ontario at which all of the major manufacturers showcased their new 2006 models.

This impressive lineup included Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, Buell, BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Victory, Polaris, KTM, Vespa, Arctic Cat, Hyosung, Bombardier, Ural, Derbi and Piaggio. These manufacturers, major retailers and distributors of motorcycles and ATVs presented every conceivable product and service to an appreciative audience of more than 35,100 motorcycle fans.

“The Toronto Motorcycle Show is only four years old and is already considered a world class event, drawing visitors from as far away as the United Kingdom. We look forward to next year’s show, which promises to be even bigger and better,” said Darryl Bond, show manager of the Toronto Motorcycle Show.

The 2006 edition of the Toronto Motorcycle Show will be held in the South Hall of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Friday, Dec. 8 to Sunday, Dec. 10. Preliminary planning is already under way and includes more features and entertainment for the riding community. There will be an expanded Rider Nation; a Vintage Bike Museum; a new Custom Bike section; an expanded seminar schedule including seminars for female riders; a custom sportbike section and a much larger themed restaurant area and Celebrity Stage.

Custom build at SUPERSHOW

From SUPERSHOW Events

TORONTO, ON -- An exciting new feature at the 2006 edition of the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW is the three-day creation of a new Custom Bobber. The new motorcycle, to be named the ‘Rocky Bobber’, is an alliance between Titan Motorcycle Co. of America and McBride Cycle of Toronto. The SUPERSHOW runs from Jan. 6-8 at the Toronto International Centre and has 17 spots available for apprentices during the build.

A Bobber is a style of motorcycle made popular in the 1940’s and fifties when young men returning from the war began trimming down, or ‘bobbing’, the big Harley-Davidsons of the day to make them leaner and meaner looking. The Bobber movement preceded the ‘Chopper’ customizing movement of the fifties and is now undergoing a revival as the latest chapter in the chopper craze seen throughout North America.

Titan Motorcycle Co. of America, out of Phoenix, produces its line in the United States and is DOT approved for the Canadian market. Titan will erect a stage, in front of its 80-foot Titan Tractor Trailer in Hall 3, where chosen applicants will participate as ‘builder apprentices’ in the construction of the Rocky Bobber, live to the SUPERSHOW’s audience.

McBride Cycle is Titan’s newest Canadian dealer and will take on its U.S. Production Custom line as of January. McBride Cycle is responsible for pre-selecting the 17 apprentices and is running the contest in which SUPERSHOW attendees can enter and win the completed ‘Rocky Bobber’, valued at $30,000.

The Bobber’s Rocky theme refers to the custom paint theme, which won’t be unveiled until the final hours of the Show. More information on application forms for aspiring builders can be found at www.supershowevents.com.

Monday, December 19, 2005

Power surge for Superbikes

From Professional Motorsports Productions

TORONTO, ON -- Engine tuners in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship have received an early Christmas present from series technical officials.

For the 2006 season, maximum horsepower limits have been increased by 10hp in both the Parts Canada Superbike feature class and the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike national support category. The limit for Superbike is now 180hp while Pro 600 Sport Bike goes up to 125hp. Horsepower in both classes is measured post-race on the series official Dynojet Dyno.

“Motorcycle evolution continues at a frantic pace,” said Colin Fraser of series organizer Professional Motorsports Productions. “Our rules should keep step with new developments while still honouring the concept of affordable and accessible racing that forms the basis of our series.”

Minimum weights in both classes remain unchanged for next season 360 lbs. in Superbike and 350 lbs. in Pro 600 Sport Bike.

The increases in horsepower limits are among several rules changes for the classes that make up the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

Maximum horsepower has also been adjusted in the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike division, although not as dramatically as in the Pro 600 class. After careful consideration of competitor input, series officials have bumped the limit up 3hp to 118.

In a significant development, the series will implement a fresh concept for the Canadian Thunder class. The twins category will use a sliding scale based on a weight to power ratio of 3.8:1. In the Suzuki SV650 National Cup, horsepower remains capped at 75hp and minimum weight stays at 365 lbs.

Both the Pro and Amateur 600 Sport Bike classes have been opened up to include twins of up to 750cc, making the Ducati 749 two-cylinder eligible.

