Dube returns to KTM

By John Hopkins

St-Bruno, QC -- Two-time Canadian Motocross national champion Marco Dube will ride KTMs in motocross, arenacross and Supermotard competition in 2005.

"I am really happy to be back on KTMs and I will do my best to put orange on motocross, arenacross and Supermotard podiums," said Dube as the deal was signed at KTM Canada's head office last Wednesday.

Dube will race the eastern portion of the Canadian Motocross Nationals on a 450SX and maybe some of the western events, according to a KTM Canada press release. He will also compete in the Quebec Arenacross Series, which starts in Victoriaville Apr. 22-23.

Additionally, the 1996 and '98 Canadian MX champ will race in the Supermoto Canada National Championship. Last year he won the Quebec series season opener.

"I am looking forward to getting back to work with Marco," said Andy White, KTM Canada race manager, who previously managed Dube in the Diablo Honda team. "I am sure it will be a successful season."

Dube rode for Team KTM / Aldo in 2001, winning a Canadian Arenacross title, Quebec Arenacross crown and placing second in the Montreal Supercross.

New SuperMoto team announced

By John Hopkins

ORANGEVILLE, ON -- Motocross star Dan Rounding has joined Wes Cyr and Fred Kesak to form Team D4/BWR Suspension Racing. According to a Mar. 9 press release from the squad, Team D4/BWR Suspension Racing will compete in the 2005 Supermoto Canada national and regional series, along with some of the AMA Red Bull Nationals in the U.S.

Cyr and Kesak both raced in the Supermoto Canada series last summer, earning national numbers 12 and 17, respectively. After a distinguished motocross career Rounding will make his SuperMoto debut in 2005.

Jeff VanNiekerk will be team manager for the outfit with Bob Wilson of BWR Suspension acting as suspension chief.

Sponsorship for the program comes from D4 Performance Engines, BWR Suspension, Hindle Exhaust, Wrex Racing, Tric Carbon, Pro-Action Suspension, All Season Storage, CEPS, East Coast Wheels and Recluse Clutches.

Robert Bush

By John Hopkins

TORONTO, ON -- Well known motorcyclist and motorcycle racing enthusiast Robert (Bob) Bush died on Mar. 15 after a battle with cancer. He was 64.

A fixture at events across North America Bush, a Toronto resident, was distinguished by his keen interest in amateur racing and his endorsement of rising stars of the sport.

A celebration of his life was held at Toronto's Whistling Oyster on Mar. 20 and among those in attendance were former Canadian Superbike champions Jordan Szoke, Francis Martin and Michael Taylor.

Bush will be recognized by having one of the safety modules that travel with the Parts Canada Superbike Championship dedicated to him. His family has asked that any donations in his memory be made out to the Canadian Road Racer's Safety Fund. Cheques can be sent to the fund at:

The Canadian Road Racer's Safety Fund
2276 Dixie Road
Mississauga, ON
L4Y 1Z4

At the Mar. 15 tribute, Bush's close friend Nathan Naslund of Suzuki Canada announced that the fifth annual "Ride to Remember" charity event in Picton, ON will be dedicated to Bush's memory. The event will be held June 4-5. Proceeds from the ride are donated to the Camp Trillium fund.

To Bush's family and many friends Inside Motorcycles offers its condolences.

GNC qualifier dates announced

By John Hopkins

WALTON, ON -- Yamachiche, QC will play host to the first of 37 qualifying dates for the 2005 Walton Grand National Championships and Raymond Western Canada Amateur Nationals, according to a release from CMRC Racing this week.

Events in 11 different regions across the country will make up the Motovan.com Amateur National Qualifier Series, which will determine starting gates for the two biggest Amateur motocross competitions in Canada.

Yamachiche opens the qualifying schedule for the Quebec region on Apr. 10, while the chase for starting spots closes with the last of three BC Mainlaind qualifiers in Kamloops June 19.

The Grand National Championships will be held in Walton between Aug. 16-21, while the Western Canadian Amateur Nationals will run in Raymond, AB July 1-3.

