From motogp.com
Three of the biggest names in the history of Australian motorcycle racing will ride again when the ‘Legends of MotoGP’ display takes to the track at the 2009 IVECO Australian Grand Prix.
For the first time since the inception of the ‘Legends of MotoGP’ display, Troy Bayliss will join MotoGP Legends Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan on the grid at Phillip Island. The trio will ride demonstration laps of the 4.4km circuit in front of a bumper crowd on Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Drew Ward, said the inclusion of Bayliss completes the perfect line-up of Aussie superstars.
“It was Gardner, Doohan and more recently Bayliss’ success that has helped to cement Australia’s reputation as one of the world’s greatest motorcycling nations,” Ward commented. “We are thrilled to announce them as a part of the on-track line-up at the 2009 IVECO Australian Grand Prix.”
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
CGRT - Press Release - CEC Round 07 & 08
From Shane Cuthbertson
The Canadian Enduro Championship finale was this past weekend with Round 7 and 8 held in Parry Sound, Ontario. Much of the terrain and several of the special tests were near exact replicas from the 2006 and 2007 World Enduro Championship. The dirtybike.ca organizing crew put an extreme amount of work into these test sections and they were some of the best the series had seen to date.
Corner Grass Racing Team (CGRT) was represented by Shane Cuthbertson on a Husaberg FE570 looking to secure his position in the E3 class and overall standings. In the end, Cuthbertson put in two solid performances each day with a 2nd and 3rd place finish good enough for 3rd place in the Pro E3 category and 5th place overall in the championship classification.
“Partaking in the inaugural CEC series has been a great experience for me and I am really happy with the exposure the series has gained. It has been a long time coming and thankfully the top riders supported the series by attending all rounds. This really gives some credibility to the series and I am satisfied with my overall result.” The buzz word in the pits was that the series was a great success and that plans are already underway to continue with the same venues and organizers in 2010! CGRT has once again signed on with Husaberg for 2010 and will be supporting the CEC series in our continued effort to further promote the sport of Off-Road racing in Canada.
Top 10 Overall – Canadian Enduro Championship:
1) BOBBY PROCHNAU
British Columbia
KTM
E2 Pro
200
2) JASON SCHRAGE
Alberta
KTM
E3 Pro
170
3) GEOFF NELSON
British Columbia
KTM
E3 Pro
134
4) GUY GIROUX
Quebec
BMW
E2 Pro
122
5) SHANE CUTHBERTSON
Alberta
HUSABERG
E3 Pro
118
6) BRIAN WOJNAROWSKI
Ontario
YAM
E2 Pro
99
7) JAKE STAPLETON
Ontario
YAM
E2 Pro
84
8) RYAN GRAFFUNDER
British Columbia
SUZ
E2 Pro
79
9) PATRICK BEAULE
Quebec
KTM
E1 Pro
71
10 NICK SCHRAGE
Alberta
YAM
E2 Pro
63
Monday, September 21, 2009
Pasini to test Ducati
From Marlboro Ducati
Prior to the next MotoGP round, to take place at the Portuguese track of Estoril on Oct. 4, Mattia Pasini will be back on board the Desmosedici GP9 during a three-day test session at Mugello from Tuesday to Thursday this week.
He will ride alongside official test rider Vittoriano Guareschi under the supervision of Filippo Preziosi.
Pasini, currently fifth in the 250cc World Championship standings, already rode the Ducati in testing after the Czech MotoGP on Aug. 17 and he was immediately at ease on the GP9, despite the test being affected by rain.
The Ducati technicians, impressed by the Italian rider and his way of working, decided together with Pasini to do another test, and therefore include him in this week’s pre-planned testing at Mugello.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Taylor triumphs once more
From Donald Taylor
WELLAND, ON -- Deeley Harley-Davidson Buell-sponsored Donald Taylor capped off a brilliant 2009 CMA Dirt Track National Championship season with a powerful performance under the lights at Niagara Motorcycle Raceway last Saturday night.
Taylor swept all three Expert divisions, 450, 600 and Open. In what was a surprise to many riders the evening's races were given championship points status and Taylor simply added to his unassailable cushion with this ride. A potentially embarrassing situation was avoided when none of the pre-published championships were affected by the evening’s results. As an example New York rider Ryan Wells captured the CMA Intermediate crowns in the 450 and 600 divisions but did not attend the final round as he thought it was a non-points paying event.
