Leon adds to Thunder

From Diablo Performance Racing Team

MONTREAL, QC -- Michael Leon will compete on a Buell XB-12R in the 2005 Canadian Thunder series for the Diablo Performance Racing Team. New to this series, Diablo has partnered with Blanchette Harley-Davidson and Buell Canada. As well, the team will compete in a least two F-USA Thunderbike races during the 2005 season.

Leon, founding member of the Diablo squad, will make the switch from Pro 600 Sport Bike. His best result last season was 10th at the season finale in Shannonville.

“Canadian Thunder should be a great series this year," Leon said. "The level of competition is going to be raised quite a bit with the Thunder becoming a national series. We had substantial help from Ric Marrero of Buell, and Claude Huot of Blanchette in putting this whole deal together. I am very excited to start testing the XB-12R. The AMA Formula Extreme Buell teams have shown its capabilities."

Blanchette Harley-Davidson, with locations in Repentigny and Trois-Rivieres, QC is well known for its high performance modifications to Harley-Davidsons. Owner Huot is looking forward to showcasing Blanchette’s and Buell’s technical abilities through road racing.

Blanchette’s Trois-Rivieres store will relocate to a brand new building June 11.

The team will continue to work with Elka Suspension for the rear suspension and Pro-Tech Suspension for the forks. Diablo’s noted race engineer Dale Rathwell will lend a hand with initial set-up.

The Diablo / Blanchette Performance team would like to thank Buell Canada, Blanchette Harley-Davidson, Elka Suspension, Pro-Tech Suspension, Micron, Hyperpro Steering Dampers, Armour Bodies, PBI Sprockets, Regina Chains, Gianmajor Inc, Carrera GP Leathers and KBC Helmets.