"The regional qualifiers have grown in stature and participation, which reflects upon the growing popularity of both the Walton GNC and the Western Canadian Amateur National Championship held in Raymond, AB," said the CMRC release.

More details, including dates and venues for all qualifiers, is available by contacting CMRC amateur racing director Brett Lee at Brett@cmrcracing.com.

Yamada rides Kawasaki

From Newman Racing

KAMLOOPS, BC -- Leading Edge Motorsports, with support from Canadian Kawasaki has teamed up with Newman Racing and rider Dale Yamada to campaign a Kawasaki ZX-10R and the all new ZX-6RR in Mission, BC and Calgary this summer.

Newman Racing will handle all bike preparation.

The squad will receive sponsorship from Michelin tires, through new race distributor Kennedy Motorsports. EBC brakes will also be an equipment supplier and Flex-Glass of Langley, BC will be the main supplier of all bodywork for both bikes.

Newman Racing's other sponsors include Elka Shocks, Newman Racing Suspension, Sprint Dempers, Importations Thibault and Suomy Helmets, while product suppliers include Bardahl Oil, Arata Exhaust, Woodcraft Products, VP Fuel, AIM lap timers and PD tire warmers.

Five riders for Gateway

From Gateway Powersports

ABBOTSFORD, BC -- Gateway Powersports of Abbotsford, BC has announced a five-rider road racing team that will compete for the WMRC Championships in 2005.

With support from Canadian Kawasaki, Gateway Powersports is pleased announce several new additions to its race team, including WMRC Pro racer and Next Level Superbike School owner Scotty Borthwick, rising WMRC Amateur prospect Trevor Shires and 1995-250GP FIM/Scandinavian Champion Andreas Fritzner. All three will pilot Kawasaki’s all-new 600 Ninja. Returning for his third season on the Gateway Powersports Racing Supermotard is WMRC Amateur Scott Ponuick.

Suzuki Canada and Gateway Powersports Racing are pleased to also announce that they will sponsor AMA regular and 2004 OMRRA champion Alan Schmidt in 2005. Schmidt will compete on Suzuki’s GSX-R600 and all new GSX-R1000 in all WMRC/OMRRA events and select Parts Canada/AMA events in 2005.

Gateway Powersports sponsors include Canadian Kawasaki, Suzuki Canada, Kimpex, Shark Helmets, Pirelli, Ipone, Next Level Superbike School, PSI Leathers, VR-1 Engineering, R-Tech Race Fuel, Flexi-Glass Bodywork, Spike Sprockets, Northstar Motorsports/Acerbis, SBS/ EBC Brakes, Panago Pizza, Teamwork Property Management and Fast Track Management.

DeHaan misses final

By John Hopkins

Thorndale, ON's Doug DeHaan failed to reach Friday night's THQ AMA Supercross main event at Daytona International Speedway.

Riding a Butler Bros. / MSR Honda CRF450R DeHaan placed sixth in the Last Chance Qualifier.

Fellow Canuck Neil Farlow of Frankford, ON didn't make it through the afternoon's prequalifying. The Yamaha Canada / Shot MX Yamaha YZ250 rider dropped out of his prequalifier and was done for the day.

Chad Reed won the main event on his factory Yamaha YZ250 over series points leader Ricky Carmichael. The Makita Suzuki RM250 rider suffered a fall on lap 17 of 20, ending his bid for the win.

Mike LaRocco completed the podium aboard the Amsoil Chaparral Honda CR250R.

Josh Hansen won the 125 feature at Daytona on his Red Bull KTM 250SXF. Floridian Donnie McGourty was eighth on a Blackfoot Racing Honda CRF250R.

Duhamel settles for sixth

By John Hopkins

Miguel Duhamel salvaged a sixth place finish in Saturday's AMA Superbike Championship season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

After challenging for third through the first half of the 15-lap race, Duhamel ran straight through the chicane on lap 10 when he got caught out by lapped traffic and lost a bid to snatch the final podium spot on his factory Honda CBR1000RR.