Taylor had his Deeley XR750 carefully massaged for short track competition by George Evans and dominated the Open class for all but one short and exciting segment.
“I kind of goofed on the start of my heat race," Taylor explained. "I think I spun it up a bit much coming off the line and Jon Cornwell (XR750) and Joey Hartrich (XR750) beat me into turn 1. I knew it was going to be hard to pass on the short track and I knew I had to make my way past as quick as possible so I drove it up on the cushion and just motored past them on the exit of turn 2.
“The fans were unreal. The place was packed and they stayed for the whole evening. Even the pits were clogged up with fans after the races, it was really cool. They gave us a standing ovation on the cool-down lap after the final.”
That same crowd cheered boisterously once more in the National Championship Expert final, but this time Taylor needed no heroics.
“I guess I just checked out on them,” he explained. “I got the holeshot, took the lead and rode my own race. I don’t think I ever had so much fun on my XR. George did a great job for me again, it was so smooth and just pulled like crazy coming out of the turns.
"We usually don’t ride XRs on the short track and I thought it was going to be a real handful but like I said it was fun, and yeah the crowd was unreal. A lot of them know me so it was really cool to win my last race in Canada for this year for them.”
Taylor will be back in action in the final round of the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championships in Pomona, CA on Oct. 24. His goal of course is to win and to move into the top 10 in the 2009 AMA Pro standings.
Steeves on fast track to recovery
From Vicious Cycle Kawasaki
HALIFAX, NS -- After sustaining several injuries in a freak accident during round 4 of the Atlantic Roadracing League that included a broken neck at C6, and a fractured shoulder, Vicious Cycle Kawasaki Rider Terry Steeves is recovering well and quicker than expected.
Steeves reports that he is pain free and working hard on his recovery; doctors feel the bones will heal strongly with no lasting effects. Doctors initially prescribed a neck brace for up to six months, but almost two months into his recovery they feel with his current progress it could come off as soon as early December. Steeves' doctors expect him to make a full and complete recovery, and will continue to assess his progress weekly.
Steeves is currently attending physiotherapy and easing back into training. The staff and trainers at Slim Gym's in Halifax have done everything they can to get him back into the gym, and regaining strength lost in his arm due to some minor nerve damage. Early results are encouraging.
“Everyone is helping me out so much, it’s awesome," Steeves said. "I’m stronger every day thanks to the support from my friends, fans and sponsors.”
Steeves attributes his rapid recovery in large part to his dedicated trainers at Slim Gym's in Halifax. Credit also goes to the expert and caring staff at the Queen Elizabeth II hospital.
“I feel like I’ve had a team of doctors following me since the beginning," he added. "They have always gone the extra mile to make sure we understand the nature of the injuries and exactly where I’m at in the recovery process.”
Despite his injuries, Steeves is in good spirits and attended the final round of the Atlantic Championship, at Atlantic Motorsports Park in Shubenacadie, NS. Though he missed being on the bike and racing, he enjoyed watching and catching up with everyone. He is already talking about the 2010 season, and looking forward to getting back on track.
Steeves extends his sincere thanks to all the great staff and doctors and now friends at the QEII for their help and care through all this. He would also like to thank all his friends and fans for all the cards, calls emails and best wishes. A special thanks of course to his fiancé Nicole for her support and understanding.
HALIFAX, NS -- After sustaining several injuries in a freak accident during round 4 of the Atlantic Roadracing League that included a broken neck at C6, and a fractured shoulder, Vicious Cycle Kawasaki Rider Terry Steeves is recovering well and quicker than expected.
Steeves reports that he is pain free and working hard on his recovery; doctors feel the bones will heal strongly with no lasting effects. Doctors initially prescribed a neck brace for up to six months, but almost two months into his recovery they feel with his current progress it could come off as soon as early December. Steeves' doctors expect him to make a full and complete recovery, and will continue to assess his progress weekly.
