Peris 18th in round 1

By John Hopkins

Canadian Chris Peris placed 18th in the opening round of the World Supersport Championship at the Losail Circuit in Qatar over the weekend on his Team Bikers' Days-Yamaha-Moto1 Yamaha YZF-R6.

The series continues this weekend at the Philip Island venue in Australia.

Here are the Qatar results, courtesy of Yamaha Racing:

Race: 18 Laps
Pos. Rider Manufacturer Nat. Total Time
1 S. Charpentier Honda FRA 37' 30.955
2 K. Curtain Yamaha AUS +5.396
3 K. Sofuoglu Honda TUR +11.657
4 X. Fores Yamaha ESP +38.142
5 J. Stigefelt Honda SWE +39.168
6 K. Andersen Suzuki NOR +45.547
7 M. Roccoli Yamaha ITA +47.631
8 C. Zaiser Ducati AUT +47.682
9 G. Vizziello Yamaha ITA +48.575
10 J. Brookes Ducati AUS +49.814
11 S. Le Grelle Honda BEL +54.509
12 A. Gobert Yamaha AUS +54.702
13 W. De Angelis Honda ITA +57.362
14 T. Tunstall Honda GBR +1' 3.436
15 G. Nannelli Yamaha ITA +1' 5.482
16 D. Van Keymeulen Yamaha BEL +1' 7.541
18 C. Peris Yamaha CAN +1' 14.340
19 M. Sanchini Yamaha ITA +1' 14.556
20 V. Ivanov Yamaha RUS +1' 14.876
21 A. Velini Yamaha ITA +1' 44.747
22 D. Garcia Yamaha ITA +1' 46.385
23 J. Enjolras Yamaha FRA +1' 46.500

Peris climbs to 15th

By John Hopkins

Chris Peris will start from the 15th grid slot in this weekend's opening round of the World Supersport Championship in Qatar.

The Calgary rider took his Team Bikers' Days-Yamaha-Moto1 YZF-R6 around the Losail circuit in two minutes, 6.734 seconds in final qualifying, which was held in hot and sunny conditions after rain plagued the opening timed period.

Peris's teammate Didier Van Keymeulen, the defending European Superstock 1000 champion, was a second slower than the Canuck and will start the race 26th.

A rundown of times supplied by Yamaha Racing is posted below.

Pos. Rider Manufacturer Nat. 1st Qualifying 2nd Qualifying
1 S. Charpentier Honda FRA 2' 27.755 2' 3.093
2 K. Sofuoglu Honda TUR 2' 21.890 2' 4.089
3 K. Curtain Yamaha AUS 2' 23.872 2' 4.741
4 K. Fujiwara Honda JPN 2' 27.615 2' 4.756
5 B. Parkes Yamaha AUS 2' 24.757 2' 5.082
6 X. Fores Yamaha ESP 2' 26.887 2' 5.415
7 K. Andersen Suzuki NOR 2' 25.853 2' 5.924
8 M. Berger Kawasaki FRA 2' 30.213 2' 5.994
9 G. Nannelli Yamaha ITA 2' 24.021 2' 6.183
10 B. Veneman Suzuki NED 2' 26.770 2' 6.227
11 C. Zaiser Ducati AUT 2' 26.945 2' 6.265
12 M. Sanchini Yamaha ITA 2' 26.670 2' 6.362
13 G. Vizziello Yamaha ITA 2' 27.690 2' 6.447
14 W. De Angelis Honda ITA 2' 29.724 2' 6.647
15 C. Peris Yamaha CAN 2' 30.164 2' 6.734
16 M. Roccoli Yamaha ITA 2' 29.666 2' 6.818
17 A. Gobert Yamaha AUS 2' 28.284 2' 6.872
26 D. Van Keymeulen Yamaha BEL 2' 30.832 2' 7.972
28 A. Velini Yamaha ITA 2' 30.150 2' 8.219
29 D. Garcia Yamaha ITA 2' 28.596 2' 8.921
30 V. Ivanov Yamaha RUS 2' 30.250 2' 9.142

Peris 24th in Qatar

By John Hopkins

Calgary's Chris Peris placed 24th in a wet opening qualifying session for round 1 of the World Supersport Championship at the Losail circuit in Qatar.

Peris set a time of two minutes, 30.164 seconds on his Team Bikers' Days-Yamaha-Moto1 R6. Teammate Didier Van Keymeulen was 27th, about 0.7 secs. behind Peris in the session, which was held in wet conditions.

