-ADVERTISER OF THE WEEK- Revoluzione Ducati

REVOLUZIONE DUCATI is proud to have been named the top new Ducati Dealer in Canada.

REVOLUZIONE offers only the best products, services and now Ducati Desmo Daze '05.

Ducati Daze is an anuual event for Ducati owners to take their MotoGp-bred bikes out on the track in an attempt to do their best impression of Eric Bostrom!

Desmo Daze '05 is set for August 6, 7 and 8 at Race City Speedway in Calgary Alberta.

for more info go to www.desmodaze.com.

Shootout adds sponsors

From Go Fast Media Solutions

TORONTO, ON -- The motorcycling industry has thrown its support behind the largest and most popular streetbike drag race in Canada again this year, the Hindle Canadian Fastest Streetbike Shootout, being held Aug. 28 at Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand Bend, ON.

CYCLE MAX and INSIDE MOTORCYCLES have returned as official sponsors for the third annual event.

CYCLE MAX SERVICES LTD. is a motorcycle performance shop located in Brampton, ON (just outside of Toronto). It specializes in performance modifications and tuning, including Dynojet dyno tuning, complete race bike upgrades, trick street mods (including nitrous installations), parts and accessories, and a whole lot more. Last year Dave Oliveira rode the Cycle Max Suzuki GSX-R1000 to a semi-final finish at the second annual Canadian Fastest Streetbike Shootout.

INSIDE MOTORCYCLES, Canada's source for motorcycle news, has been a strong supporter of the Shootout from the very start. Published 10 times a year out of its Toronto headquarters, Inside Motorcycles features the latest manufacturer info, new bike tests, product evaluations and the most comprehensive national and international racing coverage in all of Canada.

Roy looks to continue roll

From Bullseye Media

STOUFFVILLE, ON -- As has been the case for a number of years, Jean Sebastien Roy is well on his way to chalking up yet another MX1 Championship as the CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships slowly wind their way down to the final round in Walton.

Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing's Roy currently holds a cushy 73 points lead over his teammate Damon Huffman. Unless there is a worst case scenario in store for Roy it's safe to say at this stage of the game, with only three rounds left on the schedule, the championship title is a done deal.

The remaining positions, however, are anything but a shoe-in. Huffman is looking at a precarious hold on his second place in the rankings, a position he took possession of at Round 6 in Joliette. Before that the Californian sat as far back as eighth place and as close to the lead as third, an indication of the musical points chairs that have highlighted the top 10, and beyond, since Round 1.

Only two points separate "Huffy" from Morgan Racing Yamaha's Craig Decker, who in turn holds 13 points over Team Suzuki OTSFF's Gavin Gracyk. Gracyk, for his part, counts six points between himself and teammate Keith Johnson. Although there's a 37-point spread separating KJ's fifth place from sixth, currently being occupied by Decker's teammate Blair Morgan, the gap tightens again after that. Yamaha Canada's Simon Homans is just three points down from Morgan –they swapped positions last weekend. Blackfoot Racing's Dusty Klatt, who moved from 10th to eighth place in Joliette, is 22 points behind Homans.

Yamaha Canada's Doug DeHaan, who held down eighth place going into Joliette, is now out of the top-10 club, having been relegated to 11th spot. While DeHaan is only eight points outside of the top-10, he will not only have to ride hard to get back into it, but also to keep Swanson Racing Yamaha's Josh Demuth, who trails by 17 points, off his back.

This weekend, at Riverglade MX Park in Moncton, all of the above, except JSR – even if he scores no points – may very well see their current rankings rearranged again, especially between second and fifth place. Klatt could very well displace Homans from seventh and Richmond Racing Kawasaki's Evan Laughridge, holding down 10th, could take a bite out of the 10 points he trails Team Suzuki's Mike Treadwell by.

Atlantic Canada's Mitch Cooke, arguably one of the most underrated motocrossers in Canada, will be looking to win his first MX2 East Championship round this weekend at Riverglade MX Park in Moncton. Cooke, riding for the powerhouse Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing team, is currently eight points behind series leader Kyle Chisholm of Team Richmond Racing Kawasaki Canada.

With Cooke's teammate and defending champion Donny McGourty out of the mix at Round 2 due to a wrist injury, Cooke has become Blackfoot Racing's sole hope to capture the MX2 East crown.

"I came into this with my goal being to win the title for myself and the team. The fact that Donnie is not really in contention doesn't put any more pressure on me to win the championship for Blackfoot," said Cooke. "I put all the pressure I need on myself."

At this stage of the championship Cooke stands the best chance to crack the American hold on the MX2 East title, which they've enjoyed for the past two years. In addition to Cooke, Yamaha Canada's DeHaan and Machine Racing Honda's Kyle Keast are the only other Canadians within striking distance of the title. DeHaan, fifth in the standings, trails Chisholm by 15 points - Keast, in sixth, is looking at a more sizeable 29-point deficit.

Dash for Cash at AMP

From AMCRA

BEDFORD, NS -- The Atlantic Motorcycle Competition Riders Association (AMCRA) in association with Auto Trader has announced the Auto Trader 125 GP Dash for Cash to take place Aug. 5-7 at rounds 6-7 of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship presented by Pro Cycle and Suzuki.

Atlantic Motorsport Park has been home to some of the greatest GP racing in this country and has played host to several national and international events.

"We're promoting this as an open invitation to all 125's to come out for a shot at the $2,000 Auto Trader purse," said club president Andrew Murray.

Purse payout is as follows:

1st place - $660; 2nd place - $400; 3rd place - $260; 4th place - $200; 5th place - $160; 6th place - $120; 7th place - $100; 8th place - $60.

East meets West in Walton Amateur showdown

From Tite Racing Promotions

WALTON, ON -- The IMX East/West Amateur Shootout for the IMX Canada Cup is one of the most exciting initiatives we have come up with in years. It fully compliments the MX2 Pro East/West Shootout and adds a crowning touch to the week of amateur competition.

There will be two teams, an East Team of riders with residence in Ontario, Quebec or the Atlantic Region and a West team with riders with residence in Manitoba and all regions west of that including the North. The Shootout is open to Canadian citizens only. Riders with a Pro license categorization are not eligible. Each team member will receive a commemorative bib in team colours to be worn while racing.

A manager will be appointed to manage rider notification, develop team strategy and present a rider list to the clerk of the course as well as submit and respond to any protests. The decision of the team manger for team members and alternates will be final. Each team will appoint a Captain who will be spokesperson for the team and be prepared to receive the Canada Cup.

