Ste-Julie results

MX1 Overall
1.Jean Sebastien Roy 1-1; 2. Dusty Klatt 2-2; 3. Darcy Lange 3-3; 4. Gavin Gracyk 4-5; 5. Colton Facciotti 7-4; 6. Blair Morgan 5-7; 7. Kyle Keast 9-6; 8. Marco Dube 10-8; 9. Simon Homans 8-10; 10. Ryan Lockhart 11-9; 11. Kyle Beaton 12-11; 12. John Dowd 6-DNF; 13. Milo Christie 15-13; 14. Andy Mathieu 17-14; 15. Chuck Mesley DNF-12; 16. Tim Tremblay 16-17; 17. Scotty Maidman 19-15; 18. Derrick Fisher 13-DNF; 19. Chad Charbonneau 14-DNF; 20. Julian Green DNF-16
MX2 Overall
1.Kyle Chisholm 2-1; 2. Michael Willard 1-2; 3. Mitch Cooke 3-5; 4. Nick Evennou 6-3; 5. Tyler Medaglia 4-6; 6. Matt Barnes 7-4; 7. Johnny Montes 5-7; 8. Ryan Gauld 13-8; 9. Marc-Antoine Genereux 10-12; 10. Kavin Gregoire 9-13
Ladies
1.Jolene VanVugt 1-1; 2. Malerie Prochnavy 2-2; 3. Sara Laliberte 4-3; 4. Marie-Josee Bouchard 3-4; 5. Codi Ingram 5-5

Roy leads all-Canadian podium

By Angie Parker

STE-JULIE, QC – What a great way to start off the 2006 CMRC National season. Unlike last year’s constant downpour of rain, the valley track east of Montreal was bestowed with sunny skies last weekend.

Blackfoot Honda had a noteworthy weekend with Jean-Sebastien Roy taking the overall in MX1. Dusty Klatt was second to his teammate in both motos and Kawasaki Canada Richmond Racing’s Darcy Lange finished an impressive third to complete the all-Canadian podium.

Ohio’s Gavin Gracyk aboard his OTSFF Suzuki raced to a fourth place standing with 4-5 motos.

MX2 East was almost all-American with Kyle Chisholm and Michael Willard controlling the field. Mitch Cooke was the sole Canadian on the podium. He had solid motos finishing 3-5.

Ste-Julie marked the first round of the Women’s Pro Nationals. Quebec’s Sara Laliberte grasped a huge holeshot in the first moto, but Jolene Van Vugt charged to the front of the pack after running second to Laliberte. Soon after, Laliberte dropped to fourth and Blackfoot Suzuki’s Malerie Prochnavy was on Van Vugt’s tail; Marie-Josee Bouchard finished third on her KTM.

Moto 2 was comparable to the first moto. Van Vugt was on top once again, after Prochnavy led part of the way. Laliberte crossed the line third and Bouchard was fourth.

Gopher Dunes in Courtland, ON hosts Round 2 of the Nationals, June 3-4.

CMRC Nationals ready to roll

From Bull's Eye Media Relations

STOUFFVILLE, ON -- Canada’s top motocross riders will be congregating in Ste-Julie, QC this weekend for the opening round of the 2006 CMRC Canadian Motocross Championships. Round 1 of the nine-round MX1 Championship, and the season opener for the MX2 East Championship take place on Sunday at the spectacular Circuit de Ste-Julie. Qualifiers for both classes will run on Saturday.

Defending MX1 champion Jean Sebastien Roy, who has dominated the premiere motocross class since 2001, is expected to take the win in front of a home province crowd. The Acton Vale, QC native returns for his sixth season with Team Honda Blackfoot Fox Racing. Along with teammates Dusty Klatt, ’04/’05 MX2 West champion, and multi-time national champion Blair Morgan, Roy will be taking on contenders representing the other key motorcycle manufacturers: Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha and KTM.

Among the favourite factory team riders looking to unseat Roy from the MX1 throne this season are Suzuki Canada/OTSFF Motorsports’ Gavin Gracyk, Keith “KJ” Johnson and Ryan Lockhart; Kawasaki Canada/Richmond Racing’s Darcy Lange and Colt Facciotti; Yamaha Canada/Morgan Racing’s Keith R. Johnson, Derrick Fisher and Simon Homans; and KTM/Royal Distributing’s Marco Dubé.