Australian Mat Mladin took his fourth Daytona Superbike win on the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 by 3.475 secs. over the Parts Unlimited / Ducati Austin Ducati 999R of English rider Neil Hodgson.

Mladin's teammate Ben Spies edged the third Yosh Suzuki of Aaron Yates for third in a drafting battle to the finish line.

Duhamel's Honda teammate Jake Zemke was also part of the fight for third but joined Duhamel in running off at the chicane on lap 10, and settled for fifth.

Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, BC finished 20th on his Diablo Suzuki GSX-R1000 and teammate Francis Martin of Rock Forest, QC claimed 25th.

Duhamel takes the fifth

By John Hopkins

Canada's Miguel Duhamel claimed a record-tying fifth Daytona 200 victory on Saturday, taking a dominant win in the first incarnation of the classic race run to AMA Formula Xtreme rules.

The Montreal racer rode his factory Honda CBR600RR to a 42.586-sec. victory over the similar, Erion-prepared machine of Kurtis Roberts. Duhamel's teammate Jake Zemke completed the podium for a Honda sweep.

"It feels great winning five," said Duhamel, who tied Scott Russell for the most 200 triumphs. "This year it felt like the Daytona 255. It just seemed like it would never end."

Duhamel started from pole and battled with Roberts and Zemke through the first 15 laps of the 68-lap race. But Duhamel took control after Roberts made his first pit stop, and a slow second stop for the Erion rider sealed the deal for the Canadian.

"I was really pushing it hard," Duhamel added. "Up until that first pit stop I thought we would all regroup and be together for the whole 68 laps. I just put my head down and ran as hard as I could."

Danny Eslick finished fourth, one lap down on his MPTRacing.com / Suzuki GSX-R600, while Calgary's Chris Peris was a superb fifth aboard the Topline Printing / Bikecards.com Yamaha YZF-R6.

Kevin Lacombe of Granby finished 21st in his debut with the Blackfoot Suzuki racing team and Victoria's Oliver Jervis was 31st riding a Zlock Racing / Pirelli Kawasaki ZX-6RR.

Pascal Picotte dropped out after 22 laps on the Yamaha Canada / Picotte Performance R6 and Clearwater, BC's Alan Schmidt lasted only two laps riding the Gateway Powersports / Pirelli R6.

KTM heads for Outer Edge

From Outer Edge Industries

Red Deer, AB – Outer Edge Industries is excited to announce a long-term, exclusive sponsorship agreement with KTM Canada. The sponsorship deal with the infamous KTM race team includes the entire Canadian race team geared up in AXO Moto boots, body protection, clothing and ARNETTE MX (motocross) goggles.

Outer Edge Industries is the exclusive distributors of AXO products in Canada and ARNETTE in both Canada and the United States. The sponsorship agreement with KTM will bring increase brand recognition and demand for both the AXO and ARNETTE lines in North America.

“Partnering with KTM is an exciting opportunity for Outer Edge,” said Craig Kinney, international sales manager of the Alberta based company. “Our strategy for supporting is to focus on having the KTM riders decked out in some of the most recognized, innovative and technically advanced riding gear on the market.”

“The KTM Team is thrilled about the sponsorship deal with Outer Edge Industries,” explained Andy White, team manager for KTM Canada. “AXO and ARNETTE are known industry wide for the exceptional quality behind their lines. We know that with the incredible riders we have on the team combined with this innovative riding gear, we will have our best year ever."

Rough night for Canucks

By John Hopkins

Canadian racers had a tough go of it in last night's AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship at Daytona's Municipal Stadium.

Steve Beattie of Petrolia, ON was the only Canadian to qualify for the evening program, but he was unable to advance to the 16-rider main event, finishing ninth in his heat aboard the Lancaster H-D / Saddlemen ATK and ninth again in his semi.

Neither Chris Evans nor Doug Lawrence were able to move beyond preliminary qualifying earlier in the day. Evans just missed a spot in the night program when he finished fourth in his Qualifier (the top three advanced). The St. Catharines, ON racer then placed fourth in his Second Chance Qualifier on the American H-D Inc. / KK Motorcycle Supply Rotax.

