By John Hopkins
with files from Rally Connex
TORONTO, ON -- Meg's Ride, a "Women Only" charity motorcycle trail ride and part of the Ontario Trail Ride Series takes place Sunday Oct. 9.
The event is hosted by the Northumberland Trail Riders Motorcycle Club in support of the Northumberland Hills Hospital/Chemo Cancer Clinic.
A minimum of $60 in pledges is required to enter. Pledge sheets are available on request from the website (www.rallyconnex.ca), email, phone or at Machine Racing (ask for Toni). Motorcycles must have a working muffler and be quiet. Sound levels of 93 dba will be enforced. CMA membership is required and is available at sign-in ($26 per year).
There will be awards, prizes, event memento and lunch provided, with special awards for out-of-province riders, a prize for the rider with the most money pledged, a prize for the rider with the most donors, a prize for the youngest rider of the day and a prize for the most senior rider of the day.
Ganaraska Trail Tours will supply a limited of rental bikes for experienced riders. Call (877) 939-5267 for more info.
There will be three riding loops to choose from: A novice/beginner loop of easy two-track trail, 5km in length; a similar loop of 12km and a final loop with options of difficulty of about 60km in length.
Contacts are Joanne Bulsara (anvilartistry@eagle.ca, 905-372-1506) or Warren Thaxter (warrent@eagle.ca, 905-372-3336).
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
CMRA Sunday Results
From Race City Motorsport Park
CMRA Race 6 results
Walt Healy's/Ranchman's Superbike top five
1. #9P, Clint McBain, Calgary, Suzuki; 2. #88P, Chad Pasowisty, Edgewater, BC, Kawasaki; 3. #8P, Kel Davidsen, Calgary, n/a; 4. #11P, Mikal Zottmann, Calgary, n/a; 5. #32A, Randy Herrmann, Calgary, Yamaha
Blackfoot Motosports Heavyweight Sportbike Pro & Brad Gavey Performance Riding Schools Heavyweight Sportbike Am combined top five
1. #9P, Clint McBain, Calgary, Suzuki; 2. #88P, Chad Pasowisty, Edgewater, BC, Kawasaki; 3. #11P, Mikal Zottmann, Calgary, n/a; 4. #8P, Kel Davidsen, Calgary, n/a; 5. #16A, Chad Stillin, Calgary, n/a
Bow Cycle Middleweight Superbike combined top five
1. #9P, Clint McBain, Calgary, Suzuki; 2. #5P, Guy Tomlinson, Calgary, Suzuki; 3. #23A, Shawn Jones, Coquitlam, BC, Kawasaki; 4. 88A, Jeremy Stepper, Calgary, n/a; 5. #19P, Dave Sushynski, Sylvan Lake, n/a
Walt Healy's Middleweight Sportbike Pro & Bow Cycle Middleweight Sportbike Am combined top five
1. #9P, Clint McBain, Calgary, Suzuki; 2. #5P, Guy Tomlinson, Calgary, Suzuki; 3. #23A, Shawn Jones, Coquitlam, BC, Kawasaki; 4. #88A, Jeremy Stepper, Calgary, n/a; 5. #19P, Dave Sushynski, Sylvan Lake, n/a
Quality Trophies Senior Open top three
1. #8P, Kel Davidsen, Calgary, n/a; 2. #16P, Shane Kuhn, Didsbury, n/a; 3. #88P, James McCarthy, Edmonton, Kawasaki
Universal Cycle Veterans top three
1. #70P, J. Jones, Calgary, n/a; 2. #70A, Peter Donegan, Beiseker, n/a; 3. #29A, Bill Marsh, Calgary, n/a
Definitely Different Leatherworks Formula II top five
1. #121P, Shawn Becker, Penticton, BC, Suzuki; 2. #76A, Peter Cronhelm, Calgary, Suzuki; 3. #3P, Willie Geczi, Calgary, Suzuki; 4. #113A, Matt Elder, Calgary, n/a; 5. #70A, Peter Donegan, Beiseker, n/a
Tage Davidsen Drywall Supplies SV Cup & T. J.'s Cycle Sportsman combined top five
1. #121P, Shawn Becker, Penticton, BC, Suzuki; 2. #76A, Peter Cronhelm, Calgary, Suzuki; 3. #3P, Willie Geczi, Calgary, Suzuki; 4. #113A, Matt Elder, Calgary, n/a; 5. #111P, Dave Prendergast, Calgary, n/a
CMRA Race 6 results
Walt Healy's/Ranchman's Superbike top five
1. #9P, Clint McBain, Calgary, Suzuki; 2. #88P, Chad Pasowisty, Edgewater, BC, Kawasaki; 3. #8P, Kel Davidsen, Calgary, n/a; 4. #11P, Mikal Zottmann, Calgary, n/a; 5. #32A, Randy Herrmann, Calgary, Yamaha
Blackfoot Motosports Heavyweight Sportbike Pro & Brad Gavey Performance Riding Schools Heavyweight Sportbike Am combined top five
1. #9P, Clint McBain, Calgary, Suzuki; 2. #88P, Chad Pasowisty, Edgewater, BC, Kawasaki; 3. #11P, Mikal Zottmann, Calgary, n/a; 4. #8P, Kel Davidsen, Calgary, n/a; 5. #16A, Chad Stillin, Calgary, n/a
Bow Cycle Middleweight Superbike combined top five
1. #9P, Clint McBain, Calgary, Suzuki; 2. #5P, Guy Tomlinson, Calgary, Suzuki; 3. #23A, Shawn Jones, Coquitlam, BC, Kawasaki; 4. 88A, Jeremy Stepper, Calgary, n/a; 5. #19P, Dave Sushynski, Sylvan Lake, n/a
Walt Healy's Middleweight Sportbike Pro & Bow Cycle Middleweight Sportbike Am combined top five
1. #9P, Clint McBain, Calgary, Suzuki; 2. #5P, Guy Tomlinson, Calgary, Suzuki; 3. #23A, Shawn Jones, Coquitlam, BC, Kawasaki; 4. #88A, Jeremy Stepper, Calgary, n/a; 5. #19P, Dave Sushynski, Sylvan Lake, n/a
Quality Trophies Senior Open top three
1. #8P, Kel Davidsen, Calgary, n/a; 2. #16P, Shane Kuhn, Didsbury, n/a; 3. #88P, James McCarthy, Edmonton, Kawasaki
Universal Cycle Veterans top three
1. #70P, J. Jones, Calgary, n/a; 2. #70A, Peter Donegan, Beiseker, n/a; 3. #29A, Bill Marsh, Calgary, n/a
Definitely Different Leatherworks Formula II top five
1. #121P, Shawn Becker, Penticton, BC, Suzuki; 2. #76A, Peter Cronhelm, Calgary, Suzuki; 3. #3P, Willie Geczi, Calgary, Suzuki; 4. #113A, Matt Elder, Calgary, n/a; 5. #70A, Peter Donegan, Beiseker, n/a
Tage Davidsen Drywall Supplies SV Cup & T. J.'s Cycle Sportsman combined top five
1. #121P, Shawn Becker, Penticton, BC, Suzuki; 2. #76A, Peter Cronhelm, Calgary, Suzuki; 3. #3P, Willie Geczi, Calgary, Suzuki; 4. #113A, Matt Elder, Calgary, n/a; 5. #111P, Dave Prendergast, Calgary, n/a
CMRA Saturday results
From Race City Motorsport Park
CMRA results round 5
Walt Healy's/Ranchman's Superbike
1. #9P, Clint McBain, Calgary; 2. #15P, Mitch Rathje, Calgary; 3. #88P, Chad Pasowisty, Edgewater, BC
Blackfoot Motosports Heavyweight Pro
1. #9P, McBain; 2. #88P, Pasowisty; 3. #15P, Rathje
Brad Gavey Performance Riding Schools Heavyweight Am
1. #32A, Randy Herrmann, Calgary; 2. #69A, Bruce Gatzsche, Calgary; 3. #73A, Cam Braaten, Regina, SK
Walt Healy's Middleweight Sportbike Pro
1. #9P, McBain; 2. #5P, Guy Tomlinson, Calgary; 3. #229P, Darren James, North Vancouver, BC
Bow Cycle Middleweight Sportbike Am
1. #808A, Robert Maurice, Summerland, BC; 2. #65A, Lee Smith, Calgary; 3. #8A, Steve Davidsen, Calgary
Bow Cycle Middleweight Superbike
1. #9P, McBain; 2. #5P, Tomlinson; 3. #23A, Shawn Jones, Coquitlam, BC
Definitely Different Leatherworks Formula II
1. #13P, Carey Fougere, Calgary; 2. #121P, Shawn Becker, Penticton, BC; 3. #3P, Willie Geczi, Calgary
Tage Davidsen Drywall Supplies SV Cup/T. J.'s Cycle Sportsman combined
1. #13P, Fougere; 2. #121P, Becker; 3. #76A, Peter Cronhelm, Calgary
Quality Trophies Senior Open