Here is a rundown of times courtesy Yamaha Racing:

Session 1 :
Pos. Rider Manufacturer Nat. 1st Qualifying
1 K. Sofuoglu Honda TUR 2' 21.890
2 K. Curtain Yamaha AUS 2' 23.872
3 G. Nannelli Yamaha ITA 2' 24.021
4 B. Parkes Yamaha AUS 2' 24.757
5 K. Andersen Suzuki NOR 2' 25.853
6 M. Sanchini Yamaha ITA 2' 26.670
7 B. Veneman Suzuki NED 2' 26.770
8 X. Fores Yamaha ESP 2' 26.887
9 C. Zaiser Ducati AUT 2' 26.945
10 K. Fujiwara Honda JPN 2' 27.615
11 G. Vizziello Yamaha ITA 2' 27.690
12 S. Charpentier Honda FRA 2' 27.755
13 A. Gobert Yamaha AUS 2' 28.284
14 J. Brookes Ducati AUS 2' 28.508
15 D. Thomas Kawasaki AUS 2' 28.542
16 D. Garcia Yamaha ITA 2' 28.596
20 M. Roccoli Yamaha ITA 2' 29.666
23 A. Velini Yamaha ITA 2' 30.150
24 C. Peris Yamaha CAN 2' 30.164
26 V. Ivanov Yamaha RUS 2' 30.250
27 D. Van Keymeulen Yamaha BEL 2' 30.832

Brand new west coast show

From BCCOM

VANCOUVER, BC -- The new Westcoast Custom Motorcycle Show, scheduled for Abbotsford's Tradex Centre Mar. 25-26, is being heralded as the biggest pure custom motorcycle show in Western Canada.

Not only will it feature some of the hottest bikes in North America, but most of them will be produced locally, as this area is the undisputed home to some of the world's top custom builders including professional bike builder Roger Goldammer of Kelowna, who will have several bikes on display. Goldammer's amazing work won him first place at the AMD/Custom Chrome World Championship in 2004 and 2005.

This show, presented by the people responsible for the Gastown Motorcycle Show n' Shine in 2005 and the B.C. Custom Motorcycle Show from 1990-1998, will feature over 200 custom bikes on display, more than 30
classes including Foreign, Street, British, Vintage, Radical, "Specialty" and a new "Pro Builders" class, with a $1000 prize for Best Bike.

Also featured are several vendor displays that range from custom motorcycle shops like North Shore Choppers and Jarz Performance to the B.C. Lottery Corporation and Easy Build Structures.

The Tradex Centre, renowned for its other two-wheeled event - The Vancouver Motorcycle Show - is just minutes off the #1 highway and conveniently located next to the Abbotsford International Airport. Proceeds of this event will go to support the B.C. Coalition of Motorcyclists (BCCOM). BCCOM is a professional lobbying organization that works on behalf of all motorcyclists rights in the province of BC.

For more information, visit www.westcoastcustom.ca.

Bloor building Kawi

By John Hopkins

TORONTO, ON -- Noted tuner and drag racer Jeff Bloor of Cycle Max Service has completed a deal with Canadian Kawasaki Motors to run a ZX-14R in the Heads Up Shootout class this summer.

In an email to Inside Motorcycles Bloor said he hopes to build, “the quickest street legal Kawi in Canada.

“With Hindle Exhaust building us the newest generation Sidewinder exhaust and a multi-stage nitrous system, some minor engine mods performed by Gord Bush Performance, we hope to have the bike in the 400 hp area.”

Bloor said he will be announcing a full schedule and sponsor list in the near future.

Bloor made the announcement just after returning from the first of a planned series of Cycle Max customer track days in Jennings, FL Feb. 21-23. Cycle Max provided six customers with flight, hotel, ground transport, riding gear and personal training from Superbike star Frank Trombino.

“The customers were treated as if they were all factory riders with full pit support,” Bloor said. “They only need ride and get faster.”

Bloor and Cycle Max have booked a second event at Barber Motorsport Park in Alabama Mar. 4-5. More details are available at www.cyclemax.ca.

Morgan sweeps Valcourt

From WPSA

VALCOURT, QC — Blair Morgan said last week at Park X of Quadna he was out to be the spoiler this weekend. A spoiler he was as the man they call “Superman” won both ends of the professional classes during Sunday’s WPSA PowerSports Snowmobile Tour Grand Prix Ski-Doo de Valcourt Snocross race.

Morgan (Blair Morgan Racing Team/Ski-Doo) returned to Valcourt after breaking his leg here last year; an injury that took him out for the season at a time when he was comfortably in the lead in both the Pro Open and Pro Stock points. Morgan’s return was made with an exclamation point as he was simply dominant here this weekend, as he ran away with both the Pro Stock and Pro Open finals.