There will be two motos run as part of the Sunday pro program, a Youth moto and an Amateur moto. The Youth moto includes riders under 16 years of age. Eight riders will be drawn from each of the 60 7-12 peewee, 80 7-12, 80 13-16 and Supermini classes for a total of 32. The top riders in each class for that region will have first rights to a gate position. A maximum of five members of each team maybe in the 13-16 age group.

The Amateur moto consists of riders drawn from the remaining 12 amateur classes. Each team will consist of up to 21 riders for a total of 42. The top rider in each class for that region will have first rights to a gate position. The manager will select additional riders so that his final team has a maximum of seven juniors, seven intermediates and seven age or gender determined class riders. If a rider qualifies for two categories the manager may make a strategic decision as to which categories a rider may fall under.

Scoring will be on the usual 25-22-20-18-16-15 etc. system but points will be assigned to teams rather than riders so that the winner of an individual moto will be the team with most accumulated points. The overall Canada Cup winner will be determined by the aggregate score of the teams in the two motos.

As a prelude to the Sunday competition there will be an 'IMX Leader of the Pack' presentation following each amateur moto at the winner’s circle during the week. As part of the post race radio interview of the top three in each moto the winner will be presented with the appropriate East or West team bib to be worn during the subsequent moto for that class so that spectators will easily identify him/her as the previous moto winner and with his/her team.

Honour Ride a success

From the Veterans Honour Ride

TORONTO, ON -- Led by members of the Toronto, OPP and York Regional police forces, the third annual Veterans Honour Ride (www.vhrf.com) was a huge success on Saturday, raising approximately $54,000 for the Veteran Comfort Funds at both Sunnybrook & Women’s Hospital and The Tony Stacey Center for Long-Term Veteran Care in Scarborough.

Ontario Commissioner Julian Fantino, Major General Lewis Mackenzie, Armand LaBarge (Chief of York Region Police), war veterans and members of the media rode in sidecars as the 350 motorcycle strong parade weaved its way through Toronto, making stops at both Sunnybrook and The Tony Stacey Center and then on up to Richmond Hill, where a large party was held.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to this charity may contact Maralyn Randall at 416-399-8619.

Canada has proclaimed 2005 the official “Year of the Veteran” a celebration of courage.

Roy romp comes to an end

From Bullseye Media

JOLIETTE, QC -- It had to happen sooner or later and it happened in his home province: Jean Sebastien Roy failed to win Round 6 of the CMRC MX1 Canadian Motocross Championship this weekend in Joliette, QC. That honour went to his Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing teammate Damon Huffman. The California native left no doubt in anyone's mind that he remains a force to be reckoned with in MX1 by nailing down the overall with 2-2 moto results.

Despite JSR's failure to dominate the proceedings – as he did at the first five rounds of the championship – Blackfoot still ruled the day with Huffy and Dusty Klatt. Klatt, looking better and better each time out, carded second overall for the team on the strength of 6-1 motos.

JSR, meanwhile, rode conservatively both motos registering 4-7 finishes at the checkered flag. According to Blackfoot team coordinator Dean Thompson, Roy experienced more problems than usual with an old knee injury, which was especially aggravated by Circuit de Joliette’s killer rocker section. The Acton Vale, QC native carded a still respectable fourth overall, and with it another 32 points towards the title hunt which he continues to lead by a hefty margin.

"When I came here this weekend it was with the intention of winning in front of a home province crowd, but my knee just wasn’t cooperating," said Roy. "I knew I had to take it easy and make sure I didn’t reinjure the knee so it ended up about riding for points instead of the win."

Morgan Racing Yamaha's Craig Decker, who grabbed the first MX1 moto holeshot, carded his second podium of the season with third overall. The Californian rode consistent motos that saw him chalk up 3-3 results.

Winner of the first moto, Gavin Gracyk, piloted his Team Suzuki OTSFF RM-Z450 to the second moto holeshot only to go down hard in the rockers a few laps later. The crash took him out of the lead and out of the race with an apparent leg injury. This unfortunate turn of events for Gracyk saw him vacate his second place in the points rankings, which is now occupied by Huffman.

In MX2 East action, the status quo got turned upside down by Richmond Racing Kawasaki Canada's Kyle Chisholm. The American – a last minute addition to the Richmond stable just before the eastern series got underway – established himself as the new points leader in the tiddler class thanks to 1-1 motos and a tepid showing by last week's winner, Chad Charbonneau. The American Honda backed rider, who raised everybody's eyebrows at Gopher Dunes, rode less spectacularly in Joliette to card seventh overall on the strength of 5-11 motos.

Blackfoot's Mitch Cooke, carrying the weight of his team in the MX2 title hunt due to teammate Donnie McGourty’s inability to race because of a wrist injury sustained at Gopher, charged his way to 3-2 moto results that saw him card second overall. Cooke, who was in sixth place in the points rankings after Round 1, fast tracked his way into second, just eight points behind Chisholm. Chisholm, for his part, took a giant leap from eighth in the points last weekend to the top of the scoreboard after two rounds.

Ryan Lockhart, who DNFd both motos with mechanical problems at Round 1, was able to prove his mettle this time out to card third overall on the strength of 6-4 motos.

National tour invades Quebec

From Bulls Eye Media

STOUFFVILLE, ON -- After the heavy, rain soaked sand of Gopher Dunes – which set the stage for the most demanding motocross of the '05 season to date – riders contesting the CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships will be racing on the hard pack clay surface of Circuit de Joliette this weekend.

If the rain holds off for round 6 of the MX1 title hunt – which would be the first time since the series got underway in Mission, BC – the biggest challenge, other than derailing four-time defending champion Jean Sebastien Roy's unbroken winning streak, will be Joliette's infamous giant rockers. Whatever the case, for the incomparable JSR, equally at home in sand, hard pack, mud or anything else that can be thrown at him, this first of two home province rounds will more than likely be another routine race that will see his points lead stretched from sky-high right into the stratosphere.

Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing's JSR won't be the only Quebec native looking for a win in Joliette, however. Fellow French Canadians Marco Dubé (KTM Canada), who had a season to forget so far, and Simon Homans (Yamaha Canada), who had a banner season so far, will be equally on fire to climb the highest step of the MX1 podium.

For former National champion Dubé, just finishing in the top-10 would be an improvement over the dismal results he carded so far this year. Even though Homans is still looking for his first overall podium of the season, he is currently ranked second Canadian in the points chase, holding down a sixth place ranking.

The four Americans separating Homans from series points leader Roy – Gavin Gracyk (Team Suzuki OTSFF), Keith Johnson (Team Suzuki OTSFF), Craig Decker (Morgan Racing Yamaha) and Damon Huffman (Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing) – will all be on the gas to beat the Quebecers on their home turf.

