Superbikes return to Quebec

From Professional Motorsports Productions

TORONTO, ON -- A return to Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant highlights the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship schedule, which was released yesterday.

After a one-year absence the classic Quebec venue will play host to the second round of the series June 2-4. The track previously hosted rounds of the national tour in 2003 and 2004.

The 2006 season will play out over seven rounds on six weekends. The series will have its traditional kick-off at Shannonville Motorsport Park, near Belleville, ON, on the May 18-21 Victoria Day Long Weekend. It will conclude back at Shannonville on the Labour Day Weekend, Sept. 1-3.

“Bringing the Parts Canada Superbike Championship back to the fans of Quebec was always a priority for us,” said Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions, which organizes the Canadian series. “We are thrilled to be heading back to Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant, a challenging race track with a rich history in Canadian motorsport.”

Following the Mont-Tremblant round of the series the tour will head west to Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park for round 3 on the June 30-July 2 Canada Day Weekend. From there the national championship visits another of Canada’s storied race tracks, Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, ON for its traditional July 14-16 doubleheader.

The series then moves to Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS Aug. 11-13 before closing out at Shannonville three weeks later.

PMP is also looking into adding a round of the Suzuki SV650 Cup at Edmonton’s Stratotech Park the weekend before the full Race City national.

Posters featuring the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike schedule will be available at this weekend’s Toronto Motorcycle Show and will be inserted in an upcoming issue of Inside Motorcycles magazine.

The series will be announcing updates to its technical regulations soon. These will include horsepower adjustments for the Dynojet dyno regulated classes.

2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship Schedule
Round 1 May 18-21 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Pro Track) Shannonville, ON
Round 2 June 2-4 Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant Mont-Tremblant, QC
Round 3 June 30-July 2 Race City Motorsport Park Calgary, AB
Round 4 July 14-15 Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, ON
Round 5 July 14-16 Mosport International Raceway Bowmanville, ON
Round 6 Aug. 11-13 Atlantic Motorsport Park Shubenacadie, NS
Round 7 Sept. 1-3 Shannonville Motorsport Park (Long Track) Shannonville, ON

Supercross live from Toronto

From Clear Channel Entertainment

AURORA, IL – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division has announced that Thursday's pre-race press conference for the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP at Toronto’s Rogers Centre, featuring defending World Supercross GP champion Ricky Carmichael and former World Supercross GP champion Chad Reed, will be webcast LIVE at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on www.supercross.cc.com.

Fans from around the world can listen to Carmichael and Reed discuss the 2005-’06 race for the championship from the opening round of the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP from Toronto’s Rogers Centre. Supercross LIVE’s Jason Weigandt will host the press conference.

Supercross LIVE!, the official webcast of the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series, will begin its regular season broadcasting schedule beginning Saturday 7:00 p.m. local time. Supercross LIVE! features live race coverage, the post-race press conference and a Q&A call in show for fans to interact with Supercross LIVE! hosts and guests.

To access all of the live webcasts throughout the season go to www.supercross.cc.com. Archived shows will also be available to fans throughout the year.

Saturday night’s race will be webcast live on www.supercross.cc.com, starting at 7:00 p.m. (EST).

Carmichael ready

From Clear Channel Entertainment

AURORA, IL – On Saturday, Canadian supercross fans will witness Ricky Carmichael, the greatest motocross racer of all time, defend his World Supercross GP championship at the opening round of the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP at Toronto’s Rogers Centre.

That evening Suzuki’s Carmichael, who won seven supercross main events last year, will begin his defense of the greatest season of all time. After winning last year’s World Supercross GP in dominant fashion, the Havana, FL native captured every other major championship, including the AMA Supercross Series, the 250cc AMA Motocross, the Motocross des Nations and the U.S. Open.

Lining up with Carmichael, the winner of 40 World Supercross GP/AMA Supercross Series races, in Toronto is the most impressive field of riders the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP has ever had. Carmichael will be challenged by two-time regional AMA Supercross Series champion James Stewart and former World Supercross GP champion Chad Reed.

“I’m going to Canada to defend my championship,” said Carmichael. “I’m excited that Chad Reed, James Stewart, Michael Byrne and David Vuillemin will be there as well. My training program is dialed in, and I am doing everything I can to prepare for this season.”