1. #8P, Kel Davidsen, Calgary; 2. #16P, Shane Kuhn, Didsbury; 3. #88P, James McCarthy, Edmonton
Universal Cycle Veterans
1. #14P, K. Croucher, n/a; 2. #70P, J. Jones, Calgary; 3. #70A, Peter Donegan, Beiseker
CMRA results round 5
Walt Healy's/Ranchman's Superbike
1. #9P, Clint McBain, Calgary; 2. #15P, Mitch Rathje, Calgary; 3. #88P, Chad Pasowisty, Edgewater, BC
Blackfoot Motosports Heavyweight Pro
1. #9P, McBain; 2. #88P, Pasowisty; 3. #15P, Rathje
Brad Gavey Performance Riding Schools Heavyweight Am
1. #32A, Randy Herrmann, Calgary; 2. #69A, Bruce Gatzsche, Calgary; 3. #73A, Cam Braaten, Regina, SK
Walt Healy's Middleweight Sportbike Pro
1. #9P, McBain; 2. #5P, Guy Tomlinson, Calgary; 3. #229P, Darren James, North Vancouver, BC
Bow Cycle Middleweight Sportbike Am
1. #808A, Robert Maurice, Summerland, BC; 2. #65A, Lee Smith, Calgary; 3. #8A, Steve Davidsen, Calgary
Bow Cycle Middleweight Superbike
1. #9P, McBain; 2. #5P, Tomlinson; 3. #23A, Shawn Jones, Coquitlam, BC
Definitely Different Leatherworks Formula II
1. #13P, Carey Fougere, Calgary; 2. #121P, Shawn Becker, Penticton, BC; 3. #3P, Willie Geczi, Calgary
Tage Davidsen Drywall Supplies SV Cup/T. J.'s Cycle Sportsman combined
1. #13P, Fougere; 2. #121P, Becker; 3. #76A, Peter Cronhelm, Calgary
Quality Trophies Senior Open
1. #8P, Kel Davidsen, Calgary; 2. #16P, Shane Kuhn, Didsbury; 3. #88P, James McCarthy, Edmonton
Universal Cycle Veterans
1. #14P, K. Croucher, n/a; 2. #70P, J. Jones, Calgary; 3. #70A, Peter Donegan, Beiseker
Pasowisty clinches championships
From Race City Motorsport Park
CALGARY, AB -- Chad Pasowisty had no idea when the 2005 motorcycle racing season opened that he would finish it as a champion. In fact, the Edgewater, BC resident probably would have said he was retired. He was wrong.
When BC tuner Murray Newman, who provided the Kawasakis that Dale Yamada rode to the 2004 CMRA titles, called just prior to the first race of the 2005 season, Pasowisty decided that he wasn't all that retired after all.
On Sunday at Race City, Pasowisty set the seal on a very successful comeback season by taking both the Calgary Motorcycle Roadracing Association Superbike and Heavyweight Sport Bike championships.
At mid-season, after a couple of successful races, Newman and Pasowisty came to a parting of ways. Once again it looked as if Pasowisty was headed for the sidelines, but up stepped James McCarthy of Edmonton with a very quick 1000cc Kawasaki and the two quickly formed a very potent partnership.
Pasowisty finished second in Sunday's Superbike and Heavyweight races, trailing national rider Clint McBain, who won every race he entered on the weekend. In the final for the Superbikes Pasowisty admitted that he took it easy with the championship on his mind.
"I was going to stick with Clint because he was sort of showing me a good way around the track," Pasowisty said. "About halfway through I thought, 'Man, I can't let this [the championship] go,' and I started slowing down."
Pasowisty's only real challenger for the title, Mitch Rathje startled him on lap 8 by passing him for second on the back straight. "I started picking it up," Pasowisty recalled. "I thought, 'What am I doing?' and slowed down again."
Rathje was closing on McBain when the chain on his Yamaha broke, knocking him out of the race. Kel Davidsen of Calgary took over second place in the final standings with his third place finish.
There was more grief for Rathje in the Heavyweight race. A mid-race red flag for a crash stopped the entire field and the starting order was reset based upon the previous lap. Rathje's crew had calculated the fuel load a bit too optimistically and he ran out of gas halfway through the final lap.
McBain also won both races for 600cc bikes -- Middleweight Superbike and Middleweight Sport Bike. Second both times was Guy Tomlinson, who finished the day as champion in both categories. Tomlinson even managed to lead each race, and had some close dicing with McBain before the latter finally took the point for good.
"Each time this weekend that he's been with me, he's taught me something," Tomlinson said, adding that he sees McBain as more a mentor than a competitor.
Carey Fougere of Calgary is also a double champion, earning the honour in both Sportsman and Formula II. Davidsen won the Senior Open title and John Jones is the champion in the Veterans class. Shawn Becker of Penticton took the SV Cup title. Another BC rider, Shawn Jones of Coquitlam topped the Middleweight Sport Bike Amateur class and Cam Braaten of Regina was tops among the Heavyweight Amateurs.
CALGARY, AB -- Chad Pasowisty had no idea when the 2005 motorcycle racing season opened that he would finish it as a champion. In fact, the Edgewater, BC resident probably would have said he was retired. He was wrong.
When BC tuner Murray Newman, who provided the Kawasakis that Dale Yamada rode to the 2004 CMRA titles, called just prior to the first race of the 2005 season, Pasowisty decided that he wasn't all that retired after all.
On Sunday at Race City, Pasowisty set the seal on a very successful comeback season by taking both the Calgary Motorcycle Roadracing Association Superbike and Heavyweight Sport Bike championships.
At mid-season, after a couple of successful races, Newman and Pasowisty came to a parting of ways. Once again it looked as if Pasowisty was headed for the sidelines, but up stepped James McCarthy of Edmonton with a very quick 1000cc Kawasaki and the two quickly formed a very potent partnership.
Pasowisty finished second in Sunday's Superbike and Heavyweight races, trailing national rider Clint McBain, who won every race he entered on the weekend. In the final for the Superbikes Pasowisty admitted that he took it easy with the championship on his mind.
"I was going to stick with Clint because he was sort of showing me a good way around the track," Pasowisty said. "About halfway through I thought, 'Man, I can't let this [the championship] go,' and I started slowing down."
Pasowisty's only real challenger for the title, Mitch Rathje startled him on lap 8 by passing him for second on the back straight. "I started picking it up," Pasowisty recalled. "I thought, 'What am I doing?' and slowed down again."
Rathje was closing on McBain when the chain on his Yamaha broke, knocking him out of the race. Kel Davidsen of Calgary took over second place in the final standings with his third place finish.
There was more grief for Rathje in the Heavyweight race. A mid-race red flag for a crash stopped the entire field and the starting order was reset based upon the previous lap. Rathje's crew had calculated the fuel load a bit too optimistically and he ran out of gas halfway through the final lap.