Morgan took the lead with a holeshot at the beginning of the Pro Open final and wasn’t seriously challenged from there. Ross Martin (Judnick Motorsports-Dupont/Polaris) finished second, ahead of local favourite Dave Allard (Blair Morgan Racing Team/Ski-Doo).

“This feels great to come back here after last year and sweep the event,” said Morgan, who only recently recovered from another injury: a badly broken thumb suffered in pre-season testing. “This is especially sweet for Ski-Doo. This is their race, in their backyard, and we just re-signed with them, so it’s nice to give them this victory. The injury hasn’t been bothering me at all and it feels great to be back out here."

Martin’s second-place finish marked his fourth Pro Open podium finish, a streak that includes two wins. He now holds a 26-point lead in the Pro Open standings.

Allard, who hails from St. Prime, QC, was happy to earn his second-straight Pro Open podium.

Robbie Malinoski (Olah Racing/Arctic Cat) took the holeshot in the Pro Stock final, but Morgan shadowed him for six laps waiting to pounce. Malinoksi bobbled slightly going into the final turn and Morgan capitalized, taking the lead. Malinoski challenged Morgan on the next lap, running side by side heading to the finish line, but Morgan held him off and cruised to the victory, his first in Pro Stock competition this season.

“We’ve been kind of struggling with the stock sled,” said Morgan. “It feels good to win in the stock class. I was just looking for anywhere I could pass Robbie. I bumped him a few times and showed him a ski here and there, waiting for him to slip up.”

Malinoski held on for second, earning his first Pro Stock podium this year and in the process, taking the Pro Stock points lead from Martin, who dropped to third in the standings.

Dennis Eckstrom (AMSOIL/Polaris) was third, turning around a string of negative fortune that has plagued his AMSOIL/Red Bull team for the last three events.

Mathieu Morin (Warnert Racing-Formula XPS/Ski-Doo) won the Semi-Pro Open race ahead of Brett Bender (TEAM Industries/Polaris) and Phil Johnson (Kowalski Racing/Ski-Doo).

Spring show coming soon

From Bar Hodgson Productions

TORONTO, ON -- The 2006 Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show kicks the riding season into high gear Apr. 8-9 at the Toronto International Centre, 6900 Airport Road. Presented by SUPERSHOW Events, this is Ontario’s Spring Motorcycle Marketplace, now in its 17th year.

The Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show is a traditional season opener for motorcyclists as they prepare to get their bikes on the road. Vendors will have bargains on new bikes and all types of riding apparel, accessories, new parts and hard to find used parts, as well as information on safety and rider training.

Stage shows featuring Leather Fashions by ‘On The Fringe' and musical entertainment run both days of the show. Over 30 clubs, associations and race tracks will be on hand to meet the public and present their ‘Summer 2006’ activities.

The Used Bike Market brings out the deals on used bikes with a great selection of motorcycles of all types for sale by individual owners. The finest vintage, touring, off-road, racing and custom Showbikes compete for over $15,000 in cash and awards, with a top prize of $3,500 for Best Bike in Show.

The Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, The Ride for Sight and the B.A.D. Ride have been named the Official Show Charities and the Brampton Motorcycle Association is the Host Club.

Show hours are Saturday;10am-9pm and Sunday;10am-6pm. Admission is $12 for adults, youths 6 to 12 yrs $5 and children under 6 are free. Parking is free. For more information visit www.supershowevents.com.

Motorcycle Hall moves forward

From the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

TORONTO, ON -- Saturday May 6 has been announced as the date for the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Inaugural Induction Awards Banquet and Reunion.

Presented by the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC), this historic event will be the first induction ceremony dedicated exclusively to motorcyclists in the more than 100-year history of Canadian motorcycling. The induction ceremonies will continue each year in perpetuity following this auspicious occasion, with the intent of recognizing those who have contributed greatly to motorcycling in Canada. All disciplines of racing will be represented eventually, as well as the achievements of outstanding members of the motorcycling community from across Canada.

The May 6 Banquet and Reunion Evening will take place at Roma’s Place Banquet and Convention Centre in Mississauga, ON. Tickets are available for a $95 donation and can be purchased on-line at www.supershowevents.com/museum or by contacting general manager, Dave Lloyd at dave.lloyd@sympatico.ca.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Pat Gonsalves. The gala will also feature a silent auction, a keynote speaker, special guests and a chance to meet and mingle with the inductees after the induction ceremonies.

The nomination and subsequent selection process for the first slate of 10 inductees is currently underway. Nomination forms are available on the CMHFM website and the deadline for nominations is Feb. 28. Anyone may make a nomination, however, the nomination must be accompanied by substantiating documentation. To be successful, a nomination candidate must realize a majority vote from the CMHFM Selection Committee.