“I know I’m going to have my work cut out for me if I’m going to win my sixth championship but I’ve been training really hard and I had my knee fixed last fall,” said Roy. “I haven’t felt this good going into a season for a long time and my confidence level is high. I know it won’t be easy but it means a lot more to win when the competition is tough.”

John Dowd, who rode to a No.3 ranking in the CMRC MX1 title chase in 2004, will be substituting for an injured Keith “KJ” Johnson on Team Suzuki OTSFF. A leg injury will keep Johnson on the sidelines till at least the third round in Nanaimo, BC on June 18.

In the MX2 East points chase, defending champion Michael Willard, riding for KTM Canada/Stoneridge, will be challenged for the title by his teammate Matt Barnes; Team Honda Blackfoot Fox Racing’s Mitch Cooke; Team Suzuki OTSFF’s Pierce Chamberlain and Machine Racing Yamaha’s Trever Hall to name a few. A roster of up-and-comers looking to make a name for themselves will further ensure that the MX2 title hunt will be an aggressive affair this season.

B.A.D. Ride set to roll

From the B.A.D. Ride

TORONTO, ON -- At any given time, 18 per cent of the Canadian population is suffering from a mental health problem. No one is immune to the damaging effects of distress. To help raise awareness, The Distress Centres of Toronto are hosting the 9th annual Bikers Against Despair Ride (B.A.D. Ride).

About 1,200 motorcyclists participate in the B.A.D. Ride. All proceeds from the ride go directly to support services provided by the Distress Centres of Toronto. Last year’s ride raised nearly $200,000.

Every year the 145 km route is surprise. Bikers travel through Toronto, Mississauga, Peel, Vaughn and Kleinburg ending at Exhibition Place. The route is designed by bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts to suit a wide variety of tastes and abilities.

This year's ride will feature Toronto Maple Leafs forward Darcy Tucker, Grand Marshall John Derringer, Q107’s Morning Man, and Goodwill Ambassador Susan Hay of Global News.

To register and receive a donation form, download the B.A.D. ride brochure at http://www.thebadride.com/register.shtml

The ride starts at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning at AMC Complex Interchange Way- AMC Theatres, Hwy’s 400 & 7 (East of 400, South of 7), and concludes at Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place.

New MCC board installed

From the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada

TORONTO, ON -- At its first Annual General Meeting, held May 6, the members of the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) confirmed the installation of its first elected board of directors. Seventeen of a maximum 18 seats are occupied.

Peter Sheppard, of Trout Creek, ON (near North Bay) a long-time participant and past president of the Vintage Road Racing Association (VRRA) was elected chair by the new board. He succeeds Steven Davies, who served as chair of the founding board since January, 2005. Davies continues on the board and executive committee as immediate past chair.

Claude Lacasse of Granby, QC, a member of the Fédération Motocycliste du Québec (FMQ) was elected vice-chair, and Dave Clancy of Proctor, BC, from the British Columbia Coalition of Motorcyclists (BCCOM) was elected secretary/treasurer.

The 17 director positions create a well-balanced board comprising seven off-road riders, six road-riders, one federation executive director involved in both disciplines, and three from the industry.

Other directors are: Pat Chambers, Toronto; Darryl Copithorne, Cochrane, AB; Gilles Depont, Lachute, QC; Debbie Gamble-Arsenault, PE; Liz Jansen, Caledon, ON; Kevin Keay Smith, Brampton, ON; Rob MacLeod, Halifax; Mike O’Reilly, Woodlawn, ON; Robert Ramsay, Toronto; Lloyd Rector, Truro, NS; Bob Smith, Edmonton; Warren Thaxter, Roseneath, ON; Adele Tompkins, Surrey, BC

Szoke back on top

From Professional Motorsports Productions

SHANNONVILLE, ON – Jordan Szoke scored his first Parts Canada Superbike Championship win in almost two years at the opening round of the season at Shannonville Motorsport Park Sunday.

The Brantford, ON rider stuck his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R past the Picotte Performance / Yamaha / Toyota Yamaha YZF-R1 of Kevin Lacombe at the end of the backstraight on lap 4 of the restarted seven-lap race and went on to claim his first victory since he won in Mont-Tremblant, QC in August of 2004.

The triumph was Kawasaki’s first in the national feature class since Tom Kipp won at Mont-Tremblant in 2003.

“It’s been too long since I’ve been on top of the box,” said Szoke, a two-time Superbike champ. “It’s been a long time coming for both me and Kawasaki. But I never lost confidence in myself.”