McBain also won both races for 600cc bikes -- Middleweight Superbike and Middleweight Sport Bike. Second both times was Guy Tomlinson, who finished the day as champion in both categories. Tomlinson even managed to lead each race, and had some close dicing with McBain before the latter finally took the point for good.
"Each time this weekend that he's been with me, he's taught me something," Tomlinson said, adding that he sees McBain as more a mentor than a competitor.
Carey Fougere of Calgary is also a double champion, earning the honour in both Sportsman and Formula II. Davidsen won the Senior Open title and John Jones is the champion in the Veterans class. Shawn Becker of Penticton took the SV Cup title. Another BC rider, Shawn Jones of Coquitlam topped the Middleweight Sport Bike Amateur class and Cam Braaten of Regina was tops among the Heavyweight Amateurs.
Blackfoot re-signs riders
From Blackfoot Motosports
CALGARY, AB -- Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing is pleased to announce the re-signing of five-time consecutive MX1 champion Jean Sebastien Roy, two-time consecutive MX2 West champion Dusty Klatt, and MX2 East championship No. 3 ranked Mitch Cooke for the 2006 CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships.
Quebec’s JSR and British Columbia’s Klatt will campaign the 2006 MX1 CMRC National Motocross Championships aboard the potent Honda CRF450R four-stroke. Cooke will campaign the four western rounds of the MX1 points chase and then focus exclusively on the MX2 East Championship. The Nova Scotia native, who won his first ever national moto this year will ride the all new dual-exhaust 2006 CRF250R.
The team will also contest the ’05 NAPA Montreal Supercross Oct. 1 and both Canadian rounds of the World Championship Supercross to be held in Toronto, Dec. 3 and Vancouver Dec. 10. American rider Chad Charbonneau who finished the year in forth position in the MX2 East series will also be joining the team in these events.
“We’re excited to have JSR, Dusty, and Mitch back with us for another season of great racing next year. The 2005 Hondas were awesome, championship winning bikes and we’re convinced the ’06 models will be even better,” said Blackfoot team manager Jason Mitchell. “We’re also happy to announce that the team will be at the Montreal Supercross in October and the World Championship Supercross rounds in Toronto and Vancouver in December.
“While we have signed our Canadian contingent of riders we are still in discussions and confirm our additional riders for the 2006 CMRC series including our MX2 West rider.”
CALGARY, AB -- Team Honda Canada Blackfoot Fox Racing is pleased to announce the re-signing of five-time consecutive MX1 champion Jean Sebastien Roy, two-time consecutive MX2 West champion Dusty Klatt, and MX2 East championship No. 3 ranked Mitch Cooke for the 2006 CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships.
Quebec’s JSR and British Columbia’s Klatt will campaign the 2006 MX1 CMRC National Motocross Championships aboard the potent Honda CRF450R four-stroke. Cooke will campaign the four western rounds of the MX1 points chase and then focus exclusively on the MX2 East Championship. The Nova Scotia native, who won his first ever national moto this year will ride the all new dual-exhaust 2006 CRF250R.
The team will also contest the ’05 NAPA Montreal Supercross Oct. 1 and both Canadian rounds of the World Championship Supercross to be held in Toronto, Dec. 3 and Vancouver Dec. 10. American rider Chad Charbonneau who finished the year in forth position in the MX2 East series will also be joining the team in these events.
“We’re excited to have JSR, Dusty, and Mitch back with us for another season of great racing next year. The 2005 Hondas were awesome, championship winning bikes and we’re convinced the ’06 models will be even better,” said Blackfoot team manager Jason Mitchell. “We’re also happy to announce that the team will be at the Montreal Supercross in October and the World Championship Supercross rounds in Toronto and Vancouver in December.
“While we have signed our Canadian contingent of riders we are still in discussions and confirm our additional riders for the 2006 CMRC series including our MX2 West rider.”
Friday, September 16, 2005
Would Someone Tell Rossi He's Driving a Ferrari in 2007...
By James NeilsonMore from the ongoing will-he-or-won’t-he rumour that MotoGP King Valentino Rossi is headed to Ferrari to partner Mclaren star Kimi Raikkonen in 2007...
In an interview with Italian Newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport Rossi nixed rumours that he was heading for Formula One after his Yamaha MotoGP contract expires after the 2006 season. Rossi goes so far as to say that Ferrari tech boss Ross Brawn’s comments about a testing program already being in place for next year are categorically untrue.
Since the rumours began Rossi has maintained his MotoGP commitments would not allow him the time required to learn the complexities of driving a modern-day, state-of –the-art, Formula One machine.
"Let's suppose it's only six of them (Ferrari Tests): it would be almost a full time effort, and it would mean I decided to race in F1, which I haven't."
"If one day this happens, then I would only do it to try to win, and this requires a 100% effort, both mentally and time-wise."
"I heard Ross Brawn's words with a smile: maybe for programs regarding myself it would be nice if I too was informed about them. Instead I don't know anything about that and it's not in my plans."
"Everyone talks about me, without me being part of that environment, it's a really strange thing," he said.
Rossi even hits out at some Formula One luminaries for negative comments they have made to the press.
"And I also hear sharp, even nasty opinions about myself," he added.
"(Flavio) Briatore, (Giancarlo) Fisichella, and (Jarno) Trulli: maybe they are a bit envious of me, with a will to demonstrate that the F1 world and drivers are better than those of motorbikes. I think the opposite, but then again maybe they're afraid of me. "
By nature I can't think of what will happen in two years' time and start to get ready now. But it's clear that I have to do something, to find new challenges."
Don’t you just love good old fashioned trash talking? It's interesting that those most vocally against Rossi entering Formula One are the two Italian drivers, Fisichella and Trulli. Maybe they’re true colours aren’t Maranello red…They look awfully green when the subject of Rossi to Ferrari comes up.
Briatore just likes to add his two cents to everything though...There will be more on this one for sure.
For more Rossi stuff check out http://www.rossifiles.com/.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Welland this weekend
From CMRC Racing
WELLAND, ON -- The Welland County Motorcycle Club (WCMC) will host round 7 of the CMRC Canadian National Dirt Track Series Saturday.
This great event will also be a fund raiser for the Special Olympics. The Welland County Motorcycle Club / Niagara Motorcycle Raceway will donate $2 from each adult admission to the Special Olympics Committee. The Special Olympics Committee will also be conducting a ½ & ½ draw, raffles for prizes and other fundraisers at the races. The funds raised will be used to send Niagara area Special Olympians to future Special Olympics throughout North America.
The club asks that the riders support this fundraiser by making themselves available in the grandstands area between races to sign autographs. To this end, please bring photos to sign and hand out. There is no fixed schedule for the signing, whenever you have time between your races.
The 23-acre property is located near the south-east corner of Welland, an easy 15 to 20 minutes ride from Niagara Falls, and the border at Buffalo.
The Club grounds feature a large, 4000 sq. ft. clubhouse, a covered pavilion, washrooms and showers (hot and cold running water), a large camping area and a fast 1/4 mile oval dirt race track. The property is completely fenced, providing ample security.
WELLAND, ON -- The Welland County Motorcycle Club (WCMC) will host round 7 of the CMRC Canadian National Dirt Track Series Saturday.
This great event will also be a fund raiser for the Special Olympics. The Welland County Motorcycle Club / Niagara Motorcycle Raceway will donate $2 from each adult admission to the Special Olympics Committee. The Special Olympics Committee will also be conducting a ½ & ½ draw, raffles for prizes and other fundraisers at the races. The funds raised will be used to send Niagara area Special Olympians to future Special Olympics throughout North America.
The club asks that the riders support this fundraiser by making themselves available in the grandstands area between races to sign autographs. To this end, please bring photos to sign and hand out. There is no fixed schedule for the signing, whenever you have time between your races.
The 23-acre property is located near the south-east corner of Welland, an easy 15 to 20 minutes ride from Niagara Falls, and the border at Buffalo.