Lawrence was gridded in the first Qualifier of the day and placed fifth aboard the CVC Communications / American H-D Honda. The native of Mississauga, ON then finished sixth in his Second Chance race and was done for the day.

Jake Johnson won the evening's main event aboard a Suzuki. Chris Carr was second riding a KTM and Henry Wiles completed the podium on a Honda.

Stieben joins CMA board

By John Hopkins

HAMILTON, ON -- Craig R. Stieben has been appointed to the CMA board of directors, according to a press release from the organization. His term commences immediately and runs until the 2006 Annual Meeting.

A native of Niverville, MB, Stieben has held a number of volunteer executive roles in the Manitoba motorcycling community. His interests include touring and road racing, the press release says.

Picotte ninth in Supersport

By John Hopkins

Two-time defending Yoshimura 600 Sport Bike champion Pascal Picotte was the top Canadian finisher in the opening round of the Pro Honda Oils Supersport Championship at Daytona International Speedway yesterday.

The Granby, QC rider edged Danny Eslick and Chris Peris for ninth in the 22-lap race aboard his Yamaha Canada / Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R6. Peris, from Calgary, settled for 11th on his Topline Printing / Bikecards.com R6.

Tommy Hayden won the race aboard his factory Kawasaki ZX-6RR, beating Yamaha's Jamie Hacking by 3.723 secs. in a rare display of dominance on the Daytona track, which is famous for its last lap drafting battles.

Alan Schmidt of Clearwater, BC finished 17th aboard his Gateway Powersports / Pirelli Yamaha.

In other action at the Speedway yesterday, Vincent Haskovec came out on top of a three-bike slipstreaming battle to win the Repsol Lubricants Superstock race on his M4 / Emgo Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Duhamel sixth in Superbike

By John Hopkins

Miguel Duhamel will be the best placed Canadian on the grid for Saturday's Superbike race at Daytona International Speedway.

The factory Honda rider was sixth fastest in qualifying today aboard his Honda CBR1000RR with a time of one minute, 40.891 seconds.

Australian Mat Mladin set tongues wagging at the Speedway with a 1:38.232 around the 2.95-mile track on his Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 to claim pole. His teammate Ben Spies was a distant second with a time of 1:38.963 and the third Yoshimura GSX-R1000 of Aaron Yates was fourth fastest on a 1:39.894.

The Suzuki monopoly was broken up by Englishman Neil Hodgson on his Ducati 999. Hodgson was third fastest with a time of 1:39.884.

Diablo Suzuki teammates Steve Crevier and Francis Martin qualified 25th and 31st, respectively on their GSX-R1000s. Crevier set a time of 1:44.510 while Martin managed a 1:46.188.

First ever for Duhamel

By John Hopkins

Miguel Duhamel edged Honda teammate Jake Zemke to claim his first ever Daytona 200 by Arai pole in qualifying at Daytona International Speedway today.

The Montreal native took his Honda CBR600RR around the revised 2.95-mile track in one minute, 42.593 seconds just as the session ended to snatch the top grid spot for Saturday's race.

"I’ve been close," said Duhamel, a four-time Daytona 200 race winner. "In ‘91 I had pole and Doug Polen comes around on that Ducati and, at the checkered flag, steals it away. I was like, ‘Ah, I’ll get it next year.’ But it took a little longer. It’s feels great to get the Daytona Rolex. That was one thing missing in souvenir tray if you will."

Zemke settled for second on the grid with a 1:42.599 on his CBR600RR. Josh Hayes qualified third at 1:43.012 on his Attack Kawasaki ZX-6RR and Kurtis Roberts completes the front row for Saturday's race with a 1:43.552 on his Erion Honda CBR600RR.

Two more Canadians will line up on the third row of the grid for the first Daytona 200 to run as a round of the Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Championship. Granby's Pascal Picotte set the ninth best qualifying time of 1:44.937 on his Yamaha YZF-R6 while Calgary racer Chris Peris was 10th best today at 1:45.178 on another R6.