Lacombe, from Granby, QC settled for second and defending series champion Francis Martin of Rock Forest, QC was a close third on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Right behind Martin was the second Picotte Performance / Yamaha / Toyota Yamaha YZF-R1 of Pascal Picotte, who put in a brave ride to fourth despite struggling with four broken vertebrae, a broken toe and banged up knees suffered in a crash last month.

Szoke’s teammate Kipp of Chardon, OH, who started on pole, completed the top five on a Kawasaki ZX-10R.

The race, originally scheduled for 14 laps of the 4.0km (2.5-mile) Shannonville ‘Long Track’, was stopped after six laps, with Szoke in the lead, when Trevor MacDonald crashed exiting the Esses. MacDonald was not seriously injured.

Lacombe grabbed the lead off the restart while Szoke had to charge his way up from fourth off the line. He was into second by the end of the first lap and traded the lead with Lacombe on lap 3 before getting ahead for good on the following lap.

In other action at Shannonville, Szoke took the lead on lap 2 and went on to win the opening round of the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike Championship on his Kawasaki ZX-6RR. Clint McBain of Calgary placed second aboard the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R600 and Lacombe completed the podium on his Yamaha YZF-R6.

Karl Daigle of Roxton Pond, QC led the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike feature all the way on his Honda CBR600RR. London, ON’s Simon Blue came back from a nasty practice crash on Saturday to place second on his Kawasaki ZX-6RR and polesitter Ross Millson of Hamilton was third on a Suzuki GSX-R600.

Defending class champion Darren James of North Vancouver won the Canadian Thunder feature in convincing fashion aboard his Buell.

Brantford, ON’s Robert Busby led all the way from pole to win the 10-lap Suzuki SV650 National Cup feature.

Kipp on Superbike pole

From Professional Motorsports Productions

SHANNONVILLE, ON – Tom Kipp claimed pole position for the opening round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park Saturday.

The Chardon, OH rider set a time of one minute, 50.537 seconds around Shannonville’s 4.0km (2.5-mile) ‘Long Track’ on his Canadian Kawasaki Motors Kawasaki ZX-10R to lock up the $500 Vicious-I Pole Position Award and four points toward the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

Kipp’s time was actually the second best of the 40-minute qualifying session, behind the 1:49.680 of Matt McBride. But McBride’s Riders Choice Suzuki GSX-R1000 exceeded the Superbike class horsepower limit of 180 hp in post-qualifying technical inspection by 1.4 hp. The Mississauga, ON rider was penalized five positions for his infraction, handing pole for Sunday’s 14-lap feature to Kipp.

Qualifying was conducted under difficult conditions. Rain through most of the afternoon left the track wet as the Superbike session began, but it dried progressively as qualifying continued.

“It was a very stressful hour,” said Kipp, who set his best time on wet weather Pirelli tires halfway through the session. “No one likes a half-dry track, especially in qualifying, when there’s so much on the line.”

Calgary’s Clint McBain will start second in Sunday’s race after recording a 1:50.866 on his Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000 and Kipp’s teammate Jordan Szoke will line-up third after setting a 1:51.067 on his Kawasaki ZX-10R. The Brantford, ON rider paced Friday practice.

Defending Parts Canada Superbike champion Francis Martin completes Sunday’s front row after he recorded a 1:53.159 on the second Team Suzuki / Blackfoot Suzuki GSX-R1000.

McBride will line up on the second row of the grid, between the Honda CBR1000RR of Val Senneville, QC’s Erick Beausejour and the Picotte Performance / Yamaha / Toyota Yamaha YZF-R1 of Kevin Lacombe of Granby, QC.

Lacombe’s teammate, two-time Superbike champion Pascal Picotte will start 10th Sunday on his Yamaha. The St-Cecil Milton, QC racer is coming back from injuries suffered in a crash in April.

In other action, McBride claimed his first ever pole in national competition by setting the fastest time in Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike qualifying at 2:00.361 on his Suzuki GSX-R600.

McBride’s time came on his final lap of the session, and he just edged the 2:00.386 from the Kawasaki ZX-6RR of Szoke. Calgary’s Chris Peris qualified third fastest with a time of 2:01.100 aboard the Topline Printing Yamaha YZF-R6.

Last minute heroics also played a role in qualifying for the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike Championship, as Ross Millson of Hamilton turned in a time of 1:56.505 on his final flier to snatch the class pole on his Suzuki GSX-R600.

Defending champion Darren James of North Vancouver claimed pole for the Canadian Thunder feature with a lap time of 2:01.378 on his Buell.

