BC Supermoto Race series expands despite troubled economy

From Greg Johnson

Vancouver, BC, March 9 2009: Despite a gloomy economic forecast, the “R” word still means “racing” to British Columbia’s RPM Supermoto Championship, which today rolled out details for an expanded motorcycle racing.

RPM Supermoto’s third race season will visit four tracks over nine rounds of racing, including races in Quesnel, Williams Lake, Agassiz Speedway and at the sport’s home track at Tradex, Abbotsford.

• Round 1: Sunday, April 12 - Tradex, Abbotsford
• Round 2: Sunday, April 26 - Agassiz Speedway
• Round 3: Sunday, June 7 - Quesnel Cart Track
• Round 4: Sunday, June 21 - Tradex, Abbotsford
• Round 5: Sunday, July 12 - Tradex, Abbotsford
• Round 6: Sunday, July 26 - Tradex Abbotsford
• Round 7: Sunday, August 9 – Thunder Mtn Speedway, Williams Lake
• Round 8: Sunday, August 30 – Tradex, Abbotsford – Canadian National Championship
• Round 9: Sunday, September 27 - Agassiz Speedway

Supermoto is a unique style of motorcycle racing that features elements of motocross, flat track and road racing on an asphalt and dirt jump circuit. The sport recently had its time in the spotlight when featured at the X-Games, but clubs across Europe and North America have been riding supermoto for years and will insist it isn’t nearly as extreme or dangerous as its road racing or motocross brethren.

“2009 will be a big year for this sport in British Columbia,” said Holly Suggit, President, RPM Supermoto, the organizing body behind the race series. “The sport has been spreading like wildfire all across Western Canada, but we’re responding with a cautious and careful expansion of our championship. We want to avoid going too big all at once and risking what’s been built on years of dedication and hard work by a group of grassroots enthusiasts.”

Suggit admits the Championship isn’t immune to the economic downturn and could be facing a number of challenges. Many people may be rethinking how they spend their recreation dollars, and motorcycle racing can become an expensive sport. The flipside, Suggitt insists, is that flexible style of supermoto racing permits RPM to operate its championship on a wide variety of surfaces and venues ranging from parking lots to go-kart tracks and oval speedways.

“The style of racing allows us to keep our venue and insurance costs low,” said Suggitt. “Our 2009 race fees are unchanged from last year and the lowest of any motorsport I know. The bikes are modified dirt bikes, so they’re rugged and relatively inexpensive, as far as racing motorcycles go. If there’s an economical way to get into motorsports, supermoto is it.”

Supermoto is part motocross, part flat track and part road racing on both asphalt and dirt. Tracks are typically 70% asphalt and 30% dirt with motocross-style jumps. Racers ride dirt bikes modified with 17” street bike rims and tires. Tracks emphasize handling and manoeuvrability through tight corners rather than flat-out top speeds, which makes the sport appealing to novice and expert riders alike. Inexpensive race fees make competing accessible for a broad range of riders.

Racers can register for the 2009 RPM Supermoto Championship by becoming a member of RPM. Membership details, championship information and sponsor opportunities are available at www.RPMSupermoto.com