There have also been changes to the 600 Sport Bike regulations for next season, all designed to keep the bikes as close as possible to their stock form. Triple clamps, shock linkage, gas cap, battery, starter and charging system must all be O.E. (original equipment) stock. Steering head inserts and fork braces are no longer allowed. Additionally, the ignition and ECU must be stock, made by the O.E.M. as kit, or produced for consumer use by Dynojet Research.

“Quick-shifters” are still not eligible for the Parts Canada Superbike series. Data acquisition for chassis or suspension is no longer approved for any of the national classes, and all machines must meet a 106dB noise limit and employ effective silencing (i.e. no straight pipes).

Thursday, December 15, 2005

CMDRA schedule announced

From the Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association

VANCOUVER, BC -- The Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association has announced its 2006 race dates. They are as follows:

June 3-4 - MHDRA Drag Strip, Medicine Hat, AB - http://www.mhdra.com/ (1/8th Mile)
June 17-18 - Budweiser Motorsports Park - Edmonton, AB - http://www.budpark.com/
July 1-2 - Mission Raceway Park, Mission, BC - http://www.missionraceway.com/
July 22-23 - Northern Lights Raceway, Fort St. John, BC -
http://www.northernlightsraceway.ca/
Aug. 12-13 - Budweiser Motorsports Park, Edmonton, AB - http://www.budpark.com/
Sept. 16-17 - Mission Raceway Park Mission, BC - http://www.missionraceway.com/
Sept. 18 - Awards Banquet - Mission, BC - www.cmdra.com

In other series news, the CMDRA is developing a new class for the 2006 race season. The VRXSE Screamin' Eagle V-Rod Destroyer is Harley-Davidson's first out-of-the-box, drag racing motorcycle. Based on the VRSC family and tuned by Custom Vehicle Operations, this bike can do a quarter-mile run in under 10 seconds. The CMDRA will also be holding an "East Meets West" Challenge for the Destroyer class.

For more information on the CMDRA please check out its website at www.cmdra.com.

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Harley-Davidson Canada earns award

From Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada

TORONTO, ON -- Inspired leadership, impressive growth, profitability and industry-leading business practices have earned Canadian company Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada membership in Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies Platinum Club, one of this country's most elite business designations.

Platinum Club members form an exclusive group of Canadian-owned and managed companies that consistently excel in every aspect of business. To become a Platinum Club member, companies must maintain their designation as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for a minimum of six consecutive years, subject to annual operational and financial review. In 2005 a total of only 31 Canadian companies received this honour.

Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, headquartered in Vancouver, is the exclusive wholesale distributor for Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles, parts, accessories and related products in Canada.

"The achievements of Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada are truly remarkable," said John Hughes, Partner, Private Company Services group with Deloitte and National Leader of the Best Managed program. "Sustaining business growth and profitability over a long period of time is extremely challenging. This dynamic company has managed its growth successfully while continuing to demonstrate entrepreneurial agility, responding nimbly to shifting opportunities and market demands."

Attributes of Platinum Club members include the ability to anticipate their customers' future needs, develop the right set of products and services at the right time, successfully manage growth over time, expand operations nationally and internationally, and attract and retain the right talent. These companies also continue to demonstrate an entrepreneurial agility, responding nimbly to shifting opportunities and market demands.

The 2005 Best Managed winners will be announced on Feb. 3. A one-day Symposium for winners follows on Feb. in Toronto. At a black-tie Gala that evening, Best Managed winners will celebrate their success with their executive management teams and fellow honourees.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

PowerSports tour hits Winnipeg

From WPSA

WINNIPEG, MB — The PowerSports Snowmobile Tour will stage the seventh round of its 2005-2006 championship at CanWest Global Stadium in Winnipeg. The event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26 at the CanWest Global Park, home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball Club.

The announcement was made by Tour race director and Winnipeg resident Blair Bodley as well as Goldeyes CFO Jason McRae-King. Jamie Anseeuw, team manager for multiple-time PowerSports Snowmobile Tour champion Blair Morgan Racing Team, also participated.

Tickets will start at $15 for a one-day, Saturday-only pass, and a Sunday-only pass is $25. Two-day weekend adult passes are $35, while a family two-day ticket (two adults and two children) is just $99. Pit passes can be purchased for $10 per day. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (204-780-3333) or visit www.wpsaracing.com for more information.

Though the Tour competed here last season, this year’s event is the first at CanWest Global Park, which is situated in the heart of downtown Winnipeg.