Fans can be a part of Carmichael’s return to Toronto by taking advantage of hotel and discounts on event ticket packages. For information on hotels, call Lori Parker at 416-341-2255.

Former champs in field

By John Hopkins

TORONTO, ON -- Five Canadians, including former champions Blair Morgan and Michael Island, are among the first wave of SnoCross racers selected for the field at ESPN Winter X Games 10.

Morgan, from Prince Albert, SK and Warminster, ON's Island are joined by Humboldt, SK's Robbie Malinoski, Mathieu Morin of Val D'Or, QC and Prince George, BC racer Steve Taylor in the 12 riders confirmed for the event. The field will eventually consist of 20 riders.

The other seven SnoCross selections are Brett Bender, D.J. Eckstrom, Willie Elam, T.J. Gulla, Levi LaVallee, Steve Martin and Mike Schultz.

Winter X Games 10 will be held for the fifth time in Aspen/Snowmass, CO Jan. 28-31.

SPEED and CBS for SX

From Clear Channel Entertainment

AURORA, IL – Clear Channel Entertainment‘s Motor Sports division has announced the television schedule for the 2005-06 Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series.

Broadcasting on SPEED Channel and CBS Sports, this year’s Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series television package gives fans complete coverage of the 17 races in the AMA Supercross class and AMA Supercross Lites class on both network and cable television.

2005-’06 Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series Television Schedule

Air Time Date City Class Network Airdate

6:00 PM ET 12.3.05 Toronto Supercross SPEED 12.4.05
6:00 PM ET 12.3.05 Toronto SX Lites SPEED 12.10.05
6:00 PM ET 12.10.05 Vancouver Supercross SPEED 12.11.05
6:00 PM ET 12.10.05 Vancouver SX Lites SPEED 12.17.05
5:00 PM ET N/A Various Season Preview CBS 12.25.05
12:30 PM ET 1.7.06 Anaheim Supercross CBS 1.8.06
6:00 PM ET 1.7.06 Anaheim SX Lites SPEED 1.14.06
6:00 PM ET 1.14.06 Phoenix Supercross SPEED 1.15.06
6:00 PM ET 1.14.06 Phoenix SX Lites SPEED 1.21.06
1:00 PM ET 1.21.06 Anaheim Supercross CBS 1.22.06
6:00 PM ET 1.21.06 Anaheim SX Lites SPEED 1.28.06
12:00 PM ET 1.28.06 San Francisco Supercross CBS 1.29.06
6:00 PM ET 1.28.06 San Francisco SX Lites SPEED 2.4.06
5:00 PM ET 2.4.06 Anaheim Supercross SPEED 2.5.06
6:00 PM ET 2.4.06 Anaheim SX Lites SPEED 2.11.06
12:00 PM ET 2.11.06 San Diego Supercross CBS 2.12.06
6:00 PM ET 2.11.06 San Diego SX Lites SPEED 2.18.06
12:30 PM ET 2.18.06 St. Louis Supercross CBS 2.19.06
6:00 PM ET 2.18.06 St. Louis SX Lites SPEED 2.25.06
4:30 PM ET 2.25.06 Atlanta Supercross SPEED 2.26.06
6:00 PM ET 2.25.06 Atlanta SX Lites SPEED 3.4.06
6:00 PM ET 3.4.06 Indianapolis Supercross SPEED 3.5.06
6:00 PM ET 3.4.06 Indianapolis SX Lites SPEED 3.11.06
6:00 PM ET 3.18.06 Orlando Supercross SPEED 3.19.06
6:00 PM ET 3.18.06 Orlando SX Lites SPEED 3.25.06
6:00 PM ET 3.25.06 Detroit Supercross SPEED 3.26.06
6:00 PM ET 3.25.06 Detroit SX Lites SPEED 4.1.06
6:00 PM ET 4.1.06 Houston Supercross SPEED 4.2.06
6:00 PM ET 4.1.06 Houston SX Lites SPEED 4.8.06
6:00 PM ET 4.22.06 Irving Supercross SPEED 4.23.06
6:00 PM ET 4.22.06 Irving SX Lites SPEED 4.29.06
12:30 PM ET 4.29.06 Seattle Supercross CBS 4.30.06
7:30 PM ET 4.29.06 Seattle SX Lites SPEED 5.6.06
6:00 PM ET 5.6.06 Las Vegas Supercross SPEED 5.7.06
7:30 PM ET 5.6.06 Las Vegas SX Lites SPEED 5.13.06

Just for openers

By John Hopkins

TORONTO, ON -- Want your face painted for free, great food and awesome deals to boot? Then you may want to check out the Jack n' Jills Motorsports open house tomorrow (Saturday).