The Club grounds feature a large, 4000 sq. ft. clubhouse, a covered pavilion, washrooms and showers (hot and cold running water), a large camping area and a fast 1/4 mile oval dirt race track. The property is completely fenced, providing ample security.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
McCullough steals the show
From CMRC Racing
WALTON, ON -- With a light breeze and a perfect 27 degree temperature, the conditions and atmosphere could not have been better for the inaugural Eastern Vet Championships race held at Walton, ON this past weekend. One-hundred-and-sixty riders took part in the event.
Sturgess Suzuki's Rob Mc Cullough stole the show taking top honours in +40A, +35A and +30A competition. Mc Cullough was chased all day by Suzuki's Bill Wallin and both Coles brothers, Jeff and Brad.
Inglis Suzuki's Bill Van Vugt Sr. battled with Chris Lee to take first in +50 while Embert Berkers took third place. In the final 20-minute moto the top three stalked each other, and they were all within three bike lengths of each other right to the checkers. It was a fast pace that turned out to be one of the day's most intense battles.
Honda-mounted Tracy Rowan took the Women's +25 title, edging out KTM's Teena Mackin.
In a prelude to Sunday's dominance, Machine Racing's Jay Burke dominated the Youth support action with cousins Andy and Marcus nailing down second and third respectively.
Sunday's race action was just as intense. The Tom Bitz prepared track remained immaculate throughout the day for the 400 rider entries.
Burke showed why he is so highy regarded as a future star as he dominated the three-moto Pro/Am feature. Mc Cullough, Marty Burr, Bill Wallin, Derek Hamm and a host of hard charging riders lined up to take a
run at the #33 Honda but to no avail this day.
The entire Burke clan had a strong showing in several classes, which made the weekend more special for them. Jay's cousin Andy raced to a fourth in 125cc Jr action and second in GP Junior. Andy's brother Marcus won the 125cc Junior class, finished third in GP Junior and earned the overall in the second annual Co-ed race with partner Jolene Van Vugt. Mark, father of Marcus and Andy, uncle of Jay, took third in the very competitive +40 division.
Other weekend notables included: Lucas Godkin, who battled B-TEC's Dustin Burr for the overall in 50cc 4-6; Marc Galeckas took top honours in 250cc Junior action; Dylan Langlois went 1-1 ahead of Connor Novak in 125cc Intermediate racing. For more results visiting www.cmrcracing.com.
Next week the Fox Fall Hi Point Series moves to RJ Motosport Park in Barrie, ON.
WALTON, ON -- With a light breeze and a perfect 27 degree temperature, the conditions and atmosphere could not have been better for the inaugural Eastern Vet Championships race held at Walton, ON this past weekend. One-hundred-and-sixty riders took part in the event.
Sturgess Suzuki's Rob Mc Cullough stole the show taking top honours in +40A, +35A and +30A competition. Mc Cullough was chased all day by Suzuki's Bill Wallin and both Coles brothers, Jeff and Brad.
Inglis Suzuki's Bill Van Vugt Sr. battled with Chris Lee to take first in +50 while Embert Berkers took third place. In the final 20-minute moto the top three stalked each other, and they were all within three bike lengths of each other right to the checkers. It was a fast pace that turned out to be one of the day's most intense battles.
Honda-mounted Tracy Rowan took the Women's +25 title, edging out KTM's Teena Mackin.
In a prelude to Sunday's dominance, Machine Racing's Jay Burke dominated the Youth support action with cousins Andy and Marcus nailing down second and third respectively.
Sunday's race action was just as intense. The Tom Bitz prepared track remained immaculate throughout the day for the 400 rider entries.
Burke showed why he is so highy regarded as a future star as he dominated the three-moto Pro/Am feature. Mc Cullough, Marty Burr, Bill Wallin, Derek Hamm and a host of hard charging riders lined up to take a
run at the #33 Honda but to no avail this day.
The entire Burke clan had a strong showing in several classes, which made the weekend more special for them. Jay's cousin Andy raced to a fourth in 125cc Jr action and second in GP Junior. Andy's brother Marcus won the 125cc Junior class, finished third in GP Junior and earned the overall in the second annual Co-ed race with partner Jolene Van Vugt. Mark, father of Marcus and Andy, uncle of Jay, took third in the very competitive +40 division.
Other weekend notables included: Lucas Godkin, who battled B-TEC's Dustin Burr for the overall in 50cc 4-6; Marc Galeckas took top honours in 250cc Junior action; Dylan Langlois went 1-1 ahead of Connor Novak in 125cc Intermediate racing. For more results visiting www.cmrcracing.com.
Next week the Fox Fall Hi Point Series moves to RJ Motosport Park in Barrie, ON.
Trombino breaks leg in crash
By John Hopkins
TORONTO, ON -- Frank Trombino reportedly suffered a compound fracture of his lower leg in a high speed crash at Nelson Ledges last weekend.
According to Jeff Bloor of Cyclemax, who said he had spoken to Trombino since the incident, the Kleinburg, ON racer was resting comfortably in hospital in Warren, OH and was scheduled to have surgery on the leg, which was broken just above the ankle, today (Tuesday).
Bloor said the accident was caused by a rear tire blowout on Trombino's bike, but it was undetermined what had led to the failure.
Trombino was taking part in a WERA event at the track.
TORONTO, ON -- Frank Trombino reportedly suffered a compound fracture of his lower leg in a high speed crash at Nelson Ledges last weekend.
According to Jeff Bloor of Cyclemax, who said he had spoken to Trombino since the incident, the Kleinburg, ON racer was resting comfortably in hospital in Warren, OH and was scheduled to have surgery on the leg, which was broken just above the ankle, today (Tuesday).
Bloor said the accident was caused by a rear tire blowout on Trombino's bike, but it was undetermined what had led to the failure.
Trombino was taking part in a WERA event at the track.
Thursday, September 8, 2005
What would it take to get Rossi in a Ferrari F1 car? How about 80 million Euros…
Speedracer: Here’s a new twist on the ever persistent Rossi-to-Ferrari rumours. At least he has a super license now…And at 80 million euros he’s a fraction of the cost of one Herr Schumacher…Courtesy www.cyclenews.com
Valentino Rossi is headed to Formula One in 2007 after his one-year contract with Yamaha expires at the end of 2006.
That’s the conclusion drawn from published interviews with key Ferrari personnel at last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Ross Brawn, Ferrari’s technical director, told the Associated Press that the Gauloises Yamaha rider could test as often as once a month beginning this winter. Rossi has already tested the Ferrari three times at the company’s test track in Fiorano.
"He is already as quick as a F-1 driver in the slow corners," Brawn told the AP on Friday.
Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo told Reuters that Rossi’s signing would be with the intent to win, not to capitalize on his immense popularity in Italy and much of Europe.
"He is not obliged to race in F1,” di Montezemolo said. “If he decides to, it is because he decides he is ready to win. He knows that he must do some tests and a champion like him goes into Formula One if he chooses to do so, if he feels he is going there to win. Neither he nor we have a pistol to our heads. If something comes of it, it will above all be his decision. If Ferrari and Rossi come together, it will be to win the world championship and not to put on a show that we do not need," di Montezemolo told Reuters.
The last motorcycle world champion to jump to Ferrari was Britain’s John Surtees. Surtees won seven world championships before capturing the 1964 F-1 crown for Ferrari.
La Repubblica, an Italian daily newspaper, last week published an unsourced report that Rossi will be offered a three-year contract worth 80 million Euros, nearly $100 million.
Kimi Raikkonen, McLaren’s current F-1 driver, would be his teammate, the paper wrote.
McCullough dominates round 1
From CMRC Racing
AUBURN HILLS RACEWAY, ON -- The Fox Fall Hi Point Series Fall Classic kicked off the fall season with a huge turnout at Auburn Hills Raceway this past weekend.