Gracyk, currently second in the championship, should be extra motivated to reduce the 81-point deficit that separates him form JSR. Johnson, always a rider to be reckoned with, trails teammate Gracyk by just three points, a miniscule gap that puts him in a good position to become Gracyk's main rival for the rest of the season. Decker, who saw his second place in the current rankings drop to fourth at Gopher, is only six points behind Gracyk. Huffman, runner-up to teammate JSR in '03-'04, is just nine points behind Gracyk, ensuring a four-way American battle that could once more reshuffle the top-five standings.

Multi-time National champion Blair Morgan (Morgan Racing Yamaha), once again on the comeback trail, has been steadily improving each round. The Prince Albert, SK native, currently ranked seventh, should be considered a threat to upset the top-five status quo. In the 2002 Nationals – the last year that Morgan campaigned a full season free of injuries – he brought JSR to his knees at Circuit de Joliette by beating him in the first moto.

Dusty Klatt (Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing) – now free to concentrate on the MX1 class for the remainder of the season after nailing down his second consecutive MX2 West title – will no doubt turn his current 10th place ranking into a single digit in Quebec. He's looking at a gap of 14 points between himself and Mike Treadwell (Team Suzuki OTSFF).

In the MX2 East Championship, Homans will be up against series leader Chad Charbonneau (American Honda), second place Michael Willard (KTM Canada) and third place Doug DeHaan (Yamaha Canada). Only 10 points separate Homans from Charbonneau, who made his CMRC debut at Gopher Dunes last week, instantly establishing himself as a household name in Canada's burgeoning motocross scene.

Defending champ Donnie McGourty (Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing) is faced with rectifying a disastrous start to the MX2 East season last weekend that saw him card fifth in the first moto and a DNF in the second because of severe pain in his wrist. The American injured the wrist during practice.

Racing action gets underway in Joliette at 1 p.m. with qualifying heats on Saturday. The first heat of the MX2 East Championship starts at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Record breaker featured

From SUPERSHOW Events

RICHMOND HILL, ON -- The 13th Annual Fall Classic Motorcycle Show will be presented by the Great Pine Ridge section of the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (CVMG) Sept. 18 at Richmond Green (Main Building).

The CVMG is a club of motorcycle enthusiasts interested in preserving vintage motorcycles. Started in 1967 the Group now has over 1,700 members across Canada. The Great Pine Ridge section has over 150 members from Toronto and surrounding areas east of Yonge Street into Durham Region and north reaching into York Region.

A special Vincent motorcycle display will be one of the highlights of the Show, featuring a rare 1951 Series C Black Shadow, valued at over $50,000. It was on a specially prepared version of this legendary bike that Rollie Free set the land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1948 lying flat against the tank wearing only his bathing trunks and a bathing cap. His top speed record of 150 MPH held for many years. The production model 1000cc V-twin Black Shadow had a top speed of 125 MPH and was known as the "superbike” of its day.

Vincent ceased motorcycle production in 1955 with only 1507 Series C Black Shadows produced between 1949 and 1954 of which it is estimated that less than 10 reside in Canada. This is a rare opportunity to see this restored classic machine along with other models of this prestigious marque as part of the Fall Classic line up.

Richmond Green is located at 1300 Elgin Mills Road East, just west of Leslie Street. The show runs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, children under 12 are admitted free. The Richmond Green
facility features ample free parking.

Roy still invincible

From Bullseye Media

COURTLAND, ON -- Under intermittent rainy, cloudy and sunny skies Jean Sebastien Roy proved to be invincible at round 5 of the CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships at Gopher Dunes Sunday. The defending MX1 champion started the eastern leg of the Pro tour where he left off three weeks earlier in Regina, with a clean sweep of the motos.

Although the holeshot of moto1 went to JSR's Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing teammate Damon Huffman, and to Team Suzuki OTSFF Motorsports' Keith Johnson in moto 2, the Acton Vale, QC native took control of both motos within two laps of the start and never looked back. He twice finished with well over 25 seconds in reserve.

In moto 1, Yamaha Motor Canada's Simon Homans followed Johnson, who kept control of second place unchallenged, to the checkered in third place. Huffman and Blackfoot's third MX1 rider, Dusty Klatt, rounded off the top five carding fourth and fifth respectively.

Johnson's Team Suzuki OTSFF teammates Gavin Gracyk and Mike Treadwell were involved in a second turn crash that saw Treadwell regroup to finish eighth and Gracyk 10th, after both remounted dead last.

Moto 2 saw Huffman, Gracyk, Morgan Racing Yamaha's Blair Morgan and Klatt get by holeshooter Johnson to finish in that order behind Roy. Johnson encountered a problem with one of his footpegs around the midway mark, causing him to start dropping back.

Team Honda Blackfoot carded another stellar finish with Roy on the podium in first overall and Huffman in second, thanks to Huffy's 4-2 moto results. Johnson's 2-6 motos, meanwhile, put him on the podium in third overall.

"This was without a doubt the toughest race of the season so far," said Roy. "The track was a real challenge and the changeable weather conditions didn't help much."

In the opening round of the MX2 East Championship, surprises abounded in the form of American Honda-backed privateer Chad Charbonneau and Richmond Racing Kawasaki Canada' last minute import Kyle Chisholm. The two Yanks, making their debut on Canadian soil, stole the show in moto 1, with Chisholm taking the win and Charbonneau following him across the finish line in second.

An on-fire Homans took his Factory Yamaha to a third place finish in the first moto while his teammate Doug DeHaan carded fourth. Machine Racing Yamaha's Chuck Mesley cemented the top-five.

Holeshooter and leader of the pack for some five laps, Pierce Chamberlain, built up a nice lead only to throw it away after going down in the heavy, rain-drenched sand of Gopher Dunes.

The second MX2 moto saw veteran DeHaan pull the holeshot but his lead was limited to three laps: that's when KTM Canada's Michael Willard took over. Once in control, Willard wasn't even remotely challenged for the lead, taking it all the way to the flag. DeHaan next fell victim to Charbonneau, who finished second behind Willard. Charbonneau's 2-2 motos sufficed to give him the overall for the day, after first moto winner Chisholm retired to the paddock shortly into the race with motor failure.

DeHaan podiumed in second overall on the strength of his 3-3 motos while Willard snared a third place podium, thanks to 10-1 motos. Homans, who carded a tepid 10th place finish in moto 2, went home with fourth overall. Machine Racing Honda's Kyle Keast impressed with fifth overall on the strength of 7-5 motos.

Picotte back in the hunt

From Professional Motorsports Productions

MOSPORT, ON – Pascal Picotte jumped back into contention for a third straight Parts Canada Superbike title by winning the second half of the weekend doubleheader at Mosport International Raceway Sunday.