Steeves is currently attending physiotherapy and easing back into training. The staff and trainers at Slim Gym's in Halifax have done everything they can to get him back into the gym, and regaining strength lost in his arm due to some minor nerve damage. Early results are encouraging.
“Everyone is helping me out so much, it’s awesome," Steeves said. "I’m stronger every day thanks to the support from my friends, fans and sponsors.”
Steeves attributes his rapid recovery in large part to his dedicated trainers at Slim Gym's in Halifax. Credit also goes to the expert and caring staff at the Queen Elizabeth II hospital.
“I feel like I’ve had a team of doctors following me since the beginning," he added. "They have always gone the extra mile to make sure we understand the nature of the injuries and exactly where I’m at in the recovery process.”
Despite his injuries, Steeves is in good spirits and attended the final round of the Atlantic Championship, at Atlantic Motorsports Park in Shubenacadie, NS. Though he missed being on the bike and racing, he enjoyed watching and catching up with everyone. He is already talking about the 2010 season, and looking forward to getting back on track.
Steeves extends his sincere thanks to all the great staff and doctors and now friends at the QEII for their help and care through all this. He would also like to thank all his friends and fans for all the cards, calls emails and best wishes. A special thanks of course to his fiancé Nicole for her support and understanding.
Allen wins third straight V Rod title
From Deeley Harley-Davidson Buell
EDMONTON, AB -- The best in the west, Nick Allen topped eastern challenger Dave Bispo in a dramatic final to take his third straight Canadian Screamin’ Eagle V Rod Destroyer Championship at Edmonton's Castrol Raceway.
In what would be a storybook ending to the season, Western Champ Allen took his place in the right lane. Beside him, Eastern Champion Bispo took his rightful spot as the two best riders in Canada lined up for one final charge down the tarmac.
When the Pro tree flashed green, both riders charged off and by the end of the strip it was too close to call. As the lights flashed at the end of the quarter the scoreboard showed Bispo through with a top speed of 136.40 mph and time of 9.68, but on Allen’s side the best quarter time of 9.48 would seal the deal and once again Allen won the Canadian Screamin’ Eagle V Rod Destroyer Championship.
“Man, that’s totally awesome, to win the championship for the past three years in a row," an ecstatic Allen said. "I just have to thank my tuner Vallen 'Scratch' Dick, he’s the best tuner in the country, he always manages to give me the best bikes I could ask for.”
Bispo took the loss in stride saying, “we tuned the hell out of the motor all weekend but we should have been looking at a faulty clutch that was failing. We expected to do better but it was a pleasure riding this weekend. I finished second but we got to race against 15 other bikes and it was a helluva good show. We’ll be back next year and we’ll work even harder.”
The weekend had been a tough one, with Bispo's Rocky’s Harley-Davidson crew pulling out all the stops in an attempt to eke out one championship winning quarter-mile tour of Castrol Raceway.
Friday’s results looked promising but things went progressively downhill for the rest of the weekend for the eastern contingent.
“It’s coming together,” commented the ever-optimistic Bispo after Friday’s test sessions. "It’s been a little tough tuning at 5000 feet of elevation, we still have some adjustments to try.”
With record high temperatures beating down on Castrol Raceway, the weekend's racing action started with three qualifying rounds of action. Allen showed his resolve, rolling his Redline Harley-Davidson V Rod Destroyer out of the trailer and immediately posting a 9.473-quarter and top speed of 140.27, setting the bar as high as it would go for the weekend event.
Bispo had his best run of the day with a 9.623-quarter mile and top speed of 136.90 in what turned out to be his best effort of the day. With a heavy western slant on the 15 V Rods participating, Burlington, ON’s Pete Thomson showed a tremendous improvement throughout the day, placing his Thomson Racing V Rod Destroyer into fourth while London, ON’s Shawn Donaldson moved himself into ninth overall. Unfortunately, Thomson’s dreams would go up in a puff off smoke when his engine expired, bringing an end to his weekend.
EDMONTON, AB -- The best in the west, Nick Allen topped eastern challenger Dave Bispo in a dramatic final to take his third straight Canadian Screamin’ Eagle V Rod Destroyer Championship at Edmonton's Castrol Raceway.