Low priced items include HJC Floater suits at $249, plus taxes, 8,000 watt gas power generators at $2195 while quantities last, Woody studs with washer $2.49 and full face helmets for $99.99, taxes included.

Family fun includes free face painting, coffee, hot chocolate and hourly giveaways. There will also be a BBQ with all proceeds going to the Georgian Bay Snow Riders.

More information is available toll free at 877-527-4386. Jack n' Jills is located at 105 4th Street in Midland.

Tour of Hope in '06

From Sherri Deschamps

On Saturday, June 24, 2006 the Prostate Extreme Team will be looking for motor head enthusiasts in the Flamborough area to come out and join fellow riders from across Ontario to raise awareness and funds for Prostate Cancer Research.

The ride will begin at the Flamboro Valley Campground and travel the scenic back roads of the beautiful Flamborough Region

A minimum event pledge of $50 is required along with a $25 entry fee, which includes a hot lunch after the ride, extensive prize table and a great opportunity to meet other motorcycle enthusiasts all riding for a great cause from all over Ontario.

Prostate Cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men. Prostate Cancer affects one in seven men in the course of their lifetime. If left untreated Prostate Cancer can be life threatening, however with early detection, cure rates are as high as 95 per cent. All men over the age of 40 are potentially at risk and should speak to their doctor about annual testing.

The Prostate Extreme Team is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising both awareness and funds for the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada and is please to announce the second of three events for its 2006 “Tour of Hope” fundraising campaigns.

The Prostate Cancer Tour of Hope consists of a “Tour of Hope Snowmobile Ride," a “Tour of Hope Motorcycle Ride” and a “Tour of Hope ATV Ride." For more information on the Prostate Extreme Team's upcoming events, or to download pledge and registration forms please visit www.prostateextremeteam.com or call 1-905-847-8077.

This ride is a family event and is open to all.

Vuillemin in Vancouver

From Clear Channel Entertainment

ROCKFORD, IL -- Clear Channel Entertainment‘s Motor Sports division has announced that Team BooKoo rider David Vuillemin will race at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium Dec. 10, the second stop of the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP.

Vuillemin, who finished fourth in last year’s AMA Supercross Series, has seven career 250cc main event wins and has finished second place in the AMA Supercross Series twice throughout his career (‘00 and ’02). In 2003, Vuillemin won the opening round of World Supercross GP in Geneva, Switzerland.

“I am really excited to race Vancouver for the first time,” said Vuillemin. “I've never been there before! I am also excited to do my first official race with Team BooKoo. I am sure my mechanic, JP Savard, is happy to go race up there (Canada) since he is Canadian. He will take great pride in putting a well-tuned race bike on the line for me and Team BooKoo.”

“We are looking forward to David lining up in Vancouver,” said team owner Michael Holigan. “We have been doing a lot of testing with the Honda CR250, and this will be a great opportunity to see where we are at.”

SUPERSHOW welcomes all

From the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW

TORONTO, ON – When Danica Patrick began to make a name in IndyCar racing, she proved that women also love fast toys. More and more women are joining the world of motorcycle enthusiasts and are being welcomed whole-heartedly, because any motorcyclist can tell you that once you move from passenger to rider, there is no turning back.

To see the best the motorcycle industry has to offer for men and women, North America’s largest motorcycle show is the place to be. Set for Jan. 6-8, the 2006 edition of the North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW is celebrating 30th years of “Everything to do With Motorcycling”.

When Speed Channel asked Michele Smith to host the popular American Thunder, no one knew what a true motorcycle enthusiast she would become. Loving every minute she is in the industry and all the great bikes that she gets to test, Michele has been quoted as saying “just hearing the sound of a motorcycle gets me going, it's really a rush!” Michele can be seen all three days of the SUPERSHOW.

Humber College’s motorcycle rider training program has added a new feature to their Rider Academy at the SUPERSHOW called “She Rides – Resources for Lady Riders." These free seminars are educational and a not-to-miss for all new female motorcycle enthusiasts.