ATV Pro action was led by James Banks, Greg Gee and Ryan Nixon in front of the large crowd that jammed Auburn Hills for the Labour Day Classic. Moto 1 went to Gee, who then suffered problems in moto 2. Gee ended moto 2 in sixth and third overall. Banks used his experience to earn overall day honours with 2-1 results. Nixon took second overall with a impressive 3-2.
Pro Am overall went to Rob Mc Cullough, who lit up the Auburn track all day aboard his Sturgess Suzuki. Not only did he nail down the Pro Am win but followed it up with wins in +40 and Vet Master. Second went to Two Wheel Motorsports-backed Josh Snider. Snider had a strong day, taking a moto 1 win over Mc Cullough. Younger brother Aaron was equally strong, netting a third overall in the large Pro Am field.
Other weekend notables: Mission Cycle's Alex Kavanagh took top honours in 125cc Junior action; Kassie Boone was in top form going 1-1 in Ladies action, beating WCK's Kim Emery; Alex Bunyan outdueled Tyler Summers in ATV Sportsman. For complete results see www.cmrcracing.com.
The series moves to Walton Raceway for The Vet Eastern National on Saturday Sept.10 and Sept.11. For more information contact 905-542-5607 ext 1 or 416-997-5607. For directions visit www.waltontranscan.ca
AUBURN HILLS RACEWAY, ON -- The Fox Fall Hi Point Series Fall Classic kicked off the fall season with a huge turnout at Auburn Hills Raceway this past weekend.
ATV Pro action was led by James Banks, Greg Gee and Ryan Nixon in front of the large crowd that jammed Auburn Hills for the Labour Day Classic. Moto 1 went to Gee, who then suffered problems in moto 2. Gee ended moto 2 in sixth and third overall. Banks used his experience to earn overall day honours with 2-1 results. Nixon took second overall with a impressive 3-2.
Pro Am overall went to Rob Mc Cullough, who lit up the Auburn track all day aboard his Sturgess Suzuki. Not only did he nail down the Pro Am win but followed it up with wins in +40 and Vet Master. Second went to Two Wheel Motorsports-backed Josh Snider. Snider had a strong day, taking a moto 1 win over Mc Cullough. Younger brother Aaron was equally strong, netting a third overall in the large Pro Am field.
Other weekend notables: Mission Cycle's Alex Kavanagh took top honours in 125cc Junior action; Kassie Boone was in top form going 1-1 in Ladies action, beating WCK's Kim Emery; Alex Bunyan outdueled Tyler Summers in ATV Sportsman. For complete results see www.cmrcracing.com.
The series moves to Walton Raceway for The Vet Eastern National on Saturday Sept.10 and Sept.11. For more information contact 905-542-5607 ext 1 or 416-997-5607. For directions visit www.waltontranscan.ca
Wednesday, September 7, 2005
New models slated for Toronto show
From the Toronto Motorcycle Show
TORONTO, ON -- Excitement is building as the major manufacturers prepare to launch new models at the Toronto Motorcycle Show. More than 125 exhibitors will meet more than 35,000 visitors when the Show returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Dec. 2-4.
The Toronto Motorcycle Show is the only event in Ontario where the major manufacturers set up their major corporate displays to introduce and showcase hundreds of new 2006 models to the motorcycling public. All the major manufacturers participate, including Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, Buell, BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Victory, KTM, Vespa and Aprilia. These manufacturers, major retailers and distributors of motorcycles and ATVs will feature every conceivable product and service.
Harley-Davidson and Yamaha have made the first of many expected new product announcements in advance of the Toronto Motorcycle Show.
There will be six new models with a host of styling and engineering updates highlighting a diverse line of American V-Twin motorcycles from Harley-Davidson. Leading the way is the Dyna family of performance custom motorcycles, which have been completely re-engineered for 2006 and incorporate a new six-speed Cruise Drive transmission and two new models. There’s the minimalist FXDBI Street Bob and a limited production FXDI 35th Anniversary Super Glide. New models also join the Softail, Touring and VRSC families.
Yamaha will exhibit the 2006 Star Series Stratoliner and Roadliner with an all-new 1900cc, fuel injected, aluminum chassis. With smooth lines, classic styling and a meaty engine, the two liners are sure to be hot sellers for riders looking for a little extra on their bike. The new off-road lineup features the aluminum framed YZ and WR four-strokes and special 50th anniversary models that are sure to have longtime Yamaha fans feeling nostalgic. When it comes to sport ATVs, there is a new Raptor 700 and Wolverine 450. A camouflage Grizzly is new on the multi-purpose ATV side.
TORONTO, ON -- Excitement is building as the major manufacturers prepare to launch new models at the Toronto Motorcycle Show. More than 125 exhibitors will meet more than 35,000 visitors when the Show returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Dec. 2-4.
The Toronto Motorcycle Show is the only event in Ontario where the major manufacturers set up their major corporate displays to introduce and showcase hundreds of new 2006 models to the motorcycling public. All the major manufacturers participate, including Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, Buell, BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Victory, KTM, Vespa and Aprilia. These manufacturers, major retailers and distributors of motorcycles and ATVs will feature every conceivable product and service.
Harley-Davidson and Yamaha have made the first of many expected new product announcements in advance of the Toronto Motorcycle Show.
There will be six new models with a host of styling and engineering updates highlighting a diverse line of American V-Twin motorcycles from Harley-Davidson. Leading the way is the Dyna family of performance custom motorcycles, which have been completely re-engineered for 2006 and incorporate a new six-speed Cruise Drive transmission and two new models. There’s the minimalist FXDBI Street Bob and a limited production FXDI 35th Anniversary Super Glide. New models also join the Softail, Touring and VRSC families.
Yamaha will exhibit the 2006 Star Series Stratoliner and Roadliner with an all-new 1900cc, fuel injected, aluminum chassis. With smooth lines, classic styling and a meaty engine, the two liners are sure to be hot sellers for riders looking for a little extra on their bike. The new off-road lineup features the aluminum framed YZ and WR four-strokes and special 50th anniversary models that are sure to have longtime Yamaha fans feeling nostalgic. When it comes to sport ATVs, there is a new Raptor 700 and Wolverine 450. A camouflage Grizzly is new on the multi-purpose ATV side.
Parts Canada sponsors Arenacross series
From CMRC Racing
STOUFFVILLE, ON -- Future West is proud to announce Thor and Parts Canada as the official title sponsor of the 2005 CMRC Canadian Arenacross Championships.
Parts Canada is a national distributor of aftermarket parts and accessories for the Canadian powersports industry. With Parts Canada's distribution centres located in Calgary and London, it has the ability to offer next day delivery from coast to coast and is the proud exclusive distributor for some of the most recognizable product names in the industry, such as HJC, Z1R, Icon, Alpinestars, Thor, Kuryakyn, Drag Specialties, Vance & Hines, Hindle, Yoshimura, Moose, DP Brakes and Motorex.
"The addition of Thor Parts Canada as title sponsor to our series truly shows the tremendous support Future West has received in our efforts to showcase the best Canadian motocross riders in the biggest marketplaces and best indoor venues across Canada. We are truly blessed by Parts Canada's dedication to supporting Canadian motorsports and look forward to a long relationship," said Jamie Hellam of Future West.
Round 1 of the series is set for the newly renovated Ricoh Coliseum at Toronto's Exhibition Place grounds Oct. 7-8. Tickets are now on sale through Ticket Master Canada on 416-872-5000 or on www.ticketmaster.ca.
STOUFFVILLE, ON -- Future West is proud to announce Thor and Parts Canada as the official title sponsor of the 2005 CMRC Canadian Arenacross Championships.
Parts Canada is a national distributor of aftermarket parts and accessories for the Canadian powersports industry. With Parts Canada's distribution centres located in Calgary and London, it has the ability to offer next day delivery from coast to coast and is the proud exclusive distributor for some of the most recognizable product names in the industry, such as HJC, Z1R, Icon, Alpinestars, Thor, Kuryakyn, Drag Specialties, Vance & Hines, Hindle, Yoshimura, Moose, DP Brakes and Motorex.