Brantford’s Rob Busby was fastest in Suzuki SV650 Cup qualifying with a time of 2:03.342.

Feature races in all five national classes will run Sunday. Practice begins at 8:30 a.m. with the first race scheduled for a 12:20 p.m. start.

Ontario Supermoto opportunity

From Parker Bros. Powersports / KTM

ETOBICOKE, ON -- There’s good news on the horizon for Ontario Supermoto riders who are looking to get some track time on their bikes between races. A new not-for-profit club, Ontario Supermoto, is being formed to address the issue of finding and working with convenient and suitable practice facilities within the Golden Horseshoe.

Dave Grummett, owner of Parker Bros. Powersports / KTM in Etobicoke, has agreed to head up the club and already has a tentative agreement in place that could see Mississauga’s Hershey Centre re-open to club members for weekly Wednesday night practice sessions starting late May through to mid September.

According to Grummett, “ Supermoto Ontario is being formed to provide members with a place to use their bikes other than on race weekends. Part of the club’s mandate will be to focus on and address the insurance and logistical concerns of the facility owners. Working with the various stakeholders, the club will institute the rules and regulations necessary regarding noise levels, safety equipment and rider conduct that will allow them to partner with other non traditional facilities in the future.

"Riders need places to practice if the sport is to continue growing and the Ontario Supermoto club structure and policies will help create the confidence required to open up other new practice areas."

Practice sessions will be structured with riders being grouped according to displacement and skill levels.

For more information, check out the Parker Bros. website at www.powersports.ca or you can email Dave direct at dave@powersports.ca.

Can Martin do it again?

From Professional Motorsports Productions

TORONTO, ON -- There are plenty of questions surrounding the opening round of the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend.

Can Francis Martin win a second straight national Superbike crown? Who will succeed the legendary Steve Crevier as king of the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike class? And just how effective will former champion Pascal Picotte be as he recovers from nasty preseason injuries?

Martin will certainly be in the spotlight as the bikes take to Shannonville’s 4.0km, 15-turn ‘Long Track’ this weekend. The Rock Forest, QC native parlayed an opening round win last season into his second Canadian national Superbike title, and his first for Suzuki.

Martin remains on Suzukis and the potent GSX-R1000 for 2006, but has switched from the now-disbanded Diablo squad out of Montreal to Calgary’s Blackfoot Motosports team. The scenery is familiar to Martin, however, as he raced for Blackfoot Suzuki from 2001 to 2003.

Among those chasing Martin will be his Blackfoot Suzuki teammate Clint McBain. The Calgary rider is coming off a banner year in 2005, as he won his first two career national Superbike races and placed a close third in the final standings.

Picotte is an unknown quantity heading into this weekend. The Granby, QC rider suffered a crash at Barber Motorsports Park last month in which he broke three veterbrae, a bone in his foot and banged up both knees. Picotte is reportedly planning to ride but it is unclear how effective he will be on the Picotte Performance Yamaha YZF-R1. Yamaha hopes may well rest on the shoulders of Picotte’s teammate and fellow Granby racer Kevin Lacombe, who finished fifth in Superbike points last year with the Blackfoot Suzuki team.

The Kawasaki forces shouldn’t be underestimated this weekend. American star Tom Kipp returns to the factory team aboard the updated ZX-10R. The Chardon, OH racer was quickest in last autumn’s Pirelli tire evaluations at Shannonville and was second to Picotte in testing in Jennings, FL this spring. Joining Kipp in the factory Kawasaki team is Brantford, ON’s Jordan Szoke, who returns to the squad for which he won his first of two national Superbike crowns in 1998.

Honda Canada’s efforts will be led by defending HJC Pro Rookie of the Year Erick Beausejour of Val Senneville, QC, who will campaign a CBR1000RR.

Defending Pro 600 Sport Bike champion Crevier doesn’t have a regular ride for 2006, so the title chase is wide open to begin the season. Suzuki’s McBain finished second in points last year and won the title in 2002, while Andrew Nelson won the opening round of the RACE series on his Yamaha.

Teenager Karl Daigle marked himself out as one to watch in this year’s International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike battle as he won the RACE opener on his Honda CBR600RR. This weekend also sees the openers for Suzuki SV650 National Cup and Canadian Thunder.

Qualifying for national classes will take place Saturday afternoon with feature races on Sunday.