After dominating Saturday’s event on his Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1, the Granby, QC rider repeated the performance on Sunday as he led every lap from pole.

Calgary’s Clint McBain finished second on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000, 5.460 seconds behind Picotte after making a dramatic last lap pass of Jordan Szoke. Szoke, from Brantford, ON settled for third aboard the Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR.

The results dramatically tightened the Parts Canada Superbike Championship point standings after five of eight rounds. Rock Forest, QC’s Francis Martin retains the lead with 198 points after fighting back from a crash to finish sixth in Sunday’s race on his Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000. But Szoke is now only two points back with 196, while McBain is just another two points behind in third. Picotte, meanwhile, leaps up to fourth with 179.

“This is what we had to do,” said Picotte, who also swept the Mosport doubleheader last season and has five Superbike national wins at the track. “We had to get the most out of the weekend. There’s no other way to turn the championship around. Now we’ve put some pressure on the other guys.”

Picotte was a heavy preseason favourite for the Parts Canada Superbike crown but broke some ribs and his wrist in a practice fall at the season opener in May. His best finish before the Mosport doubleheader was a fifth at the previous round at Race City Motorsport Park in Calgary.

Chardon, OH’s Tom Kipp challenged Picotte early in the race on the Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R but crashed on lap 6 of 10, leaving Picotte alone at the front.

Kipp’s exit left McBain, Szoke and Kevin Lacombe battling furiously for second. McBain dove inside Szoke at the end of the backstraight then held his ground as the pair raced side-by-side through the next turn. Lacombe crossed the line fourth on the second Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 but the Granby, QC rider was penalized for a jump start, relegating him to eighth in the final results.

Matthew McBride of Mississauga, ON took fourth on the Canadian Kawasaki ZX-10R and Kars, ON’s Andrew Nelson completed the top five riding the Nelson Racing Honda CBR600RR.

The series resumes with another doubleheader at Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS Aug. 5-7 before concluding at Shannonville Motorsport Park on the Labour Day Weekend.

In other action at Mosport, Chris Peris of Calgary completed a sweep of the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike features on the Topline Yamaha YZF-R6. Despite a fall on the third lap of the 14-lap race, held in wet conditions, Peris recovered to pass Kipp two laps from the end. Kipp settled for second on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-6RR while teammate McBride placed third.

Mark Douglas of Warkworth, ON won the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike round at Mosport. Oshawa, ON’s Stephan Chabot was second and James Collins of Woodstock, ON third. All three Yamaha riders engaged in a racelong battle for the win.

Bill Card of Wellesley, ON led all the way to win his second Canadian Thunder feature of the weekend on a Buell XB12R. North Vancouver’s Darren James was second on a Buell XB9R, holding off the Ducati SS1000 of Brampton, ON’s Robert Trottier.

Fifteen-year-old Karl Daigle of Roxton Pond, QC scored his third straight win in the Suzuki SV650 National Cup race Sunday. Rouyn-Noranda, QC’s Alain Lefebvre was a close second while Ottawa’s Derek Bowker finished third.

Picotte rules Mosport

From Professional Motorsports Productions

MOSPORT, ON – Pascal Picotte dominated the fourth round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Mosport International Raceway Saturday. The Granby, QC rider burst into an early lead and was never challenged as he claimed his first victory of the 2005 season on the Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1.

Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke claimed second on the Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR and Francis Martin of Rock Forest, QC placed third riding the Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000.

The race was shortened from an originally scheduled 16 laps to 13 after Clint McBain suffered a big crash at the end of the backstraight while running second on his Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000. McBain was unhurt but lost the Parts Canada Superbike points lead to Martin.

Saturday’s race was the first of a doubleheader for the Superbike competitors. A second 16-lap race is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Picotte’s victory marked a return to form for the two-time defending national champion, who broke his ribs and wrist in a practice fall at the season opener at Shannonville Motorsport Park in May.

“This weekend was important to turn the championship around a bit,” said Picotte, who has now won three straight Superbike nationals at Mosport. “If we can do it again tomorrow we can put some pressure on some guys.”

Picotte moves to fifth in the Parts Canada Superbike standings with 127 points. Martin now leads with 171 while Szoke improves to second with 159 and McBain drops to third with 152.

Picotte charged into the race lead from pole position and was over a second clear of the pack after just one lap of the 3.9km (2.459-mile) circuit. He was almost five seconds ahead of the field after five laps and set a new track record of one minute, 21.160 seconds, breaking the mark he established in qualifying Friday.

McBain spent the race leading a furious five-bike fight for second place before his crash. Szoke worked his way up from seventh on the opening lap to take third from Martin on lap 9 and then took over second when McBain fell.

Tom Kipp of Chardon, OH finished fourth, right behind Martin on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R and Maple Ridge, BC’s Steve Crevier completed the top five aboard the Diablo Performance Honda CBR1000RR.

Calgary’s Chris Peris won a dramatic Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship feature at Mosport on his Topline Yamaha YZF-R6. Peris just edged fellow Calgary rider McBain on the Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R600 and Kipp riding the Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-6RR.

Points leader Crevier faded to sixth on the Diablo Performance Honda CBR600RR.

Bill Card of Wellesley, ON led a Buell sweep of the podium in round 2 of the Canadian Thunder Championship and took over the series points lead. Dave Estok of New Smyrna Beach, FL placed second and North Vancouver’s Darren James was third.

Both the Pro 600 Sport Bike and Canadian Thunder classes will run feature races on Sunday.

Action at Mosport also included qualifying for the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Championship and Suzuki SV650 National Cup.

Oshawa, ON rider Stephan Chabot was fastest among the Amateur 600 Sport Bike competitors with a time of 1:27.333 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. Toronto rider Norm Tang claimed pole for Sunday’s SV Cup feature with a time of 1:34.863.

Ducati rally comes to Calgary

From Revoluzione Cycle Imports

Calgary, AB -- REVoluzione Cycle Imports is proud to present Ducati DesmoDaze (www.desmodaze.com), Aug. 6-8.

As the first western Canadian Ducati-sponsored rally event to be held in Canada, it is sure to attract motorbike enthusiasts from across the country and the U.S. pacific northwest to Race City Speedway, in southeast Calgary.

This event features Ducati demo rides, track days, stunt riders, beer gardens, live band and more. All motorcycle riders of all makes and models are invited to join in the fun and appreciation of this internationally practiced motor sport.

Through the gracious contributions from sponsors, REVoluzione was able to bring in two-time World Superbike Champion Doug Polen, as well as the world record holder Gary Eagan. Canadian Chaos Motorcycle Stunt Team will also be participating in the event by stunting the REV Ducati stunt bike. A raffle will take place (tickets $25.00) in order to raise funds to benefit the Southern Alberta Brain Injury Society. A 2006 Monster S2R will be raffled off at the end of the event, and each ticket purchased has a one in 500 chance of winning.