"The addition of Thor Parts Canada as title sponsor to our series truly shows the tremendous support Future West has received in our efforts to showcase the best Canadian motocross riders in the biggest marketplaces and best indoor venues across Canada. We are truly blessed by Parts Canada's dedication to supporting Canadian motorsports and look forward to a long relationship," said Jamie Hellam of Future West.
Round 1 of the series is set for the newly renovated Ricoh Coliseum at Toronto's Exhibition Place grounds Oct. 7-8. Tickets are now on sale through Ticket Master Canada on 416-872-5000 or on www.ticketmaster.ca.
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
World Championship officials selected
From the Canadian Motorcycle Association
HAMILTON, ON -- The CMA has appointed the following persons as officials at the upcoming FIM World Championship events for national teams.
International Six Days Enduro: Jury Delegate - Dave Armstrong; Team Manager - Jan Van Dijk
Trial des Nations: Jury Delegate - Dan Fargo; Team Manager - Jean Bancroft
Motocross of Nations: July Delegate - Marilynn Bastedo; Team Manager - Carl Bastedo
HAMILTON, ON -- The CMA has appointed the following persons as officials at the upcoming FIM World Championship events for national teams.
International Six Days Enduro: Jury Delegate - Dave Armstrong; Team Manager - Jan Van Dijk
Trial des Nations: Jury Delegate - Dan Fargo; Team Manager - Jean Bancroft
Motocross of Nations: July Delegate - Marilynn Bastedo; Team Manager - Carl Bastedo
LeGros wins, sets course record
From MotoStep Racing
SUZUKA, JAPAN -- Canadian road racer Shane LeGros won the XF1 (Formula Extreme) division this past weekend at the Suzuka round of the West Japan Challenge Cup.
The combined grid consisting of JSB, XF1, XF2 and S-NK class machinery saw LeGros eclipse the existing class course record of two minutes, 17.910 seconds with a time of 2:16.821 in qualifying to take top spot among XF1 class machines.
Race action saw a rain shortened race with LeGros further lowering the course record with a personal best lap of 2:16.266 before a flash storm caused several riders to crash and the race to be red-flagged. The race had already passed 50 per cent distance and was therefore not restarted. LeGros was a comfortable 44 seconds ahead of the next fastest XF1 competitor at the time of the red-flag to win the XF1 class.
The course record was the second for LeGros as he is also the current series lap record holder in the XF1 class on Suzuka’s west half course.
MotoStep Racing would like to than its many partners for their support: Striker Exhausts, Agras components, Hyod Leathers, Elka Suspension, Gp Suspension, Nutec oils, Dunlop, Vesrah, KDC.
SUZUKA, JAPAN -- Canadian road racer Shane LeGros won the XF1 (Formula Extreme) division this past weekend at the Suzuka round of the West Japan Challenge Cup.
The combined grid consisting of JSB, XF1, XF2 and S-NK class machinery saw LeGros eclipse the existing class course record of two minutes, 17.910 seconds with a time of 2:16.821 in qualifying to take top spot among XF1 class machines.
Race action saw a rain shortened race with LeGros further lowering the course record with a personal best lap of 2:16.266 before a flash storm caused several riders to crash and the race to be red-flagged. The race had already passed 50 per cent distance and was therefore not restarted. LeGros was a comfortable 44 seconds ahead of the next fastest XF1 competitor at the time of the red-flag to win the XF1 class.
The course record was the second for LeGros as he is also the current series lap record holder in the XF1 class on Suzuka’s west half course.
MotoStep Racing would like to than its many partners for their support: Striker Exhausts, Agras components, Hyod Leathers, Elka Suspension, Gp Suspension, Nutec oils, Dunlop, Vesrah, KDC.
Sunday, September 4, 2005
Martin is champion
From Professional Motorsports Productions
SHANNONVILLE, ON Pascal Picotte enjoyed a perfect day but it wasn’t enough to prevent Francis Martin from claiming his second Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park Sunday.
Picotte led the final round of the 2005 season from start to finish on his Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1, but with a third place result on his Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000 Rock Forest, QC’s Martin was able to snatch the title by five points, 315-310.
“It’s easy to make mistakes when you have that much pressure on you,” said Martin, who started the day with a 20-point lead on Picotte. “I must have made about 10 mistakes before I was able to settle down and relax.”
The destination of the championship trophy, the Canada Cup was in doubt until the closing stages of the 14-lap race around Shannonville’s 4.0km (2.5-mile) ‘Long Track.’
Martin started the last lap running fourth behind fellow Suzuki riders Clint McBain and Kevin Lacombe, a result which would have left him and Picotte tied on points with 310. Picotte would have won the title on a tiebreaker with three race victories this season to Martin’s one.
But McBain went wide in the run between turns 5 and 6, allowing his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki teammate Lacombe and Martin through. Lacombe finished second on his Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2.630 secs. behind Picotte, with Martin third and McBain fourth.
“I just wanted to pull a gap at the start and control the pace,” said Granby, QC’s Picotte after scoring his 16th career national Superbike win. “I just can’t believe it. I came back from an injury at the start of the year and we worked really hard.”
Calgary rider McBain took third in the final Parts Canada Superbike standings with 289 points. Lacombe just missed snatching fourth. The Granby, QC racer settled for fifth with 276 points, three fewer than Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke.
Szoke placed fifth in Sunday’s race on the Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR, just ahead of the Diablo Performance Honda CBR1000RR of Maple Ridge, BC’s Steve Crevier. The pair ran in close company throughout the race.
In other action at Shannonville, Picotte took his first Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike victory of the year on his Yamaha YZF-R6 after passing the Honda CBR600RR of Crevier on the final lap. Crevier had already clinched the title at the previous round at Atlantic Motorsport Park. McBain completed the podium on his Suzuki GSX-R600.
Mark Douglas of Warkworth, ON won the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Championship with a fifth place finish Sunday aboard his Yamaha YZF-R6. His closest rival for the title, James Collins of Woodstock, ON, scored the race win on his Yamaha but still came up two points short of Douglas in the final series standings.
Darren James of North Vancouver finished third in the Canadian Thunder feature at Shannonville on his Buell to clinch the 2005 series title. Bill Card of Wellesley, ON won his third race of the year on a Buell and finished second in the final standings.
Fifteen-year-old Karl Daigle of Roxton Pond, QC locked up the Suzuki SV650 National Cup crown with a second place finish in the final round. Dundas, ON’s Ross Millson scored the race win.
Erick Beausejour of Val Senneville, QC wrapped up the HJC Pro Rookie of the Year Award at Shannonville’s final round. Montreal’s Diablo Performance, which oversaw the title winning efforts of Martin and Crevier, was named the Inside Motorcycles Team of the Year.
SHANNONVILLE, ON Pascal Picotte enjoyed a perfect day but it wasn’t enough to prevent Francis Martin from claiming his second Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park Sunday.
Picotte led the final round of the 2005 season from start to finish on his Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1, but with a third place result on his Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000 Rock Forest, QC’s Martin was able to snatch the title by five points, 315-310.
“It’s easy to make mistakes when you have that much pressure on you,” said Martin, who started the day with a 20-point lead on Picotte. “I must have made about 10 mistakes before I was able to settle down and relax.”
The destination of the championship trophy, the Canada Cup was in doubt until the closing stages of the 14-lap race around Shannonville’s 4.0km (2.5-mile) ‘Long Track.’
Martin started the last lap running fourth behind fellow Suzuki riders Clint McBain and Kevin Lacombe, a result which would have left him and Picotte tied on points with 310. Picotte would have won the title on a tiebreaker with three race victories this season to Martin’s one.
But McBain went wide in the run between turns 5 and 6, allowing his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki teammate Lacombe and Martin through. Lacombe finished second on his Suzuki GSX-R1000, 2.630 secs. behind Picotte, with Martin third and McBain fourth.