Keast strikes twice

From CMRC Racing

The Auburn Hills track was epic this weekend for Round 2 of the Motovan.com Ontario Provincial Championships. The $8000 of purse and prizes offered up held a second to the immaculate track.

“I really put a lot of effort into my track in the last two weeks,” said promoter Tom Bitz as he surveyed the track earlier Saturday morning. Re-designed pits, new track designs and expanded medical support made for one of the best events Auburn Hills has held in 10 years of racing.

The Pro racing was the headliner of the event with names like Doug Dehaan and Derek Fisher making series debuts against regulars Kyle Keast, Ryan Gauld, Pierce Chamberlain, Ryan Lockhart and Joel Sarrits.

Machine Racing’s Keast (MX1 1-1, MX2 2-1) raced to two overall wins in both the MX1 and MX2 action. “I actually got a couple of good starts, and that helps with the guys going so good here this weekend,” said Keast. “I am pretty happy so far. Next weekend I will be in Port Perry, which is my home track and then it is time for the Nationals so I am really pumped. The season is going really well for me right now.”

With another impressive second in the MX1 and a third in MX2, Gauld (MX1 3-2, MX2 4-3) continued to show strong form and looks to be in a good position to take a run at the MX1 and MX 2 title in Ontario championship action.

Nova Scotia’s Lockart (MX1 2-0, MX2 1-2) was all smiles with the track conditions. “The track is just awesome, lots of ruts in the corners and it is just so fun to ride.” Lockhart pushed his Suzuki to a second overall finish in the MX2, but a costly second moto DNF ended his strong day on a low note in MX1 action.

Lightning Powersports-backed Saarits (MX1 4-3) had an up and down week leading up to Auburn Hills. His bike was stolen, and then recovered. Saarits showed up at Auburn and showed character taking a third overall in the MX1 class.

Other notables included Suzuki's Marcus Burke, who went 1-1 in 125cc Junior action; Mx101's Paul Kelly swept the Vet Junior action; and Stan Stuinski took 2-1 overall in +50. For complete results see www.cmrcracing.com.

This weekend's CMRC-sanctioned racing in Southwestern Ontario moves to SJG Fourwinds Motocross Track in Port Perry, May 21.

Big Motopark weekend

From Motopark

CHATSWORTH, ON -- For more than 30 years, Motopark has celebrated the May holiday weekend with a special two-day motocross race.

May 20-21 is no exception as more than 600 entries are expected to take part in rounds 3 and 4 of CMX Racing's 11-round Ontario Provincial Series.

Riders will compete in 22 classes ranging from the 4-6 year 50cc class, to a Ladies Class and the Plus 50 Veterans class. The feature motos will be in the GP Pro/Am class on Sunday. Some of Canada’s top riders will be competing in the two, 25-minute plus two lap motos for a $3,000 cash purse.

The two days of racing and camping feature a barbeque on the Saturday night when spectators can mingle with the riders and their families on the deck of Motopark's new restaurant facility.

Practice gets underway by 9:30 each day with final motos starting around 1 p.m. The day wraps up by 5. Motopark is located on Motopark Rd., west of Hwy. #6 just south of Williamsford.

For further information contact Motopark at 519 794-2434. www.motoparkracing.com, email motopark@log.on.ca.

New Aprilia distributor

From CNW

TORONTO, ON -- Canadian Scooter Corp. announced today it has been appointed the exclusive Canadian distributor of Aprilia, the Italian manufacturer of renowned and race-inspired motorbikes. Aprilia joins Canadian Scooter Corp.'s already venerable collection of scooters and motorcycles, which includes the Italian icon Vespa.

"We are thrilled to add Aprilia to our line-up," said Morey Chaplick, president of Canadian Scooter Corp. "An Aprilia bike is in a class of its own - the perfect synergy of style and substance, cutting-edge function and
user-friendly form."

Aprilia will make its Canadian debut by mid-summer at authorized Aprilia dealers across the country.

"All over the world, the name Aprilia is synonymous with on- and off-road two-wheel adventure," said Paolo Timoni, president and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. "Partnering with Canadian Scooter Corp. means we can now bring that emotion-packed ride to Canadian motorbike enthusiasts."

Founded in 1962, Aprilia has been at the forefront of sport bike engineering for over 40 years and boasts 26 motorcycling world championship titles under its belt. Aprilia's integration with Piaggio in 2004 led to
the creation of the biggest two-wheeler manufacturer in Europe and one of the world's leading names in the sector, with 1.5 billion Euro in sales, an annual production capacity of over 610,000 vehicles, and presence in 50 countries.