Revoluzione Cycle Imports opened its doors in September, 2002 and was named the top new Ducati Dealer in Canada in 2004, the Best Ducati Dealer in Canada in 2004 and the top Aprilia Dealer in Canada 2004.

Picotte back on top

From Professional Motorsports Productions

MOSPORT, ON -- Two-time defending Parts Canada Superbike champion Pascal Picotte regained his form in qualifying for this weekend’s series doubleheader at Mosport International Raceway Friday.

After struggling with injuries suffered at the season opener in May, Picotte put his Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1 on pole for both Superbike races at Mosport, breaking his own track record with a lap of one minute, 21.215 seconds around the 3.9km (2.459-mile) Mosport track.

Current series points leader Clint McBain of Calgary qualified second with a time of 1:21.403 on the Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 and Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, BC was third with a time of 1:21.840 riding the Diablo Performance Honda CBR1000RR.

Chardon, OH’s Tom Kipp will complete the front row for both Superbike races after recording a 1:21.944 on the Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R.

“My condition is definitely better,” said Picotte, who broke some ribs and his wrist when he crashed at Shannonville Motorsport Park. “My ribs are still bothering me a little. I’ve just got to be patient and smooth.”

The Parts Canada Superbike competitors will run a 16-lap feature on Saturday afternoon and a second race, also 16 laps, on Sunday. This weekend’s races are the fourth and fifth rounds of the eight-race series.

“We did really well here last year so we’re using a similar set-up,” Picotte said. “We did some work on the engine. The mid range is definitely better.”

Calgary’s Chris Peris grabbed the pole for both Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike races at Mosport with a time of 1:23.978 on his Topline Yamaha YZF-R6. Kipp placed second on his Kawasaki ZX-6RR at 1:24.176. Points leader Crevier of Maple Ridge, BC qualified third at 1:24.221 riding his Honda CBR600RR.

Hacking enters Beijing rally

From Bullseye Media Relations

TORONTO, ON -- Lawrence Hacking, the first Canadian to finish the Paris-Dakar Rally and twice silver–three time bronze medallist in the International Six Days Enduro, will be competing in the Beijing-Ulanbataar Rally in China next month. Fifty-one year old Hacking is the only Westerner in a field of mostly Japanese, Chinese and Russian entries.

The seven-day rally, which starts Aug. 7 in Beijing, will take competitors into Mongolia and through the Gobi Desert before reaching Ulanbataar. Hacking will be riding a basically stock Honda CRF250X shod with Pirelli tires that are fitted with heavy duty tubes. The only alterations to the bike include the addition of aftermarket fuel tanks and an emergency water tank to the skid plate. The gearing has also been changed and the suspension stiffened.

“I’m looking forward to another incredible adventure. That’s how I look at a rally of this scope. It’s not so much about the results for me, but about finishing and having fun while I’m at it,” said Hacking. “I hope that my taking part in events like this will inspire younger Canadian enduro riders to take up these kinds of challenges in the future. It’s a great sport and a great way to see places most people never do.”

Among Hacking’s more than a dozen sponsors are Honda Canada, Pirelli Tires, Nexo Sports, Arai Helmets, Sinisalo Boots and Cycle Canada Magazine. Ocean Transportation Freight Forwarding (OTSFF), which is heavily involved in Canadian off road racing, took care of shipping the CRF250X to Beijing.

From Professional Motorsports Productions

TORONTO, ON – The Parts Canada Superbike Championship is gearing up for a West / East showdown at Mosport International Raceway this weekend.

Calgary’s Clint McBain comes into the doubleheader event holding a narrow five-point lead, 139-134, over Rock Forest, QC’s Francis Martin in the series point standings. This weekend’s races are the fourth and fifth rounds of the eight-race series.

McBain is on a roll and his confidence should be sky high after he swept the previous two events on home turf at Race City Motorsport Park on his Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000. The wins were the first of the 32-year-old’s national Superbike career.

Martin, 31, won the season opener at Shannonville Motorsport Park aboard the Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000 but the 1999 Canadian Superbike champion had to settle for a second and fourth place finish in Calgary.

This weekend’s races aren’t likely to be strictly two-horse races, however. Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke lurks in third in the Parts Canada Superbike point standings with 117 points, and the Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR rider is coming off a season high second place finish in Calgary. The 26-year-old Szoke is a two-time Mosport winner.

Fourth in points, with 97 is six-time Canadian Superbike champion Steve Crevier. Crevier, who turned 40 in June has a season-high finish of third on the Diablo Performance Honda CBR1000RR.

Behind Crevier is McBain’s Blackfoot Suzuki teammate Kevin Lacombe. The 22-year-old from Granby finished third in both Superbike nationals at Mosport last year. He is currently fifth in points with 89.

This weekend’s action will also feature the fourth and fifth rounds of the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship national support series. Crevier comes into Mosport unbeaten through the first three races of the season on his Diablo Honda CBR600RR as he bids for a fourth 600 class crown.

The International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Championship features a tie at the top of the standings, with Yamaha riders James Collins, from Woodstock, ON and Mark Douglas of Warkworth, ON even on 74 points.

Mosport will also see the second and third rounds of the Canadian Thunder championship. Derek Vammus of Orangeville, ON leads the points

Eastern swing ready to roll

From CMRC Racing

STOUFFVILLE, ON -- After barnstorming the western provinces, and a two week break in the schedule, the five-round eastern leg of the CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships kicks off this weekend at Gopher Dunes in Courtland, ON. The MX1 title hunt picks up with Round 5 of the series; the MX2 East Championship clicks into gear with Round 1 of the four-round points chase.

“After all the nasty weather we had out west we’re hoping for a little better racing conditions. I don’t think anybody wants to see any more rain and mud for a while,” said CMRC’s Mark Stallybrass. “But whatever the case, we’re ready to bring top flight motocross to Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick.”

Canada’s best Pro motocross riders including Doug DeHaan (Factory Yamaha), Chuck Mesley (Machine Racing Honda), Pierce Chamberlain (KTM Canada), Simon Homans (Factory Yamaha), Ryan Lockhart (Richmond Racing Kawasaki) and Mitch Cooke (Blackfoot Racing Honda) from the east, will take on their western counterparts and a contingent of American stars in the quest for the MX1 and MX2 East Championship crowns.

“It’s always nice to come back to race in your own area of the country after being out west, especially doing the two Ontario rounds,” said Thorndale, ON’s DeHaan. “Launching the eastern tour of the series at Gopher and then finishing in Walton gives local riders two opportunities to race in front of family and friends. It gives you a little extra motivation.”