“I just wanted to pull a gap at the start and control the pace,” said Granby, QC’s Picotte after scoring his 16th career national Superbike win. “I just can’t believe it. I came back from an injury at the start of the year and we worked really hard.”
Calgary rider McBain took third in the final Parts Canada Superbike standings with 289 points. Lacombe just missed snatching fourth. The Granby, QC racer settled for fifth with 276 points, three fewer than Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke.
Szoke placed fifth in Sunday’s race on the Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR, just ahead of the Diablo Performance Honda CBR1000RR of Maple Ridge, BC’s Steve Crevier. The pair ran in close company throughout the race.
In other action at Shannonville, Picotte took his first Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike victory of the year on his Yamaha YZF-R6 after passing the Honda CBR600RR of Crevier on the final lap. Crevier had already clinched the title at the previous round at Atlantic Motorsport Park. McBain completed the podium on his Suzuki GSX-R600.
Mark Douglas of Warkworth, ON won the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Championship with a fifth place finish Sunday aboard his Yamaha YZF-R6. His closest rival for the title, James Collins of Woodstock, ON, scored the race win on his Yamaha but still came up two points short of Douglas in the final series standings.
Darren James of North Vancouver finished third in the Canadian Thunder feature at Shannonville on his Buell to clinch the 2005 series title. Bill Card of Wellesley, ON won his third race of the year on a Buell and finished second in the final standings.
Fifteen-year-old Karl Daigle of Roxton Pond, QC locked up the Suzuki SV650 National Cup crown with a second place finish in the final round. Dundas, ON’s Ross Millson scored the race win.
Erick Beausejour of Val Senneville, QC wrapped up the HJC Pro Rookie of the Year Award at Shannonville’s final round. Montreal’s Diablo Performance, which oversaw the title winning efforts of Martin and Crevier, was named the Inside Motorcycles Team of the Year.
Saturday, September 3, 2005
Picotte tightens title fight
From Professional Motorsports Productions
SHANNONVILLE, ON -- The battle for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship got a little tighter at Shannonville Motorsport Park Saturday, as Pascal Picotte claimed pole position for Sunday’s race.
Riding the Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1, the Granby, QC racer turned a lap of one minute, 42.905 seconds to win the MPM Array Pole Award and earn four points toward the national Superbike title. That moved him into second place in the standings with 258 points, just 20 behind leader Francis Martin of Rock Forest, QC. Martin picked up a point for qualifying fourth on his Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000 with a time of 1:44.290. That gives him 278 points.
Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 teammates Kevin Lacombe and Clint McBain will line-up side-by-side in the middle of the front row on Sunday’s grid. Lacombe, from Granby, QC qualified second at 1:43.732 on his Suzuki GSX-R1000 while Calgary’s McBain was third with a 1:44.109. McBain is now third in the Parts Canada Superbike standings with 257 points.
“I just wanted to put it on pole,” said Picotte, who came close to beating his own lap record from last year of 1:42.820. “I’m really going to put my head down tomorrow. Francis is my main competition. He’s strong. He won’t give up.”
A podium finish in Sunday’s 14-lap feature race would assure Martin of his second Canadian Superbike title. A race win is worth 50 points in the standings, with an extra two points going to the rider who leads the most laps.
Although he failed to earn any qualifying points on Saturday, Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke remains in the hunt for the Parts Canada Superbike title with 250 points. He qualified sixth at Shannonville with a lap of 1:44.693.
Lacombe also retains a mathematical shot at winning the title. He is fifth in the series standings with 234 points.
Szoke is joined on the second row of the race grid by Maple Ridge, BC’s Steve Crevier and Chardon, OH rider Tom Kipp. Crevier set the fifth fastest time of 1:44.386 on his Diablo Performance Honda CBR1000RR, but was officially eliminated from title contention.
In other action at Shannonville, Picotte was fastest qualifier for the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike feature on Sunday with a time of 1:45.468 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. New series champion Crevier qualified second at 1:45.495 riding his Honda CBR600RR and Kars, ON’s Andrew Nelson took third on the grid with a 1:45.600 on the Nelson Racing Honda CBR600RR.
Bill Card of Wellesley, ON claimed pole position for Sunday’s Canadian Thunder race and claimed the $1,000 Brampton Chrysler Pole Award in a dramatic qualifying heat. The Buell rider traded the lead with the Ducati of Orangeville, ON’s Derek Vammus on the final lap before hanging on for the win. Series points leader Darren James of North Vancouver placed third on a Buell.
James Collins of Woodstock, ON closed the gap to championship leader Mark Douglas in qualifying for the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike class. Collins put his Yamaha YZF-R6 on pole with a time of 1:50.517 while Warkworth, ON’s Douglas could only manage third at 1:51.821 on his similar machine.
Ross Millson of Dundas, ON earned the pole for Sunday’s Suzuki SV650 National Cup feature with a lap of 1:54.881.
SHANNONVILLE, ON -- The battle for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship got a little tighter at Shannonville Motorsport Park Saturday, as Pascal Picotte claimed pole position for Sunday’s race.
Riding the Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1, the Granby, QC racer turned a lap of one minute, 42.905 seconds to win the MPM Array Pole Award and earn four points toward the national Superbike title. That moved him into second place in the standings with 258 points, just 20 behind leader Francis Martin of Rock Forest, QC. Martin picked up a point for qualifying fourth on his Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000 with a time of 1:44.290. That gives him 278 points.
Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 teammates Kevin Lacombe and Clint McBain will line-up side-by-side in the middle of the front row on Sunday’s grid. Lacombe, from Granby, QC qualified second at 1:43.732 on his Suzuki GSX-R1000 while Calgary’s McBain was third with a 1:44.109. McBain is now third in the Parts Canada Superbike standings with 257 points.
“I just wanted to put it on pole,” said Picotte, who came close to beating his own lap record from last year of 1:42.820. “I’m really going to put my head down tomorrow. Francis is my main competition. He’s strong. He won’t give up.”
A podium finish in Sunday’s 14-lap feature race would assure Martin of his second Canadian Superbike title. A race win is worth 50 points in the standings, with an extra two points going to the rider who leads the most laps.
Although he failed to earn any qualifying points on Saturday, Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke remains in the hunt for the Parts Canada Superbike title with 250 points. He qualified sixth at Shannonville with a lap of 1:44.693.
Lacombe also retains a mathematical shot at winning the title. He is fifth in the series standings with 234 points.
Szoke is joined on the second row of the race grid by Maple Ridge, BC’s Steve Crevier and Chardon, OH rider Tom Kipp. Crevier set the fifth fastest time of 1:44.386 on his Diablo Performance Honda CBR1000RR, but was officially eliminated from title contention.
In other action at Shannonville, Picotte was fastest qualifier for the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike feature on Sunday with a time of 1:45.468 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. New series champion Crevier qualified second at 1:45.495 riding his Honda CBR600RR and Kars, ON’s Andrew Nelson took third on the grid with a 1:45.600 on the Nelson Racing Honda CBR600RR.
Bill Card of Wellesley, ON claimed pole position for Sunday’s Canadian Thunder race and claimed the $1,000 Brampton Chrysler Pole Award in a dramatic qualifying heat. The Buell rider traded the lead with the Ducati of Orangeville, ON’s Derek Vammus on the final lap before hanging on for the win. Series points leader Darren James of North Vancouver placed third on a Buell.
James Collins of Woodstock, ON closed the gap to championship leader Mark Douglas in qualifying for the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike class. Collins put his Yamaha YZF-R6 on pole with a time of 1:50.517 while Warkworth, ON’s Douglas could only manage third at 1:51.821 on his similar machine.
Ross Millson of Dundas, ON earned the pole for Sunday’s Suzuki SV650 National Cup feature with a lap of 1:54.881.