The Toronto-based Canadian Scooter Corp. is the exclusive importer and distributor of new Vespa, Piaggio, Moto Guzzi, Derbi and Aprilia motor scooters and motorcycles in Canada. For more information and dealer
inquiries, visit www.vespacanada.com.

CMA AX cancelled

From the Canadian Motorcycle Association

HAMILTON, ON -- It is with deep regret that the Canadian Motorcycle Association announces that the National Arenacross Championship Series will not take place.

Although ticket sales were good and all promotion and organizational details were complete, a poor rider response has left the promoters, Airland Entertainment, and our association with no choice but to cancel.

Marilynn Bastedo, general manager of the Association stated that “the promoters and the CMA had a duty to the public and the facility owners to deliver a full programme of arenacross entertainment and the numbers were just not there.”

The series was first announced in late August of 2005 and the combination of first class venues, very good purses for the Pro riders, professional track builders and other administrative personnel, seemed to be a sure fire recipe for success. However, despite entries coming from as far away as Texas and Wisconsin, there was virtually no interest shown by the local motocross community.

The CMA would like to thank Airland Entertainment principals Joe Baird and Paul McFarland for the major effort they put into this project for well over a year. Their honesty and integrity is not an overly abundant commodity in the promotion world. Airland’s involvement was planned to be ongoing for several years and it is certainly a loss for the motocross community.

Riders who did pre-enter will receive their refunds this week.

Toyota and Yamaha team up

From Yamaha Motor Canada

TORONTO, ON -- Yamaha Motor Canada is pleased to announce that Toyota Canada Inc. has signed on as title sponsor of its motocross, road and ATV factory racing teams. The agreement is the latest chapter in a successful relationship between two industry leaders that spans over 40 years and comes on the heels of a recent project that saw the introduction of a 2006 Toyota Tundra TRD Yamaha Edition.

“We have worked hard the last few years to develop promotional opportunities that would benefit both organizations,” said Tim Kennedy, national marketing manager for Yamaha Motor Canada. “Both Toyota and Yamaha have storied racing traditions, so it made sense to form a strategic partnership in this area. This sponsorship is a great way for Toyota to speak to a new audience, show their commitment and expose their brand to fans of the sport.”

Peter Swanton, national sales manager for Yamaha Motor Canada, commented, “This is a big help for our race teams. To be at the top in racing requires a tremendous amount of resources each year. This commitment from Toyota will bolster our efforts for 2006.”

“Toyota has always had an excellent relationship with Yamaha, so we are pleased to extend that even further by being the premier title sponsor of the Yamaha factory racing teams,” said Tony Wearing, managing director of Toyota Canada Inc. “This partnership is very fitting because the combination of Toyota and Yamaha brings together many of the world's very best vehicles, whether on two or four wheels. We look forward to a full and exciting race season with Yamaha this year.”

Vicious battle for pole

From Professional Motorsports Productions

TORONTO, ON -- Qualifying for each round of the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship just got a little more vicious.

Vicious-I Optics, a product of Laval, QC’s Sport-Sight Innovations, has been named the title sponsor of the pole position award for the feature class in the national road racing series. The winner of the Vicious-I Optics Pole Position Award at each round of the series will receive a cheque for $500 from Sport-Sight.

“Qualifying at each Parts Canada Superbike round is always very dramatic, and with the addition of the Vicious-I Optics Pole Position Award our riders will have a little bit more to fight over on Saturday afternoon,” said Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsport Productions, which administers the Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

Sport-Sight is run by former factory Pro racer Tom Douglas, who won the 750 Production Canadian Championship in 1987 and placed second in Superbike, and claimed the Open Production national title the following year for the Yamaha team. In 1986 he was runner-up to Michel Mercier in the national Superbike battle as a Yamaha privateer. Douglas retired from racing after the 1990 season.

The Vicious-I Optics Pole Position Award will be presented to the fastest Superbike qualifier at each of the six stops on the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike tour. At the doubleheader event at Mosport International Raceway in July, where one qualifying grid will set the line-up for the two Superbike races, the $500 will go to the fastest qualifier in the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike national support class.

Vicious-I will be represented at each Parts Canada Superbike round by 1980 national champion George Morin, who since retiring from active competition has worked in a managerial role with Canadian racing stars like Mercier, six-time champion Steve Crevier and current frontrunner Frank Trombino.