Alan Schmidt of Clearwater, BC will start the 200 17th on his R6 after qualifying with a time of 1:46.844, and Vancouver Island racer Oliver Jervis qualified 28th on his Kawasaki ZX-6RR at 1:48.277.

Kevin Lacombe of Granby was 47th in the field of 80 riders with a 1:50.266 aboard his Suzuki GSX-R600.

Veterans lead Suzuki charge

By John Hopkins

RICHMOND HILL, ON -- A pair of veteran riders will lead the Suzuki charge in the 2005 CMRC Canadian Motocross Nationals.

Thirty-four-year-old Keith Johnson and Mike Treadwell, 36, will ride in the MX1 class for the OTSFF Motorsports Suzuki team, which has been appointed as the official factory Suzuki squad for the Canadian nationals.

Also running in the MX1 class will be 18-year-old Nick Adams.

In the MX2 class, Bruce Prochnavy will run an OTSFF Suzuki in the west while Jean Yves Allard will compete in the eastern series. Iain Hayden will also run under the factory Suzuki banner in the east with support from Two Wheel Motorsports.

"We're extremely happy to be working with OTSFF this coming season," said a press release from Suzuki Canada Inc. "They will be focusing their energies on the nine rounds of the CMRC Nationals and the Montreal Supercross."

According to the release, "Team Suzuki will be the only full four-stroke factory team on the MX1 circuit riding the new Suzuki RM-Z450."

Ron Ashley will act as team and rider manager. Battleford Supercycle and Sport Plus will join Two Wheel Motorsport as regional dealer supporters of the program.

Giroux survives Crush

By John Hopkins

Guy Giroux was the top Canadian finisher in the Orange Crush GNCC in Lake Winona, FL yesterday, placing 45th in a field of 365 aboard his KTM.

Three-time national motocross champion Doug Henry won the race, the second round of the GNCC series, aboard a Honda, edging opening round victor Juha Salminen on a KTM. Australian Shane Watts completed the podium aboard another KTM.

Thirteen other Canadians joined Giroux in tackling the gruelling three-hour event, with 11 of them making it to the finish. Michael Metcalfe crossed the line 77th on a KTM, Alexandre Legault was 130th riding a Honda and Benoit Simard placed 168th on a KTM.

The remaing Canadian finishers were Robin Munzinger (173rd, KTM); Dominic Gagnon (177th, KTM); Martin Taillon (179th, Kawasaki); Maxime Belanger (240th, Yamaha); Mathieu Dufour (243rd, KTM); Stephane Chaillou (270th, Yamaha); Dan Martineal (294th, Yamaha); and Christian Coupal (307th, Honda).

Jean-Francois Paquette on a Suzuki and Eric Gelinas aboard a KTM failed to finish the race.

Rain scuttles sessions

By John Hopkins

Heavy rain played havoc with the schedule at Daytona International Speedway today, as only the four opening practice sessions were completed on the revamped road course.

Factory Honda rider Miguel Duhamel was top Canadian in practice for both the Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Series and AMA Superbike Championship. In Formula Xtreme the Montrealer rode his Honda CBR600RR to the eighth best time of one minute, 45.660 seconds. Jason Disalvo led a Yamaha R6 sweep of the top three positions at 1:44.242.

Second best Canuck was Calgary's Chris Peris aboard his Yamaha YZF-R6 in 10th place with a 1:47.350. Alan Schmidt of Clearwater, BC placed 15th at 1:48.768 on another R6 and Granby's Pascal Picotte was 19th with a 1:49.085 on his Yamaha. Vancouver Island racer Oliver Jervis was 50th in the field of 75 with a 1:53.502 riding a Kawasaki ZX-6RR and Kevin Lacombe came in at 68th with a time of 1:59.837 abaord his Suzuki GSX-R600.

In Superbike practice Duhamel wound up 12th with a 1:42.553 on his Honda CBR1000RR. Ben Spies led a trio of Suzukis at the top of the timesheets with a 1:40.505. Mat Mladin was second on a 1:40.954 and Aaron Yates third with a 1:41.167.