AX registration underway

From AirLand Entertainment

AirLand Entertainment is pleased to announce that registration for the CMA National Arenacross Series is now underway.

Two National Championships are up for grabs in the MX1 and MX2 Pro classes, in addition to the $130,000 series purse payout. There are 16 Amateur National Championships up for grabs as well.

A limited number of entries will be accepted for Pro, Amateur, and support classes. Entry forms are available in French and English online at http://www.axcanada.com.

Downie steps down

By John Hopkins

Noted road race tuner Chuck Downie will not be part of the Blackfoot Suzuki Canadian Superbike team for the 2006 racing season.

In an email to Inside Motorcycles, the Albertan said he had made the decision to spend more time with his family and to concentrate on running his business, Lakeside Motorcycle Service.

Downie was a key member of the Blackfoot Suzuki crew and in 2002 was named Inside Motorcycles Tuner of the Year in the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

Major Canadian Buell program

By John Hopkins

CONCORD, ON -- Two of Canada's most famous motorcycle road racers have teamed up to campaign a new Buell XBRR in the U.S. this summer.

Two-time Parts Canada Superbike champion Pascal Picotte, through his Picotte Racing squad will run six-time national champ Steve Crevier on the XBRR in the AMA Formula Extreme Series, according to a press release from Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada.

Additionally, defending Canadian Thunder champion and longtime Buell rider Darren James will compete in this summer's Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship on a Yamaha YZF-R6 with preparation help from Picotte.

"Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, in conjunction with Picotte Racing, will bring championship team experience to the XBRR Team Canada introductory season," the release said. "Picotte Racing, under the guidance of Pascal Picotte, will be providing the at-track support and management that will provide the competitive advantage for Team Canada. In addition to his racing experience, he [Picotte] brings research and development experience dating back to his involvement with the Harley-Davidson VR project in the early 1990s."

After a long and distinguished career in the United States, Granby, QC's Picotte returned to Canada in 2003 and proceeded to sweep both the Parts Canada Superbike crown and national 600 title for Yamaha in '03 and '04.

Crevier, meanwhile, won his fourth Canadian Pro 600 crown in 2005 and his record-extending 23rd career national Superbike victory. Like Picotte, the Maple Ridge, BC rider enjoyed a stellar U.S. career that included the AMA 600 Supersport title in 1998.

The association with Picotte is a tremendous boon for North Vancouver's James, one of Canada's rising road race talents. After narrowly missing the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike national title in 2004, James had a tough go as a rookie Pro privateer in 2005, although he did pick up the Canadian Thunder national title.

James will defend his Thunder crown with Buell in 2006.

KTM expands adventure

From KTM North America

KTM North America is proud to introduce KTM Adventure Tours for North America. Following in the tracks of the extremely successful KTM Adventure Tours program already established in locations around the world, the KTM North American Tours program will expand into Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Scot Harden, an off-road and rally champion, has been selected to direct the KTM North American Tours.

“I couldn’t be more excited about being chosen to take on this new challenge,” said Harden. “It’s important to remember that these are not competitive events. We’re out for adventure and fun – with particular emphasis on fun! Most groups will be kept small and will be matched by ability level. We can handle the hardcore enthusiast but even rookie off-roaders will have a wonderful time.”

Not only will KTM Adventure Tour customers enjoy the opportunity to ride through some of the most spectacular locations in North America, they’ll do it aboard rally-prepped KTM 640 Adventure motorcycles. Each machine will be outfitted with the latest equipment including GPS and genuine rally road-books. Future tours will allow participants to experience other models in KTM’s off-road model line.

The 2006 KTM North American Adventure Tour season will kick-off with a series of simulated Rally Experiences throughout the Southwest United States and Baja Mexico “through some of the most remote and beautiful southwest desert landscapes,” according to Harden. In addition to the tours, a complete series of Adventure Camps will be offered as well.

An official calendar will be announced in March on www.ktmusa.com further explaining the details of each Adventure Tour. European Tours can be viewed at www.ktmadventuretours.at.

CMA expands series

From the Canadian Motorcycle Association

HAMILTON, ON -- The CMA has announced that the National Championships for Motocross will include a three-round series for the Expert class.

The event scheduled for Agassiz, BC on Aug. 5-6 will be the one-event Amateur championship and include round 2 of the Expert Championship. Expert class round 1 will take place on June 30, July 1-2 in St-Apollinaire, QC. The third and final round will be held on Sept. 1-3, also in Quebec; location to be announced.

Television coverage is in place for St-Apollinaire.