The Vicious-I line of sunglasses and goggles, which have been designed in Montreal, are the latest products from Sport-Sight Innovations, whose line-up also includes the Leader brand of motorsport goggles and lenses. Sport-Sight also provides electric face shields to all four major snowmobile manufacturers and most of the world’s helmet makers.

Hurst on Honda

From Misti Hurst

LIONS BAY, BC -- Misti Hurst has been chosen to race for Honda Canada as part of its Red Rider Race Program.

As a Red Rider, Hurst, with support from LESTER Racing, TURN 2 Sportbike Rentals and Parts Canada, and sponsored in part by The Honda Centre in Burnaby BC, will compete in the International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 National Series and the Pro Honda Oils Women's Cup Challenge. Both series kick off May 19-21 at Shannonville Motorsport Park.

Hurst will pilot a 2006 Honda CBR600RR with Traxxion Dynamics front suspension, Elka rear shock, Cheetah Racing Bodies, Vortex rearsets, FS6 frame sliders, Hindle exhaust and Full Bore Marketing chains. Her race bike is being prepped and tuned by George Budacki of Turn 2, and she will join Paul Glenn and Ross Millson to become the third member of the Turn 2 Racing Team.

"I'm very excited to be racing a Honda again with the support of Turn 2 and George Budacki," said Hurst. "Participating in the final event of the Women's Cup Challenge last year was so much fun and I'm looking forward to an outstanding full race season this year with a great deal of success."

Streetbike Shootout returns

From Go Fast Media

TORONTO, ON -- The wildest street legal motorcycles from Canada and the US will clash yet again at the fourth annual Canadian Fastest Streetbike Shootout Sunday, Aug. 27 at Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand Bend, ON.

The annual running of this sportbike speedfest will again be held in conjunction with Grand Bend's yearly Summer Sizzler All-Bike Drags.

“I'm excited to see the Shootout return to Grand Bend Motorplex again in 2006,” said event promoter Graeme Jones. “It's a world class facility with some of the best hook to be found anywhere. I can't think of a better place to see this race go down.”

Grand Bend Motorplex owner Paul Spriet is equally anxious to see the Shootout return. “Last year we saw a record amount of entries for the event as well as one of our best spectator turnouts,” he noted. “The Shootout has helped make the Summer Sizzler one of the biggest all-bike races in Canada.”

The $1000 to win Streetbike Shootout is the domain of turbocharged and nitrous-assisted sportbikes with a max. 68” wheelbase on DOT rubber running heads-up, first to the finish line. Last year saw the first ever seven-second pass by a Pro Street-style bike in Canada by Michigan hitter Ronnie Mitchell. With many big names planning to attend this year (including Canadian record holder Richard Peppler, '04 champ Shane Ratliff and defending champ Mitchell), fans should be witness to even more wild, wheelstanding, side-by-side 180mph action.

Riders from both Canada and the U.S. are welcome to attend this awesome one-day event. For rules and info visit www.canadiandragbike.com/shootout. For track info visit www.grandbendmotorplex.com.

Supercross back in Canada

From Clear Channel

AURORA, IL – The Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP returns to Canada for the 2006-07 season, with the season’s opening races scheduled for the Roger’s Centre in Toronto on Dec. 2 and BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on Dec. 9.

The two Canadian events will open the 17-race Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP. The two international races will run in conjunction with the 15 races currently held in the U.S. The Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP, which started in 2002 with two races in Europe, had participation this season from the factory teams of Kawasaki, Yamaha Suzuki and KTM, which made it the most competitive season to date.

“We are extremely excited to start the 2006-07 Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP season in Toronto and then heading west for the next race in Vancouver,” said Ken Hudgens, vice president of marketing and television, Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP. “Both cities are blessed with first class venues and a solid base of supercross enthusiasts.”

This season’s racing in Canada saw a sweep by Kawasaki’s James Stewart, who walked away with wins ahead of rivals Ricky Carmichael and Chad Reed. Stewart used that good start, and a recent streak of wins down the stretch, to open a 12-point lead on Carmichael as the series heads to Las Vegas on May 6 for the season finale.

The on-sale schedule for the 2006’-’07 Amp’d Mobile Supercross season is as follows:
July 17 Pre-sale (July 17-19 Cross Club Only; July 20-23 On-line only)
July 24 General Public On-sale (all points of sale, box office, phones, outlets and on-line)

The complete schedule will be announced shortly.