Diablo Suzuki teammates Steve Crevier and Francis Martin placed 28th and 32nd respectively on their GSX-R1000s. Crevier managed a 1:47.939 and Martin clocked a 1:49.151.

Rain washed out qualifying for the Repsol Lubricants Superstock and Pro Honda Oils Supersport classes today. They will be gridded for their races tomorrow based on last year's points.

Peris was top Canadian in Supersport practice with a time of 1:48.571 on his R6, good for 14th. Picotte placed 17th at 1:49.273 and Schmidt clocked the 21st best time of 1:50.000. Aaron Gobert was quickest with a 1:44.401.

No Canadians recorded times in Superstock practice. Disalvo led the way with a 1:40.621 on his R1.

Superbike and Formula Xtreme qualifying will go as scheduled tomorrow.

Beattie flies the flag

By John Hopkins

TORONTO, ON -- Petrolia, ON's Steve Beattie led the Canadian contingent through the opening two rounds of the AMA Hot Shoe dirt track series.

Last Friday at Oglethorpe Speedway in Savannah, GA Beattie was the lone Canadian to qualify for any of the four finals and placed 12th in 505 Expert on his Honda. The race was won by Ken Coolbeth. Other Oglethorpe victors were Chris Carr in 750/1000 Expert, AJ Eslick in H-D Sportster and Chase Sconyers in 505 Pro Sport.

On Sunday at Volusia Speedway Park Beattie cracked the 750/1000 Expert and 505 Expert features. He took sixth in the 750/1000 Expert and fifth in 505 Expert. Jared Mees won both features.

Other Volusia winners were Clayton Riggle in H-D Sportster and Gary Conklin in 505 Pro Sport.

The Hot Shoe series was slated to continue tonight at Daytona's Municipal Stadium but has been called due to rain.

Hewitt takes a pair

By John Hopkins

HAMILTON, ON -- Danny Hewitt of Cochrane, AB claimed both the Expert 600 and Expert 250 wins at the opening round of the CMA Western Canadian Championship Ice Race series in Rimbey, AB Feb. 20.

Hewitt rode his Honda to victory over the Kawasakis of Calgary's Andy Demsky and Kamloops racer Dan McKenzie in Expert 600.

Demsky placed second in the Expert 250 class while another Cochrane rider, Bryan Watt on a Yamaha placed third.

Other class winners included Carlin Ayerhart (Lethbridge, Yamaha) in Intermediate / Expert 200; Wayne Boylan (Cochrane, Honda) in Intermediate 600; Phil Hooper (Elkford, BC, Yamaha) in Intermediate 250; Stephen Deering (Rimbey, Honda) in Novice 600; Mike Hildebrand (Lethbridge, Honda) in Novice 250; and Valerie Hopwood (Calgary, KTM) in Novice 200.

Peris wears Carrera

From Carrera Canada

STIRLING, ON -- Carrera Canada announced today that Calgary road race star Chris Peris will be riding with Carrera GP Leathers sponsorship for 2005.

Sean Girard of Carrera and Fernando Peris (Chris’ dad) conducted the initial negotiations with the final details worked through Martin Thraves of Carrera UK. Thraves has a keen interest in the NorthAmerican market and sees Peris as both an excellent rider and spokesperson for Carrera.

Last year the top three finishers in the Can-Am 125GP series were Carrera riders and the British-based company also outfitted the Diablo Suzuki team, with the exception of Steve Crevier, who is contracted to Joe Rocket.

National off-road sponsor added

By John Hopkins

TORONTO, ON -- FMF Racing has joined Maxima Racing Oils and Seal Savers as a sponsor of the CMA National Enduro and Hare Scrambles series.

The sponsorships have been arranged by competitor Jon Mutiger, who brought Maxima and Seal Savers on board for the 2004 series. All three companies are sponsors of Mutiger's racing efforts, and FMF's SST pipe and Q-series silencer will be on his race bike this season.

More information is available through Mutiger at jmutiger@msn.com.