Friday, September 2, 2005
Picotte sets early pace
From Professional Motorsports Productions
SHANNONVILLE, ON -- Pascal Picotte of Granby, QC led the way on the opening day of practice for the final round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park Friday.
Riding the Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1, the two-time defending series champion recorded a lap of one minute, 44.655 seconds around the 4.0km (2.5-mile) Shannonville ‘Long Track.’
Calgary’s Clint McBain was second fastest on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 with a time of 1:45.124 with his teammate Kevin Lacombe of Granby third at 1:45.470.
Rock Forest, QC rider Francis Martin, the Parts Canada Superbike Championship points leader had the fourth best time of 1:45.536 aboard the Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Martin holds a 22-point lead in the Superbike standings, 277-255 over McBain, with Picotte third on 254 points. A maximum of 56 points is available this weekend -- a race win is worth 50 points, leading the most laps counts for two points and qualifying on pole position nets four.
“We’re not as fast as we should be,” Picotte said. “There’s a little bit left. We need to work on the set-up. The game is to try for pole, lead the most laps and win. It’ll be a tough race for sure.”
Timed qualifying for the Parts Canada Superbike competitors takes place Saturday afternoon. In addition to the four points for pole position, the second fastest qualifier gets three points, third picks up two and fourth fastest earns one.
“Tomorrow we will try for the top three in qualifying,” said Martin, who also won the Canadian Superbike title in 1999. “That will give me a little more room. Not much, but it’ll be better than starting from the second row. The goal is to get on the podium. That is the safest way to win the championship.”
Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON is also in the title hunt, lying fourth in the standings with 150 points. He had the fifth best time on Friday of 1:45.748 aboard the Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR.
In other action at SMP, Picotte led practice for the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship with a time of 1:46.172 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. James Collins of Woodstock, ON edged title rival Mark Douglas for the quickest time in International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike practice with a lap at 1:51.979. Alain Lefebvre of Rouyn-Noranda, QC paced the Suzuki SV650 National Cup field with a fastest lap of 1:55.864.
Friday also saw practice for Sunday’s Canadian Thunder season finale. Unofficial timing had points leader Darren James of North Vancouver, BC fastest on his Buell with a lap of 1:55.13.
SHANNONVILLE, ON -- Pascal Picotte of Granby, QC led the way on the opening day of practice for the final round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park Friday.
Riding the Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1, the two-time defending series champion recorded a lap of one minute, 44.655 seconds around the 4.0km (2.5-mile) Shannonville ‘Long Track.’
Calgary’s Clint McBain was second fastest on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 with a time of 1:45.124 with his teammate Kevin Lacombe of Granby third at 1:45.470.
Rock Forest, QC rider Francis Martin, the Parts Canada Superbike Championship points leader had the fourth best time of 1:45.536 aboard the Snobgirls / Laval Moto Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Martin holds a 22-point lead in the Superbike standings, 277-255 over McBain, with Picotte third on 254 points. A maximum of 56 points is available this weekend -- a race win is worth 50 points, leading the most laps counts for two points and qualifying on pole position nets four.
“We’re not as fast as we should be,” Picotte said. “There’s a little bit left. We need to work on the set-up. The game is to try for pole, lead the most laps and win. It’ll be a tough race for sure.”
Timed qualifying for the Parts Canada Superbike competitors takes place Saturday afternoon. In addition to the four points for pole position, the second fastest qualifier gets three points, third picks up two and fourth fastest earns one.
“Tomorrow we will try for the top three in qualifying,” said Martin, who also won the Canadian Superbike title in 1999. “That will give me a little more room. Not much, but it’ll be better than starting from the second row. The goal is to get on the podium. That is the safest way to win the championship.”
Jordan Szoke of Brantford, ON is also in the title hunt, lying fourth in the standings with 150 points. He had the fifth best time on Friday of 1:45.748 aboard the Fast Company Honda CBR1000RR.
In other action at SMP, Picotte led practice for the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship with a time of 1:46.172 on his Yamaha YZF-R6. James Collins of Woodstock, ON edged title rival Mark Douglas for the quickest time in International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike practice with a lap at 1:51.979. Alain Lefebvre of Rouyn-Noranda, QC paced the Suzuki SV650 National Cup field with a fastest lap of 1:55.864.
Friday also saw practice for Sunday’s Canadian Thunder season finale. Unofficial timing had points leader Darren James of North Vancouver, BC fastest on his Buell with a lap of 1:55.13.
Thursday, September 1, 2005
Martin leads race to the wire
From Professional Motorsport Productions
TORONTO, ON -- The Parts Canada Superbike Championship wraps up its 2005 season at Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend with Francis Martin in a strong position to claim his second national Superbike title.
The Rock Forest, QC rider, who first won the Canada Cup in 1999, holds a 22-point lead in the standings over Calgary’s Clint McBain, 277-255. A top three finish in Sunday’s 14-lap feature race around the 4.0km (2.5-mile) Shannonville ‘Long Track’ would be enough to assure Martin of the title.
But no fewer than five other racers have a mathematical shot at wresting the championship from Martin at Shannonville. Just one point behind McBain in the standings, with 254 is two-time defending Parts Canada Superbike champion Pascal Picotte. Jordan Szoke lies fourth in points with 250, while Kevin Lacombe and Steve Crevier are fifth and sixth with 231 and 223 points, respectively.
With a maximum of 56 points available at this weekend’s season finale 50 for the race win, two for leading the most laps and four for nabbing the MPM Array Pole Award it would take a remarkable set of circumstances to see Lacombe or Crevier lift the Canada Cup. But the pair are the most recent winners on this year’s tour.
This weekend’s racing includes the final rounds for four other national classes, three of which still have titles up for grabs.
Crevier has already clinched the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike crown for Honda after sweeping the AMP doubleheader, but he will be hard pressed to add to his five class wins this season.
Mark Douglas comes to Shannonville with a 27-point lead over fellow Yamaha rider James Collins in the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike standings.
The fight for the Thunder Championship took a big swing at the previous round at AMP as race winner Darren James took over the points lead.
And fifteen-year-old Karl Daigle holds a commanding lead in the Suzuki SV650 National Cup point standings coming into the Shannonville finale.
Qualifying for the national classes will take place Saturday afternoon with features on Sunday.
TORONTO, ON -- The Parts Canada Superbike Championship wraps up its 2005 season at Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend with Francis Martin in a strong position to claim his second national Superbike title.
The Rock Forest, QC rider, who first won the Canada Cup in 1999, holds a 22-point lead in the standings over Calgary’s Clint McBain, 277-255. A top three finish in Sunday’s 14-lap feature race around the 4.0km (2.5-mile) Shannonville ‘Long Track’ would be enough to assure Martin of the title.
But no fewer than five other racers have a mathematical shot at wresting the championship from Martin at Shannonville. Just one point behind McBain in the standings, with 254 is two-time defending Parts Canada Superbike champion Pascal Picotte. Jordan Szoke lies fourth in points with 250, while Kevin Lacombe and Steve Crevier are fifth and sixth with 231 and 223 points, respectively.
With a maximum of 56 points available at this weekend’s season finale 50 for the race win, two for leading the most laps and four for nabbing the MPM Array Pole Award it would take a remarkable set of circumstances to see Lacombe or Crevier lift the Canada Cup. But the pair are the most recent winners on this year’s tour.
This weekend’s racing includes the final rounds for four other national classes, three of which still have titles up for grabs.
Crevier has already clinched the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike crown for Honda after sweeping the AMP doubleheader, but he will be hard pressed to add to his five class wins this season.
Mark Douglas comes to Shannonville with a 27-point lead over fellow Yamaha rider James Collins in the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike standings.
The fight for the Thunder Championship took a big swing at the previous round at AMP as race winner Darren James took over the points lead.
And fifteen-year-old Karl Daigle holds a commanding lead in the Suzuki SV650 National Cup point standings coming into the Shannonville finale.
Qualifying for the national classes will take place Saturday afternoon with features on Sunday.
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