DeHaan, currently seventh in the MX1 Championship points, is one of four Canadians along with Homans, Blair Morgan (Morgan Racing Yamaha) and Jean Sebastien Roy (Blackfoot Racing Honda) ranked in the top 10 after the western rounds.

Although six of the top 10 positions are occupied by American riders, the man at the head of the pack is defending MX1 Champion Roy. The Acton Vale, QC native has totally dominated the premier 250cc class for the past four seasons and shows no signs of letting up this year. Roy won the first four rounds of the series, three of them with clean sweeps. In total he has claimed an incredible 45 moto victories and 26 overalls since 2001.

“The series went well for me out west but everybody is stepping it up and I don’t expect things to get any easier for the rest of the championship,” said Roy. “I’m confident in my abilities but I’m not complacent just because I’ve got a bit of a points lead. It’s never over until it’s over.”

In the MX2 East Championship, the rider to beat will be defending champion Donnie McGourty (Blackfoot Racing Honda). Although the Florida native is favoured to repeat as champ, he’ll have his hands full with a number of fellow Americans as well as 125cc Canadian hotshoes like Chamberlain, Lockhart, Cooke and DeHaan. Also in the mix will be local Ontario up-and-comers that include Kyle Keast (Lindsay); Kyle Thompson (Brigden); Trevor Hall (Queensville); Jay Burke (Hamilton) and Joel Saarits (St. Anns).

Racing action gets underway with qualifying heats on Saturday. The first moto of the MX2 East Championship starts at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Supermoto Results

From Supermoto Canada

PARRY SOUND, ON -- Results of the third round of the Supermoto Canada National series last weekend:

450 Premier Class
1. David Baffeleuf (KTM); 2. Benny Carlson (KTM); 3. Aaron McDonald (Yam); 4. Dan Rounding (Hon); 5. Jim Dickenson (Hon); 6. Doug Beattie (Hon); 7. Bill Wallin (Suz); 8. Lino Zecca (Yam); 9. Ken Bland (KTM); 10. Steve Beattie (Hon)
250 ProAm
1. Steve Beattie (Hon); 2. Lino Zecca (Yam); 3. Doug Beattie (Hon); 4. Bill Wallin (Suz); 5. Jim Dickenson (Hon); 6. Wes Cyr (Hon); 7. Allan Doneth (Hon); 8. Michael Johnson (Yam); 9. Shayne Waters (Yam); 10. Dave Arnold (Hon)

Honour Ride returns

From the Veterans Honour Ride

TORONTO, ON -- They sacrificed their youth and in many cases their lives for our freedom and on Saturday, July 23, starting at 12 noon, Canadian War Veterans will be remembered and celebrated at the 2005 Veterans Honour Ride, the third annual event of its kind.

Co-chaired by Julian Fantino, Ontario’s Commissioner of Emergency Management, and William Bell, the Mayor of Richmond Hill, and led by members of the Toronto, OPP & York Regional Police Forces, approximately 300 motorcyclists will take part in the Ride, culminating in the presentation of donations to both Sunnybrook & Women’s Hospital Veterans “K-Wing” and The Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care. Participants will also use the opportunity to personally thank Canada’s Veterans for their service to our country.

Additional dignitaries on the ride will include Major General (Ret’d) Lewis McKenzie, York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge, Acting Chief of Toronto Police Gary Grant, Ontario MPP Dan McTeague, WWII Veterans and media personalities, many riding in motorcycle sidecars.

The Veterans Honour Ride will leave Harley-Davidson Toronto on Front St. at 12:30 p.m. and will travel up the DVP, across Eglinton Ave. and north on Bayview Ave. to Sunnybrook Hospital, Veterans “K-Wing.” From there, the procession will head north on Bayview Ave. and across Hwy. 401 to The Tony Stacey Center For Veterans Care in Scarborough.

The Veterans Honour Ride Foundation is a registered Canadian charity. All officers, directors, committee members and volunteers donate their time and efforts out of gratitude towards and respect for Canada’s war veterans.

Canada has proclaimed 2005 the official “Year of the Veteran” a celebration of courage.

Parts Canada renews deal

From Professional Motorsports Productions

TORONTO, ON -- Parts Canada has renewed its title sponsorship of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship for another three years. The new arrangement takes effect with the 2006 season and will continue through 2008.

The sponsorship extension was announced at the recent Parts Canada Superbike Championship doubleheader at Race City Motorsport Park.

“We are owned by Parts Unlimited and their motto is ‘we support the sport.’ The people who come to these races are our customers. We want to support it on the backside,” said Parts Canada president James Danyluk.

The 2006 season will also see the Parts Canada Superbike Championship broadcast in High Definition television for the first time on TSN. The series recently concluded an arrangement with TSN to have the series shown this summer in one-hour episodes on the all-sports network.

“We are thrilled to extend our affiliation with Parts Canada for another three years,” said Colin Fraser, president of series organizer Professional Motorsports Productions. “They are the perfect partners. They are a very well recognized and respected company in this industry, and we are proud to have them involved with our series. The continued success of this partnership speaks volumes about the respect our two organizations have for each other.”

The relationship between the two organizations began in 1997, when the national Superbike tour began using a Dynojet Dyno to monitor the series’ horsepower limits. In addition to its title sponsorship, Parts Canada also supports the national series through the HJC Pro Rookie of the Year award, which was introduced in 2000. This year Parts Canada will also award a cash bonus to the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike champion.

Sarnia spectacular coming

By Brett Lee

SARNIA, ON -- For the first time ever in Canada, three major stand alone motorcycle events will be combined in one weekend for the most full throttle, action packed weekend ever witnessed in Southwestern Ontario.

Coca Cola and the Full Throttle Energy Drink, along with Fenwick Volvo - Subaru are presenting this event, slated for Aug. 13-14.

Nine-time AMA Grand National champion Scott Parker, five-time Canadian champion Steve Beattie, two-time Canadian champion Doug Beattie, American champion Joe Kopp, Canadian champions Dominic Beaulac, Chris Evans and John Parker, and many more of North America's top motorcycle riders will be competing.

Saturday night under the lights of the 5/8 mile Hiawatha Horse Park dirt track will be the Fenwick Volvo - Subaru Canadian National Flat Track Championship sanctioned by the CMRC. The event is returning for the first time in over 10 years to the track widely regarded as the best in Canada.