In what would be a storybook ending to the season, Western Champ Allen took his place in the right lane. Beside him, Eastern Champion Bispo took his rightful spot as the two best riders in Canada lined up for one final charge down the tarmac.
When the Pro tree flashed green, both riders charged off and by the end of the strip it was too close to call. As the lights flashed at the end of the quarter the scoreboard showed Bispo through with a top speed of 136.40 mph and time of 9.68, but on Allen’s side the best quarter time of 9.48 would seal the deal and once again Allen won the Canadian Screamin’ Eagle V Rod Destroyer Championship.
“Man, that’s totally awesome, to win the championship for the past three years in a row," an ecstatic Allen said. "I just have to thank my tuner Vallen 'Scratch' Dick, he’s the best tuner in the country, he always manages to give me the best bikes I could ask for.”
Bispo took the loss in stride saying, “we tuned the hell out of the motor all weekend but we should have been looking at a faulty clutch that was failing. We expected to do better but it was a pleasure riding this weekend. I finished second but we got to race against 15 other bikes and it was a helluva good show. We’ll be back next year and we’ll work even harder.”
The weekend had been a tough one, with Bispo's Rocky’s Harley-Davidson crew pulling out all the stops in an attempt to eke out one championship winning quarter-mile tour of Castrol Raceway.
Friday’s results looked promising but things went progressively downhill for the rest of the weekend for the eastern contingent.
“It’s coming together,” commented the ever-optimistic Bispo after Friday’s test sessions. "It’s been a little tough tuning at 5000 feet of elevation, we still have some adjustments to try.”
With record high temperatures beating down on Castrol Raceway, the weekend's racing action started with three qualifying rounds of action. Allen showed his resolve, rolling his Redline Harley-Davidson V Rod Destroyer out of the trailer and immediately posting a 9.473-quarter and top speed of 140.27, setting the bar as high as it would go for the weekend event.
Bispo had his best run of the day with a 9.623-quarter mile and top speed of 136.90 in what turned out to be his best effort of the day. With a heavy western slant on the 15 V Rods participating, Burlington, ON’s Pete Thomson showed a tremendous improvement throughout the day, placing his Thomson Racing V Rod Destroyer into fourth while London, ON’s Shawn Donaldson moved himself into ninth overall. Unfortunately, Thomson’s dreams would go up in a puff off smoke when his engine expired, bringing an end to his weekend.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Suzuki celebrates championships
From American Suzuki
BREA, CA ─ American Suzuki Motor Corporation celebrated an outstanding six 2009 championships in style this week at its corporate headquarters in Brea.
Seven-time AMA Superbike champion Mat Mladin, West Coast Supercross Lites and 250cc Motocross champion Ryan Dungey, 450cc Motocross champion Chad Reed, ATV Pro Motocross champion Dustin Wimmer and WERA champions Team Vesrah were on hand to be congratulated by Suzuki employees and sponsors.
The event kicked off with an award ceremony where the champions were given custom engraved awards presented by the President and Executive Vice President of American Suzuki Motor Corporation. Following the presentation, attendees were treated to a catered lunch provided by Chronic Tacos and Rockstar energy drinks.
Afterwards Suzuki employees were given a chance to get their favourite Suzuki rider's autograph and photos were taken. In addition, the team road race and motocross transporters were on hand for tours and to display championship winning equipment. Mladin’s GSX-R1000, Dungey’s RM-Z250, Reed’s RM-Z450 and Wimmer’s QuadRacer R450 were on display to check out along with a product display from Makita power tools.
BREA, CA ─ American Suzuki Motor Corporation celebrated an outstanding six 2009 championships in style this week at its corporate headquarters in Brea.
Seven-time AMA Superbike champion Mat Mladin, West Coast Supercross Lites and 250cc Motocross champion Ryan Dungey, 450cc Motocross champion Chad Reed, ATV Pro Motocross champion Dustin Wimmer and WERA champions Team Vesrah were on hand to be congratulated by Suzuki employees and sponsors.
The event kicked off with an award ceremony where the champions were given custom engraved awards presented by the President and Executive Vice President of American Suzuki Motor Corporation. Following the presentation, attendees were treated to a catered lunch provided by Chronic Tacos and Rockstar energy drinks.
