Successful start for Circuit ICAR

By John Hopkins

Despite cool, windy and sometimes rainy conditions, Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, QC enjoyed a successful motorcycle racing debut as it staged a regional event last weekend in preparation for the arrival of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship June 12-14.

Martin Grande claimed the Superbike win and Karl Daigle was tops in Sport Bike. Jean Paquet also raced while factory Kawasaki riders Jordan Szoke and Alex Welsh, along with the Suzuki duo of Clint McBain and Brett McCormick also rode during the weekend but did not race in Sunday's unpredictable weather conditions.

The event was organized by the local "Track Fever" group, which drew favourable comments from observers with Professional Motorsports Productions, the national organizing body.

A new layout for the circuit was used, which was about 50 per cent different than that evaluated by Parts Canada Superbike Championship competitors at last August's test at the facility. The revised circuit measures 2.8km with 14 corners, while the original design covered 3.45km. This layout will also be used for the national in two weeks' time.