Straight from the motocross crazed culture of California will be the Sharp Tint & Graphics Mini Thunder Nationals, a CMRC sanctioned Canadian Pit Bike Championship. On a professionally built mini supercross track constructed by JetTrax, competitors of all ages and sizes will battle for CMRC National #1 plates right in front of the main grandstand. Pro classes with Pro Purses will be included. Racing starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Sunday's main attraction is the Precision Power Sports SuperMoto championship sanctioned by SuperMoto Canada. This event will feature an appearance by Scott Parker, competing on the Precision Power Sports KTM 525 SMR. He will battle reigning Canadian Premier and 250cc champion Doug Beattie, his five-time champion brother and local resident Steve Beattie, and special guest superstar rider Joe Kopp on his factory KTM. Racing starts at 11 a.m.

Roy, Lange invited to Open

By John Hopkins

AURORA, IL -- Canadian riders Darcy Lange and Jean Sebastien Roy are among the riders invited to compete in the 250cc class at the U.S. Open supercross in Las Vegas Oct. 7-9, according to Clear Channel Entertainment.

Thirty-two racers are on the list released by Clear Channel last week. The event will be held at MGM's Grand Garden Arena.

"The eighth-annual U.S. Open features the world’s top motocross racers competing for the world’s largest single race purse of $300,000 (U.S.)," a Clear Channel press release said. "The prestigious invitation list includes four-time supercross champion and two-time U.S. Open champion Ricky Carmichael (Suzuki); two-time defending U.S. Open champion Chad Reed (Yamaha); two-time 125cc regional supercross champion James Stewart (Kawasaki); former U.S. Open champion Mike LaRocco; 125cc regional supercross champion and action sports star Travis Pastrana (Suzuki)."

Supercross schedule finalized

From Clear Channel Entertainment

AURORA, IL -- Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports and AMA Pro Racing announced the 2005-2006 THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series race schedule. The schedule features some familiar venues and one historic new one.

“Once again we are delighted to bring the world’s fastest growing motorsport to some of the most prestigious stadiums around the country and into Canada,” said Charlie Mancuso, president, Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports. “The markets we will play in this year will allow tremendous exposure for the sponsors, the riders, the teams and the sport in general.”

The new stop on the schedule is Detroit’s Ford Field, which was completed in August, 2002 and is home to the NFL’s Detroit Lions. The $500 million dollar facility has 65,000 seats and is in the heart of downtown Detroit. A sprawling 1.85 million square feet stadium, Ford Field has four levels of suites and a seven story atrium. Ford Field replaces the race held at the Silverdome in Pontiac, MI, which is scheduled to be torn down in 2006.

Dec 3, 2005 SkyDome (Toronto)
Dec 10, 2005 B.C. Place Stadium (Vancouver)
Jan 7, 2006 Angel Stadium of Anaheim (Anaheim, CA)
Jan 14, 2006 Bank One Park (Phoenix)
Jan 21, 2006 Angel Stadium of Anaheim (Anaheim, CA)
Jan 28, 2006 SBC Park (San Francisco)
Feb 4, 2006 Angel Stadium of Anaheim (Anaheim, CA)
Feb 11, 2006 Qualcomm Stadium (San Diego)
Feb 18, 2006 Edward Jones Dome (St. Louis)
Feb 25, 2006 Georgia Dome (Atlanta)
Mar 4, 2006 RCA Dome (Indianapolis)
Mar 11, 2006 Daytona International Speedway (Daytona Beach, FL)*
Mar 18, 2006 Citrus Bowl (Orlando)
Mar 25, 2006 Ford Field (Detroit)
April 1, 2006 Reliant Stadium (Houston)
April 22, 2006 Texas Stadium (Dallas)
April 29, 2006 Qwest Field (Seattle)
May 6, 2006 Sam Boyd Stadium (Las Vegas)
* -- non- Clear Channel Event

McBain completes sweep

From Professional Motorsports Productions

CALGARY, AB - Calgary’s Clint McBain completed a perfect weekend at Race City Motorsport Park Sunday, winning the second half of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship doubleheader.

In a near repeat of his victory in Saturday’s opening race, the 32-year-old series veteran put his Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 into the lead just off the start and proceeded to dominate the 18-lap race around the 3.2km (2.0-mile) Race City road course.

Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke finished second on his Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR, 3.024 secs. behind McBain. Francis Martin placed third on the Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000 after a fierce battle with Szoke.

“Today was a big relief,” said McBain, who hadn’t won a national Superbike feature before this weekend. “It was time I got to the front. I proved I could do it, and I did it in style.”

The win gave McBain the lead in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship after three of eight races. He now has 139 points to the 134 of Martin. The series resumes with another doubleheader at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, ON July 16-17.

Although McBain was a little slow off the line he had the lead by the time the field hit turn 1 and by the end of the opening lap he was almost a second clear of the pack. Behind McBain a fierce three-way battle was waged for second between Szoke, Martin and the second Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 of Kevin Lacombe. Through the second half of the race Martin and Szoke constantly traded the runner-up position, with Martin often drafting past on the front straight only to be outbraked by Szoke into turn 1.

“The bike was fantastic but I’ve got to get a better start,” said Szoke, who completed the opening lap in sixth. “I knew Francis would battle with me and he gave me a hard time.”

Lacombe finished a close fourth while fellow Granby, QC rider Pascal Picotte, the defending Parts Canada Superbike champion completed the top five on the Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1.

Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, BC started on the front row and ran as high as second on the Diablo Performance Honda CBR1000RR but had to pit on lap 5. He rejoined in 16th and charged his way back to seventh at the finish.

In other action at Race City, Crevier made it three wins in a row in the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike class as he edged McBain for the victory. Riding the Diablo Performance Honda CBR600RR, Crevier finished just 0.166 secs. ahead of McBain’s Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R600 after the pair traded the lead repeatedly over the second half of the race.

Vancouver rider Olivier Spilborghs won the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike race for the second straight year on his Yamaha YZF-R6.

For the second day in a row 15-year-old Karl Daigle of Roxton Pond, QC won the Suzuki SV650 National Cup feature.

Summer festival launched

From the CIMF

Toronto, ON – Canada will finally get its own indoor/outdoor summer international motorcycle festival next July, when the Canadian International Motorcycle Festival (CIMF) opens to visitors at Downsview Park in Toronto.

CIMF will offer visitors a comprehensive showcase of motorcycles, scooters and ATVs made by the industry’s major original equipment manufacturers. It will also feature “how to” workshops, rider training, aftermarket accessories and the opportunity to demo ride motorcycles and scooters right on site. In addition, dealers from all manufacturers will be present to allow visitors to purchase motorcycles, ATVs and scooters at the festival.

“The list of OEMs participating is growing each month as we reach their fiscal year and planning cycles for 2006,” said CIMF director Kevin MacDonald. “Right now we already have Aprilia, BMW, Honda, Husaberg, Pagsta, Suzuki,Yamaha, Vespa and Arctic Cat involved.”

