McBride celebrates milestone at Daytona

From Riders Choice

MISSISSAUGA, ON -- Fourth generation motorcyclist and top Canadian road racer Matt McBride of Mississauga, ON will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the McBride name in motorcycling by racing in the Daytona 200 on Friday, March 6 at Daytona International Speedway.

It was Matt’s great grandfather Percy A. McBride who opened the first motorcycle store in Toronto back in 1909. Today Matt’s father John runs Riders Choice, a modern retail store specializing in racers’ safety equipment and riding gear including its flagship brand Dainese.

“I have always felt part of the motorcycle business with my family being involved for four generations,” said the 24-year-old Matt, who ran in the highly competitive Parts Canada Superbike Championship in 2008. “I am pleased on this historic 100th anniversary of the McBride name being involved in motorcycling to be entered in the Daytona 200.”

McBride will ride a Suzuki GSX-R600 prepared by Ryan Gill of Riders Choice in the Daytona 200. Matt McBride is no stranger to the high banks of Daytona at night having won the first MOTO-ST race in the Grand Sport Twins class on a Ducati back in October, 2006.

John McBride is the “Canadian” in this Can-Am racing effort while Tom Vallely, based in Daytona Beach, FL, is the “American.” Matt has raced for Vallely on several occasions including last October in the MOTO-ST race at the Speedway.

John McBride, who will be part of the crew for the inaugural Daytona 200 “under the lights” says, “I think this will be a great way to celebrate our family’s 100 years in this great business.”

Arai, Dainese, Armour Bodies and Laurel Consulting Group also sponsor the Vallely Racing – Riders Choice Suzuki GSX-R600.