Arnold wins Supermoto finale

From Team Machine Racing Troy Lee Designs Supermoto

SHANNONVILLE, ON -- Canada’s Supermoto faithful gathered on a brisk fall day at Shannonville Motorsports Park to close the book on 2009 with a blowout event that had racers utilizing the larger “Nelson” road race circuit, metal ramps and a flat-track style dirt section.

In lieu of a traditional awards banquet, series organizers 408Racing.com felt hosting a low-pressure, stand alone event was the best place to hand out series awards while giving riders a chance to throw it sideways one last time in 2009. The racers agreed.

Team Machine Racing / Troy Lee Designs had a fantastic showing as current Canadian National Champion Dave Arnold used Bondi Engine power and sticky Dunlop tires to cross the line some 15 seconds ahead of 2009 Provincial Champion Yves Lagace (Suz).

Former Pro motocross racer and guest rider for the Machine-TLD team Todd Townend rounded out the podium, grabbing third in an impressive Supermoto debut.

“We threw some wheels and Moto Master brakes on my stock, LGS suspended ’09 CRF450R and gave Todd a couple of chances to practice before lining him up in a race. Next thing you know he’s not far off the lead pace and on the podium grinning from ear to ear. I’m pretty impressed with that,” said team owner Arnold.

Townend commented on his first Supermoto race: “Wow, it’s just incredible how much fun you can have by just adding slicks to a motocross bike. The sensation of doing 90mph and sliding sideways into corners on asphalt is just something I had to try after seeing it on TV and watching Dave ride.”

Fortunately Supermoto in Canada has found a much needed permanent residence at Shannonville Motorsports Park. In 2008 the facility paved a new skid pad for cars, which also doubles as a parking lot style Supermoto track with a permanent clay dirt section. 408racing.com announced the 2010 schedule will see a mix of events using the skid pad and the road race course, giving the racers both high and lower speed configurations to compete on.