“We’re pleased to return to Winnipeg this season and we’re looking forward to racing at CanWest Global Park,” said PowerSports Entertainment CEO Rick Murphy. “Winnipeg is a vibrant city and represents a key Canadian market. We’re expecting this to be a marquee event on the PowerSports Snowmobile Tour.”

“We’re excited to welcome the PowerSports Snowmobile Tour to our beautiful ballpark,” said McRae-King. “Snowmobiling is an important part of the local recreation scene and the PowerSports Snowmobile Tour is the pinnacle of snowmobile racing. We’re also pleased this event will help showcase CanWest Global Park as a year-round facility. This should be an exciting event for our fans, our city and the racers alike.”

Monday, December 12, 2005

Awards jackpot increases

From SUPERSHOW Events

TORONTO, ON -- SUPERSHOW 2006, North America’s largest and most comprehensive motorcycle show, is so chock full of exclusive features that it promises something for every motorcycle enthusiast from superbikes to choppers.

The SUPERSHOW is an event for riders by riders. With a full line-up of stage events, activities, contests, awards and prize money, and special guests including U.S. TV personality Michele Smith of American Thunder, the Show is packed with fun and entertainment for motorcyclists of all ages and interests. Set for Jan. 6–8 at the Toronto International Centre, the 2006 edition of the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW is a celebration of its 30th consecutive year as Canada’s Motorcycle Show.

The SUPERSHOW 2006 Custom Bike Awards Competition commemorates its 30th anniversary by increasing its jackpot to $35,000, up $10,000 from 2005, with new prizes and incentives for out of province and out of country competitors. Mid-USA Motorcycle Parts Canada, main sponsor of the Awards Competition, is also title sponsor of the SUPERSHOW’s Main Street feature area for custom motorcycles.

HD HAULN', a fantastic 1990 Peterbilt Hot Rod Truck will be the backdrop for a pair of custom Harley-Davidsons, owned by Bobby Bates of Mississauga, entered into the SUPERSHOW 2006 showbike competition. The HD HAULN' Harley-Davidson themed, orange and black Quality Custom is an active ¼-mile Big Rig Drag Racer with a 425 HP Cat Engine and 15 Speed Overdrive with suicide doors and six inch chopped cab.

Exclusive to the SUPERSHOW, Classic Chopper Inc. company president Richard Hains has announced the launch of the company’s new 'Billy Bike' replica. The 'Billy Bike' was the legendary chopper, ridden by Dennis Hopper's character, in the popular 1970 movie 'Easy Rider'. SUPERSHOW 2006 is the only show where enthusiasts of this classic movie can see the new 'Billy Bike' showcased alongside the world's most authentic replica of the 'Captain America Chopper', Peter Fonda's ride in Easy Rider.

Also exclusive to the SUPERSHOW, the classy and rare – number 210 of a total of 300 built – MV Agusta 1000cc Tamburini will be displayed by owner Doug Teague of Warrenton, VA. This amazing and stylish guest bike can be seen in the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum display.

Show-goers can access show information and updates at www.supershowevents.com as well as download special opening day admission discount coupons.

Stewart doubles Canada

From Clear Channel Entertainment

VANCOUVER, BC – Kawasaki’s James Stewart, of Haines City, FL, won his second Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP race in a row at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium Saturday. KTM’s Nathan Ramsey, of Temecula, CA, won the Supercross Lites division.

Honda’s Kyle Lewis, of Henderson, NV, won the holeshot in the Supercross main event with Stewart on his rear wheel. Suzuki’s Ricky Carmichael, of Havana, FL, and Yamaha’s Chad Reed, of Australia, started mid-pack as Stewart moved into the lead on lap 1. Reed and Carmichael traded positions on lap 2 before Carmichael made the pass to secure the position.

Stewart led all 20 laps en route to his second-career Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP race. Carmichael was second while Reed was third.

“It was not the start I wanted,” said Carmichael. “If you want to put yourself in a better position, you can’t start the race like that. Only bad things can happen when you get a start like that.”

“It was a great race tonight, and I love racing here in Canada,” said Stewart. “My parents really helped me keep on track this week and come into the weekend really prepared. I do not feel 100 per cent confident yet because I still have a lot of work ahead of me.”