Expansion of the Expert Championship is a first step in plans to return a round of the World Championships to Canada and to bring the Motocross of Nations here for the first time.

Details of the programme structure and purse for the Nationals will be announced shortly.

ITL heads west

From Importations Thibault Ltee

SHERBROOKE, QC -- Importations Thibault Ltee is proud to announce the opening of a new warehouse in Calgary in order to better serve western Canadian clients.

The new ultra modern 45,000 sq. ft. warehouse will allow the shipment of parts in the majority of the regions within 24 hours. Installation is already underway and it will be up and running in time for the new season.

Eastern Canadian customers will continue to be served through the Quebec warehouse.

The company has also announced the addition of two new sales representatives. Kevin McNutt will cover the Northern Alberta / Saskatchewan territory and Thomas Bayerle will be responsible for Southern Alberta / Saskatchewan.

Additionally, Jason Thoms has been promoted to the position of sales and marketing manager for western Canada.

Martin leads the way

From the Ride For Sight

TORONTO, ON -- In Ontario, thanks to longtime sponsors Suzuki Canada Inc., 2005 Parts Canada Superbike Champion Francis Martin will lead the Ride for Sight Parade to the celebration in Quinte West.

Of course Martin's Suzuki Superbike will carry the much sought after number one plate this year.

Unique AJS at Classic show

From the Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet

VANCOUVER, BC -- It’s the only one in the world. A unique attraction debuts at this year’s Annual Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show n’ Shine: a 1936 500cc AJS V-4 motorcycle re-created by Vancouver’s Dan Smith.

With over 30,000 sq. ft. of display space filling three separate arenas, it’s the biggest motorcycle swap meet in the Northwest. The Annual Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show n’ Shine in Tsawwassen, BC takes place on Sunday, Apr. 23 at the South Delta Recreation Centre. Doors open at 10:00 a.m.

Now marking 21 years in existence, the Swap Meet will feature parts for classic and vintage British, American, European and Japanese bikes. Also featured are club displays, memorabilia and complete bikes for sale.

Said organizer Todd Copan, “Each show we’ve grown bigger than the previous year, and 2006 looks like we’ll continue that trend. Many new vendors have booked booths, and we’re expecting visitors from all over North America, Europe and beyond.”

This year’s AJS-Matchless themed display features Smith’s unique 1936 AJS V-4, built from the ground up using only photocopies of period pictures. Dan’s re-creation is the only example of this model in existence. All AJS and Matchless owners are invited to display their bikes in the Show ‘N Shine, and all other classic and vintage motorcycles are welcome too.

South Delta Recreation Center is at the junction of 56th Street and Highway 17 in Delta, BC close to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and Highway 99. Admission is $6 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. More information is available at www.classicbikeswapmeet.com .

Morgan takes the fifth

From WPSA

ASPEN/SNOWMASS, CO — Blair Morgan came into Tuesday’s Winter X Games 10 Snocross final the odds-on favorite, and though he faltered early, “Superman” proved he had what it took in the end as the WPSA PowerSports Snowmobile Tour legend won the 15-lap race and, in the process, made history.

Morgan (Blair Morgan Racing Team/Ski-Doo), who spent the early part of this season recovering from a severely broken thumb suffered in pre-season testing, won his fifth Winter X Games Gold medal and became the first athlete in history to win five gold medals in one discipline.

Levi LaVallee (TEAM Industries/Polaris), who had dominated much of the race, finished second, earning his first Winter X Games silver medal. Ross Martin (Judnick Motorsports/Polaris) finished third and won a bronze medal, also his first in Winter X Games competition.

LaVallee took the lead from Robbie Malinoski (Olah Racing/Arctic Cat) on lap 2 and built what appeared to be an insurmountable margin in the event, which was the longest in Winter X Games history. Meanwhile, Morgan, who had fallen back at the start, began his crawl through the field. On lap 11 Morgan took second from Martin, and set sail for LaVallee, looking for an opportunity. That chance came just before the finish line on lap 14. LaVallee bobbled, and went off. While righting his sled, Morgan flew past LaVallee, taking the lead and the victory.

“I didn’t get the best start; Ross and I really battled at the line,” said Morgan, who also won gold medals in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2005, as well as silvers in 1999 and 2000, and a bronze in 2004, bringing his Winter X Games medal total to eight. “Levi had the holeshot and he was gone. I just settled into second. Then, near the end, the track really began to get gnarly, so I started going around the outside. I couldn’t believe he was on the ground at the end.

“This is a good win,” added Morgan, who, at 30, was the oldest rider in the field. “Coming from mid-pack to win is great. I didn’t give up and it feels good.”