For fans to have the first chance at the best tickets, they must be a Cross Club member. Cross Club members have the capability to purchase pre-sale tickets through the internet for Amp’d Mobile Supercross, Toyota AMA National Arenacross and IFMA Freestyle Motocross. In addition, fans will receive a monthly email newsletter with motocross news, special discount offers, local promotions, and more. For more information on the free membership to Cross Club, log on to www.supercross.cc.com.

Cape Breton event cancelled

From the Cape Breton TT Festival of Speed

SYDNEY, NS -- After 12 months of planning and organization, with the knowledge and tentative support of the provincial department of tourism as a signature event, the Cape Breton TT Festival of Speed has been cancelled with official news from the Provincial government that the government will not permit the event to happen on the 53km course.

According to the chair of the Cape Breton Festival of Speed Association Maureen Carroll, “The official word delivered by the province came as a devastating blow and without notice after almost a year of work and official filings for sanctioning and insurance were completed.

“The province has been well aware of the event and designated it as a Signature Event with no indication that they had fundamental issues beyond the understandable need to pass the public safety requirements which were being organized by a professional technical team and race director. It appears that the process of proper and formal evaluation and communications were flawed within the departments.”

Carroll continued, "The cancellation news is regrettable and disappointing for all of the volunteer members of the community who have acted in good faith and invested in the development of an event which promised to deliver significant economic return for the region.”

The Cape Breton Festival of Speed was initiated by the Membertou Development Corporation. Under the leadership of Bernd Christmas, Membertou brought forward the opportunity for an international event which offered benefits for the entire Island and province. The Cape Breton Festival of Speed Association was created to operate and manage what had the potential to be a major annual event.

To date there have been 5,000 room-nights booked six months ahead of the event just on the prospect and rumor it would occur. These advance bookings alone represent a welcome addition to many tourism operators across the Island during what is a slower period in the early fall. The economic impact has been forecast to reach $15 million. The event had the support of the municipality and federal government and the economic development agencies on Cape Breton Island along with enthusiastic participation of community groups and organizations that are essential for the staging of an international event.

Carroll said, “As a community based volunteer organization, we are very disappointed to have to cancel the event. The abrupt decision is being forced by the Provincial government in what can only be described as a very heavy-handed manner. The province allowed the time, effort, expectations and investment of the community to continue to build for the best part of an entire year without a formal response from all departments until now.”

Community meetings planned for May 6 and 7 along the race course have been cancelled.

Kawasaki Quebec Concours

From Canadian Kawasaki Motors

DON MILLS, ON – Canadian Kawasaki presents the 10th Anniversary Edition of the Concours of Elegance on Saturday, July 8 at 11:30 am to be held at the Nature Centre in Laval, QC.

What began as a small dealer event in a local Harvey’s parking lot by Monette Sports Inc. has grown into the annual Concours of Elegance, the biggest Kawasaki only Show and Shine Contest. Over the years, Canadian Kawasaki Motors has taken on the event, with Monette Sports organizing the logistics, and it has become the largest gathering of Kawasaki only motorcycles in North America.

The free admission event is open to everyone and the Show and Shine is open to all Kawasaki customers across Canada as well as all authorized Canadian dealerships. Vulcan owners and Ninja owners alike compete for Best Custom Bike in their class awards and the coveted All Categories Best Customized Bike title. The newly-added vintage category has quickly become a crowd favourite as well.

Last year over 200 contestants traveled from all over Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes. There is no entry fee and each participant receives a free t-shirt and an opportunity to compete for over $20,000 in prizes, including the coveted Kawasaki Accessories gift certificates.

In addition to the Show and Shine, there are test rides of the latest Kawasaki models, live music, freestyle MX demo and a fashion show.

The Centre de la Nature is located in the eastern part of Laval, between Saint-Martin and De la Concorde boulevards, extending from north to south; and between Du Parc Avenue and Autoroute 25, from west to east.

WROAR Ride ready to go

From the WROAR Ride

TORONTO, ON -- The second annual WROAR Ride will take place Sunday, June 11 in Toronto, leaving at 10 a.m. from The Docks on Cherry Street, south of Lakeshore.

The ride raises funds for the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre/Multicultural Women Against Rape, and to focus attention on the issue of violence against women.

The Toronto Rape Crisis Centre has a 32-year history of community-based volunteer help for those who have suffered sexual violence. The centre provides 24-hour confidential crisis counselling, as well as educational programs and other services.

Last year’s WROAR Ride raised more than $8,500. While the WROAR Ride is an all-women’s motorcycle event, men are encouraged to get involved by riding as a passenger.

More information is available online at www.wroar.com.