Ramsey, who won last year’s main event in Vancouver, earned the holeshot in the Supercross Lites division followed by Honda’s Billy Laninovich, of Corona, CA. Last week’s winner in Toronto, Davi Millsaps, of Cairo, GA, started near last place and worked his way into fourth on lap 4.

Honda’s Millsaps moved into second place on lap 12 but was unable to catch Ramsey. Ramsey picked up the win; Millsaps and Laninovich finished second and third respectively. Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites competition begins Jan. 7 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, CA.

“This is a great race for me,” said Ramsey. “I had a great start and was able to pull away from the pack early on. I felt some heat from Davi late in the race, so I put my head down and finished strong. I look forward to some great competition in the Supercross Lites class this year.”

Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP Event Results
1. James Stewart, Haines City, FL, Kawasaki; 2. Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL, Suzuki; 3. Chad Reed, Australia, Yamaha; 4. Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, CA, Suzuki; 5. Michael Byrne, Murrieta, CA, Kawasaki; 6. David Vuillemin, France, Honda; 7. Jason Thomas, Melrose, FL, Honda; 8. Nick Wey, Dewitt, MI, Honda; 9. Heath Voss, Mico, TX, Yamaha; 10. Jeff Gibson, Westerville, OH, Honda

Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP Season Standings
1. Stewart, 50; 2. Carmichael, 44; 3. Reed, 40; 4. Tedesco, 36; 5. Byrne, 31; 6. Wey, 29; 7. Thomas, 28; 8. Gibson, 23; 9. Justin Buckelew, Riverside, CA, Honda, 21; 10. Ryan Clark, Phoenix, Suzuki, 18

Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Lites Event Results
1. Nathan Ramsey, Temecula, CA, KTM; 2. Davi Millsaps, Cairo, GA, Honda; 3. Billy Laninovich, Corona, CA, Honda; 4. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, KY, Suzuki; 5. Andrew Short, Colorado Spring, CO, Honda; 6. Darcy Lange, Courtenay, BC, Kawasaki; 7. Josh Hansen, Temecula, CA, KTM; 8. Ryan Morais, Menifee, CA, Suzuki; 9. Jake Weimer, Corona, CA, Honda; 10. Michael LaPaglia, Murrieta, CA, Suzuki
12. Mitch Cooke, Brookfield, NS, Honda; 13. Brady Sheren, Surrey, BC, Kawasaki; 14. Ryan Lockhart, Springhill, NS, Suzuki; 16. Kyle Keast, Lindsay, ON, Honda

KTM Junior Supercross Challenge Results
1. S. Farris; 2. D. Riesach; 3. Z. Fisher; 4. B. Leitner; 5. A. Burchell; 6. W. Waddell; 7. J. Pettis; 8. B. Berrington; 9. B. Rivier; 10. J. Voldeng; 11. L. Patjas; 12. S. Wallin; 13. J. Heinonen; 14. N. Bruno; 15. S. Dessau

Friday, December 9, 2005

NEED CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS?

The Inside Motorcycles / IMX Holiday Buyers' Guide is on its way to subscribers... you should be receiving it shortly.

For those hoping to get a jump on their shopping for the two-wheel fanatic(s) in their family, we've produced a PDF file of the Holiday Buyers' Guide.

Click here to download your own advance copy of the 2005 Inside Motorcycles / IMX Holiday Buyers' Guide. (NOTE: This file is 3.5 Mb)

Tuesday, December 6, 2005

New CMRC national schedule

From CMRC Racing

2006 CANADIAN MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE

May 27-28 Ste-Julie, QC
June 3-4 Gopher Dunes, Courtland, ON
June 17-18 The Wastelands, Nanaimo, BC
June 24-25 Wild Rose MX Park, Calgary, AB
July 8-9 Moto Valley Raceway, Regina, SK
July 15-16 Shadow Valley Raceway, Morden, MB
Aug. 5-6 Riverglade MX Park, Moncton, NB
Aug. 12-13 Sand Del Lee, Richmond, ON
Aug. 19-20 The Trans Can, Walton, ON

Monday, December 5, 2005

Stewart takes round 1

From Clear Channel Entertainment

TORONTO, ON – Kawasaki’s James Stewart of Haines City, FL won the first Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP race of the season at Rogers Centre Saturday night. Honda’s Davi Millsaps, of Cairo, GA won the Supercross Lites main event.