Also designed to educate new female riders, WIMA (Women’s International Motorcycle Association) will run demonstrations throughout the weekend on topics geared specifically to women such as “How to Pick up Your Fallen Bike."

Exclusive to SUPERSHOW 2006, a new Airbrush Body Painting feature, “The Human Canvas," will present airbrush artist De Anne Lamirande. From her booth, Airways Airbrushing, De Anne will paint onto live female and male models as show attendees watch her artistry come to life on living, breathing canvases. Themes include motorcycle riding gear, animal art and exhibitor corporate identity themes.

De Anne is one of the few female airbrush artists in a field dominated by men. Look for her finished works of art on display and walking around the Show.

Title sponsor for World Enduro

By John Hopkins

HAMILTON, ON -- Georgian Bay Country has been officially named title sponsor of the FIM World Enduro Championship round slated for Parry Sound, ON next July 15-16, according to a press release from the CMA.

The organization acts as the tourism marketing association for the region, the CMA release said.

The event title will be the 2006 Georgian Bay Country Canadian Grand Prix.

"We are extremely pleased to be the exclusive title sponsor of the Canadian Grand Prix World Enduro Championship," said Kelly Krist, manager, Georgian Bay Country in the press release. "This event will put Parry Sound on the international map and bring thousands of people from around the world to enjoy not only the Enduro races but the many attractions we have to offer. We look forward to welcoming riders and visitors to our beautiful region."

Stewart Toronto bound

From Clear Channel Entertainment

AURORA, IL – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced today that Kawasaki’s James Stewart of Haines City, FL will race in the 2005-’06 Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP that starts Dec. 3, at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Stewart, who will be making his Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP debut, joins Ricky Carmichael, the reigning Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP champion, and Chad Reed, the 2003 World Supercross GP champion, to make the most competitive Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP line-up ever.

"I felt like racing the world rounds this year because knew they would be fun, and this year’s line-up is bigger than ever,” said Stewart. “The world rounds are becoming an important part of supercross racing. I have found that I have lots of fans in other countries, and the world rounds can help our sport grow even more."

Stewart, 19, won three 250cc main events in his rookie season of AMA Supercross Series racing. Prior to entering the 250cc division Stewart won both the 125cc Eastern and Western Regional 125cc AMA Supercross Series championships.

“I think the world rounds are a great opportunity for me and our sport to reach new people,” said Stewart. “I am looking forward to seeing the Canadian fans and want to give them a great race to watch."

Reed coming to Canada

From Clear Channel Entertainment

AURORA, IL – Clear Channel Entertainment‘s Motor Sports division announced today that Yamaha’s Chad Reed will race in the 2005-2006 Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP. Reed will make his first ever appearance in front of the Canadian fans at Rogers Centre in Toronto Dec. 3 and BC Place Stadium in Vancouver Dec. 10.

Reed, 23, won his inaugural World Supercross GP championship in 2002-2003, winning his first 250cc supercross race at the Gelredome in Arnhem, Holland. That season the Australian native won nine World Supercross GP/AMA Supercross Series races as a rookie en route to his first championship.

“I’m excited to be competing in the 2005-2006 Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP events in Canada,” said Reed. “I won the championship in 2002-2003, and I am hungry to get it back. I know that Ricky [Carmichael] has once again confirmed his participation in these two events, so I am hoping the rest of the field shows up as well.”

The following season Reed won his first AMA Supercross Series championship but opted not to participate in the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 World Supercross GP.

“We are very pleased to have Chad’s commitment to race in the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP races,” said Todd Jendro, senior director of supercross, Clear Channel Entertainment -- Motor Sports. “Chad won the championship as a rookie in the 250cc class, capping off a successful season, which is very impressive. This year – with Reed and Carmichael on the starting line, the competition for the world title is going to be stronger than ever.”

"I think it's great to have Chad compete in front of the Canadian fans for the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP championship," said Ricky Carmichael, the reigning World Supercross GP champion. "The World Championship is definitely picking up steam, and with Chad and me committing to race is a true testament to that."

More new models in TO

From the Toronto Motorcycle Show

TORONTO, ON -- Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Victory and Vespa have already announced some of the new models they will feature at the Toronto Motorcycle Show. Now BMW, Ducati and Honda have made new product announcements in advance of the Dec. 2-4 show.