But the festival is designed to be about more than just bikes. Live entertainment, a motocross arena and a race paddock will provide universal enjoyment for people of all ages and interests, whether or not they ride. The festival is designed to cater to children and adults alike with many family-oriented attractions.

This week marks the launch of CIMF’s website – www.cimf.ca. For your convenience further updates, frequently asked questions and event information are available on the website.

CIMF has received MMIC’s support as well as the support of the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada.

McBain breaks through

From Professional Motorsports Productions

CALGARY, AB -- Calgary racer Clint McBain scored his first ever national Superbike win at Race City Motorsport Park Saturday, dominating the second round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

The 32-year-old series veteran started from pole on his Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 and led all 18 laps around the 3.2km (2.0-mile) circuit. He finished 4.025 secs. ahead of the Snobgirls /Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000 of Rock Forest, QC’s Francis Martin. Martin just edged Maple Ridge, BC rider Steve Crevier on his Diablo Performance Honda CBR1000RR after the two battled throughout the second half of the race.

“This has been a long time coming and it feels unbelievable,” said McBain, who also became the first Calgary rider to win the Superbike national at Race City. “I’ve been close the past few years; we’ve had some seconds, some thirds. It’s great to do it in front of the hometown fans.”

The race was the first half of a doubleheader weekend for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship competitors at Race City. The second 18-lapper goes Sunday afternoon.

With his win McBain moved from fourth to second in the Parts Canada Superbike point standings. Opening round winner Martin maintains his lead with 97 points while McBain now has 87.

McBain burst into the lead off the line and had an advantage of almost a second over Crevier by the end of the first lap. He stretched that lead to just over four seconds by half distance and at one point had opened the margin to almost seven seconds.

“I tried slowing down a bit but I made a lot of mistakes so I thought I should turn it back up,” McBain said. “It took me a couple of laps to get my rhythm back.”

Crevier ran second through the early laps while Martin charged his way up from fifth after the opening lap. He passed Kevin Lacombe for third on lap 6 and soon after put the pressure on Crevier. The two traded the runner-up spot before Martin took the position for good two laps from the finish.

“We found a good set-up for the race just before the start,” said Martin, a winner at Race City in 1999. “I wasn’t even sure if it would work.”

Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON placed fourth on his Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR after running down in eighth spot after the opening lap.

Granby, QC rider Lacombe was fifth on the second Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R10000.

In other action at Race City, Crevier took his second straight win in the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike feature. Riding a Honda CBR600RR, Crevier just edged Calgary’s Chris Peris on the Topline Yamaha YZF-R6. McBain finished a close third on his Suzuki GSX-R600.

Fifteen-year-old Karl Daigle led all the way to score his first career win in the Suzuki SV650 National Cup feature.

Both the Pro 600 Sport Bike and SV650 Cup will run feature races on Sunday as well.

Qualifying for the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike class was rained out on Saturday. Practice times will be used to establish a grid for Sunday’s race, giving the pole to Warkworth, ON’s Mark Douglas, riding a Yamaha YZF-R6.

Thunder confirms Mosport doubleheader

From Professional Motorsports Productions

CALGARY, AB -- Thunder series sponsors BMW, Buell and Ducati have announced that the class for Twins motorcycles has added a second National Championship round at Mosport International on Saturday, July 16.

The Mosport, ON event in the 2005 Parts Canada Superbike Championship was originally slated to offer a single Thunder race, but the recent cancellation of the Mont-Tremblant series round created an opportunity for an additional race at the famed Mosport International facility.

“Championships always work better if we can maintain the number of events,” explained Professional Motorsports Productions director of competition Brian Williams. “The decision by the Thunder class sponsors to add a Saturday race at Mosport makes for a more representative championship. Everyone involved with Thunder is looking forward to Mosport – we expect great racing, and the competitors really enjoy the layout.”

The 2005 season marks the first year for the Thunder class on the National tour. The opening race at Shannonville Motorsport Park was won by Ducati racer Derek Vammus, after a spirited battle with Buell racers Darren James and Bill Card, as well as early race challenger Chris Duff aboard a BMW.

McBain takes Calgary pole

From Professional Motorsports Productions

CALGARY, AB -- Local ace Clint McBain dominated qualifying for the Parts Canada Superbike doubleheader at Race City Motorsport Park on Friday.

Riding his Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000, McBain set a fastest lap of one minute, 16.534 seconds around the 3.2km (2.0-mile) track to earn pole position for both Superbike feature races this weekend. His nearest challenger was almost three-quarters of a second behind.

The first 18-lap race will go Saturday afternoon, with the second on Sunday.

McBain’s performance gives him four points toward the Parts Canada Superbike series title and the $500 MPM Array Pole Award.

“That wasn’t supposed to be my quickest time,” said McBain, who came close to toppling Pascal Picotte’s lap record of 1:16.508 set last year. “I think there was more to be had. I would not have been happy with second, and I won’t be happy with second tomorrow.”

Despite nursing a separated shoulder suffered four weeks ago Steve Crevier of Maple Ridge, BC qualified second with a time of 1:17.214 on the Diablo Performance Honda CBR1000RR. Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke qualified third at 1:17.233 on the Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR.

McBain’s Blackfoot Suzuki teammate Kevin Lacombe of Granby will complete the front row for both Parts Canada Superbike features after setting a time of 1:17.284.

McBain led the hour-long session virtually from the start. He set his fastest time just 20 minutes in, which at the time placed him almost 1.5 seconds ahead of his closest challenger.

Chardon, OH’s Tom Kipp will lead off the second row in both Superbike features after setting the fifth fastest time on Friday, a 1:17.544 on the Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R. Despite a heavy crash late in the session, Kleinburg, ON’s Frank Trombino set the sixth fastest time of 1:17.688 on his Trombino Yamaha Racing Yamaha YZF-R1. Parts Canada Superbike Championship points leader Francis Martin will start seventh after recording a best time of 1:17.849 on the Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Two-time defending series champion Pascal Picotte, who swept both races here last year, qualified eighth with a time of 1:18.085 on the Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1.

In other action at Race City, McBain also grabbed pole for this weekend’s two Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike feature races. The 2002 class champion took his Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R600 to a time of 1:19.584. Lacombe was second at a 1:19.690 and Kars, ON’s Andrew Nelson placed third aboard the Nelson Racing Honda CBR600RR with a time of 1:20.198.

Karl Daigle of Roxton Pond, QC claimed pole position for the Suzuki SV650 National Cup feature races with a time of 1:29.899.

Pascal Anctil of Laval, QC paced practice for the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike class at Race City with a best time of 1:25.245 on his Suzuki GSX-R600. The Amateur 600 Sport Bike competitors will qualify Saturday for their Sunday feature.