Honda Challenge courts women riders

From Professional Motorsports Productions

TORONTO, ON --­ The Honda CBR125R Challenge has broadened its mandate for its inaugural season and will be open to female riders in 2008.

As part of Honda Canada’s efforts to encourage female participation in the sport, women who were at least 14 years old at the start of 2008 will be eligible to compete in the series. Male participation is capped at 22 years of age.

The recently announced Honda CBR125R Challenge will be run by Honda Canada with the support of Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP), which organizes the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

“Motorcycling and motorcycle road racing are gaining popularity with women across Canada,” said Tina Capell of PMP. “The Honda CBR125R is an ideal option for women who want to ride, and the Honda CBR125R Challenge is the perfect starter road racing series.”

Owners of Honda CBR125R motorcycles will get their first on-track opportunity of the new season at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Monday, April 28, when the RACE organization offers a dedicated school for 125R riders. The school will be provided at a discounted rate of $200, which includes a RACE competition licence for successful graduates.

Registration and tech staff from the Parts Canada Superbike Championship will be on-hand to offer support. Orion Motorsports, the official Canadian distributor for Pirelli tires, will also be at the track providing tire sales and mounting services for all participants.

Although the RACE school will be an excellent opportunity for aspiring Honda CBR125R racers, it will not be restricted to riders intending to compete in the Honda CBR125R Challenge. Owners of completely stock, street legal CBR125R models are also encouraged to enroll in the all-Honda
single cylinder classroom-and-track event at SMP.

The first Honda CBR125R Challenge race will be a non-championship event at round 2 of the RACE SuperSeries on the Shannonville Nelson Circuit May 2-4. The Honda CBR125R Challenge will be title sponsor of the weekend and series competitors will be eligible for a discounted entry fee.