BMW will introduce several new motorcycles at the Toronto Motorcycle Show including the R1200S and K1200R, a liquid cooled inline four DOHC production naked bike that produces over 160 bhp. With a six-speed gearbox, Duolever front suspension and optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment and ABS available, the new 1200R is a bike everyone will want to see for themselves.

Show visitors can drop by the BMW booth and meet Charley Boorman from the hit television series Long Way Round. He’ll be at the Show all weekend signing autographs and talking to fans. Boorman and fellow Hollywood star and best friend, Ewan McGregor, had the ultimate adventure - circumnavigating the globe on motorcycles. The Long Way Round documented their travels - 20,000 miles in 107 days on a pair BMW R1150 GS Adventures.

Ducati Canada is showing the new Sport Classic models including the Paul Smart Replica and Sport 1000. These bikes package modern sport bike engineering with 1970s Ducati styling. Also on display is a 2006 999R, the street legal, limited-production base model used for World Superbike and AMA racing. Only ten 999Rs will be imported to Canada in 2006.

For 31 years, the Honda Gold Wing has stood alone as the ultimate touring motorcycle and the one by which all others are measured. Honda’s commitment to continuous improvement of the Gold Wing continues for 2006, with numerous changes designed to make it run cleaner, ride smoother and sound better, making the journey to the rider’s destination easier and more enjoyable.

It will be lights, music and action on Saturday and Sunday at Harley-Davidson’s Revvin’ into Winter Fashion Review. This exciting show will feature jackets, pants, vests and other casual wear from Harley-Davidson Motorclothes accessory line. Set on a raised runway in the Harley-Davison booth, against a backdrop of Harley-Davidson’s new 2006 bikes and accessories, it’s a spectacle visitors won’t want to miss.

Full information on the Toronto Motorcycle Show is available at: www.motorcycleshows.ca or www.sportshows.ca.

Crevier to Macau

By John Hopkins

MONTREAL, QC -- Steve Crevier will compete in the Nov. 19 Macau Grand Prix on a Honda Diablo Racing Honda CBR1000RR, according to a press release from the team.

This will be the six-time Canadian Superbike champion's first visit to the famed street race in the Far East.

"It's a great honour to be representingCanada in Macau, but this track requires one to be cautious," said Crevier, the 2005 Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike national champion, in the release. "My brother-in-law, Michael Taylor, was involved in a vicious accident a few year back - it makes you want to keep an eye open."

Crevier, team manager Eddy Brunet and mechanic Scott Cameron will leave for Macau Saturday (Nov. 12).

The team, incidentally, will be using 16.5-inch slick tires from Pirelli, the new spec tire supplier to the Parts Canada Superbike national series.

Peris to Diablo Honda

From Diablo Performance

MONTREAL, QC -- Montreal's Diablo Racing is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Peris to its 2006 team lineup. Having competed in 42 races in 2005, Chris earned his place with the double championship winning team through his obvious perseverance and incredible enthusiasm.

This past season was very successful for Peris Racing. In Canada, Chris participated in only six of the eight Hindle Pro 600 Sport Bike races, yet was able to secure a strong third place finish, including two wins. In the AMA, Peris placed in the top 10 every race with a personal best of fourth in Formula Xtreme and a sixth in Supersport.

For the 2006 season, Peris will join veteran number one plate holder Steve Crevier to compete in both sport bike and Superbike Parts Canada Championship races. Mounting Diablo Honda CBR600RRs and CBR1000RRs Peris will be on the track at each Canadian race as well as all non-conflicting AMA Superbike and Supersport races throughout the U.S.

"Knowing that he had other offers on the table, I was delighted to have Chris join our team," said team manager Eddy Brunet. "Our recent success by capturing both number one plates in 2005 demonstrated Diablo's dedication to the sport and it was undoubtedly a factor is Chris' decision to play with the devil."

Engine builder Willie Vass will once again be in charge of building and tuning Chris' sportbikes. Having built the bikes that Chris rode in 2005 will inspire the young rider with confidence. Suspension guru and engineer Dale Rathwell said, "I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Chris; he's a talented rider who can really push the bikes to their limit. With his feedback I'm confident we can tune the chassis and suspension for whatever the Championship demands."