Stewart, racing in his inaugural Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP won the holeshot and led the first three laps in the Supercross class but crashed in turn 1. Carmichael, who started fourth worked his way into second place on lap 2 and moved into the lead after Stewart crashed. Stewart moved into second and swapped positions with Carmichael for the lead.

Carmichael led until lap 17 when Stewart moved into the lead and held on for his first-ever Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP win. Carmichael finished second, while Yamaha’s Chad Reed of Australia finished third.

“Every time I ride I learn something new,” said Carmichael. “It’s always motivating to get beat when you win a lot. It makes it fun to get your butt whipped. There’s only one way to go and that’s to get better. I will learn from James and get better.”

“I felt really comfortable tonight,” said Stewart. “I felt really strong this year and feel like I can get this. I knew the fans really wanted a race. If you have your butt kicked last year by this guy [Carmichael], you’d come ready to race too. I have been a winner my whole life and have a lot of work to do.”

Honda’s Andrew Short, of Colorado Springs jumped out to an early lead in the Supercross Lites class with KTM riders Josh Hansen and Nathan Ramsey in second and third, respectively. Short led the first six laps before pulling off the track due to a rough landing on the triple jump. Hansen led the next two laps but Millsaps made the pass on lap 9 and won his first race on a Honda.

Event Results

1. James Stewart, Kawasaki; 2. Ricky Carmichael, Suzuki; 3. Chad Reed, Yamaha; 4. Ivan Tedesco, Suzuki; 5. Nick Wey, Honda; 6. Michael Byrne, Kawasaki; 7. Jason Thomas, Honda; 8. Justin Buckelew, Honda; 8. Jeff Gibson, Honda; 9. Doug DeHaan Thorndale, ON, Honda

Supercross Lites Event Results

1. Davi Millsaps, Honda; 2. Josh Hansen, KTM; 3. Billy Laninovich, Honda; 4. Jake Weimer, Honda; 5. Michael Willard, KTM; 6. Mitch Cooke, Brookfield, NS, Honda; 7. Brady Sheren, Surrey, BC, Kawasaki; 8. Ryan Lockhart, Springhill, NS, Suzuki; 9. Dennis Ewing, Honda; 10. Kyle Keast, Lindsay, ON, Honda

KTM Junior Supercross Challenge Results

1. R. Beaton; 2. K. Walker; 3. C. Strachan; 4. C. Moore; 5. M. Pepin; 6. B. Smethhurst; 7. M. Machan; 8. F. LeFlamme; 9. C. Buckley; 10. L. Godkin; 11. R. Piercey; 12. B. Wenner; 13. N. Learn; 14. B. Cormier; 15. T. Wilkin

Thursday, December 1, 2005

KTM supports Canada at ISDE

From the Canadian Motorcycle Association

HAMILTON, ON -- The board of directors of the Canadian Motorcycle Association is very pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached for sponsorship of the Canadian Trophy Team at the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). The World Championship for National Teams will be held in New Zealand next November.

KTM Canada in association with ALDO SHOES will provide travel, housing and bike transportation assistance to the six riders who are selected for the Trophy Team.

Information with respect to team applications and the qualifying criteria will be available from CMA sometime in December.

The Association is grateful to KTM Canada and Aldo Shoes for providing this exceptional support for our ISDE Team which is especially welcome in the year of the CMA 60th Anniversary and our first hosting of a World Championship Enduro, which takes place in July in Parry Sound, ON.

Richmond rides on Pirellis

From Pirelli U.S.A.

Pirelli has reached an agreement to supply the Richmond Kawasaki team, which will be competing in the Amp’d Mobil AMA Supercross Series in 2006. Richmond Kawasaki riders Darcy Lange and Teddy Maier will be competing in the Supercross Lights West series, while teammates Kyle Chisholm and Donnie McGourty will compete in the Supercross Lights East series.

Lange has won two AMA National Arenacross Championships, the most recent one in 2004 and on Pirelli tires.

Pirelli’s marketing manager Chris Wall said, “We are very happy to be working with Richmond Kawasaki as they step up to a new challenge. We have great confidence in the team and their talented riders and look forward to a year of many successes.”

This will be Richmond Kawasaki’s first year competing in the Supercross series and the second year that the team is sponsored by Pirelli.

Blog Archive