Afterwards Suzuki employees were given a chance to get their favourite Suzuki rider's autograph and photos were taken. In addition, the team road race and motocross transporters were on hand for tours and to display championship winning equipment. Mladin’s GSX-R1000, Dungey’s RM-Z250, Reed’s RM-Z450 and Wimmer’s QuadRacer R450 were on display to check out along with a product display from Makita power tools.
IVECO sponsors Australian GP
From motogp.com
MotoGP rights holders Dorna Sports S.L. have reached an agreement with IVECO (part of the FIAT Group) to become the title sponsors of the 2009 IVECO Australian Grand Prix.
IVECO is an international company that designs, manufactures, and markets a broad range of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, off-road trucks, city and intercity buses and coaches as well as special vehicles for applications such as fire fighting, off-road missions, defence and civil protection.
IVECO employs over 27,000 people and runs 27 production units in 16 countries around the world, using the latest technologies developed in six research centres. Besides Europe, the company operates in China, Russia, Australia and Latin America.
Dorna Sports S.L. Managing Director Pau Serracanta stated, “We are highly satisfied with this agreement, which is a perfect fit for the Australian Grand Prix given IVECO’s significant and continually increasing market presence in Australia. It is also pleasing that this title sponsorship has come about further to IVECO’s effective and lasting partnership with one of the most successful teams in MotoGP, Fiat Yamaha.”
IVECO Trucks Australia Managing Director, Giorgio Gallia, said the new partnership with MotoGP presents a great opportunity both in Australia and internationally.
“IVECO is a fantastic global player with an historical presence in Australia. This sponsorship is a further commitment by IVECO to the Australian Automotive and Transportation Industry, our dealers and customers and the people of Victoria. ” he commented.
This partnership with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation further confirms IVECO’s strong involvement with the MotoGP World Championship, as they are already an official supplier to the Fiat Yamaha Team, the team of World Champion Valentino Rossi.
The 2009 Iveco Australian Grand Prix will take place at the Phillip Island circuit, from Oct. 16-18.
MotoGP rights holders Dorna Sports S.L. have reached an agreement with IVECO (part of the FIAT Group) to become the title sponsors of the 2009 IVECO Australian Grand Prix.
IVECO is an international company that designs, manufactures, and markets a broad range of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, off-road trucks, city and intercity buses and coaches as well as special vehicles for applications such as fire fighting, off-road missions, defence and civil protection.
IVECO employs over 27,000 people and runs 27 production units in 16 countries around the world, using the latest technologies developed in six research centres. Besides Europe, the company operates in China, Russia, Australia and Latin America.
Dorna Sports S.L. Managing Director Pau Serracanta stated, “We are highly satisfied with this agreement, which is a perfect fit for the Australian Grand Prix given IVECO’s significant and continually increasing market presence in Australia. It is also pleasing that this title sponsorship has come about further to IVECO’s effective and lasting partnership with one of the most successful teams in MotoGP, Fiat Yamaha.”
IVECO Trucks Australia Managing Director, Giorgio Gallia, said the new partnership with MotoGP presents a great opportunity both in Australia and internationally.
“IVECO is a fantastic global player with an historical presence in Australia. This sponsorship is a further commitment by IVECO to the Australian Automotive and Transportation Industry, our dealers and customers and the people of Victoria. ” he commented.
This partnership with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation further confirms IVECO’s strong involvement with the MotoGP World Championship, as they are already an official supplier to the Fiat Yamaha Team, the team of World Champion Valentino Rossi.
The 2009 Iveco Australian Grand Prix will take place at the Phillip Island circuit, from Oct. 16-18.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
OFTR partners with Simcoe County Forest
From the Ontario Federation of Trail Riders
GOODERHAM, ON -- The Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR) announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a partnership with the County of Simcoe Forestry Department to invest $68,200 in improvements to the trail system and staging areas.
The County committed $68,200 in real dollars and the OFTR has matched the amount through the National Trails Coalition (NTC) Stimulus Program (www.ntc-canada.ca).
The OFTR and its affiliated clubs have been working with Simcoe County since 2005 when there was a proposed ban on off-road motorcycles in Ontario's largest municipal forest (30,000 acres). The OFTR has since entered into land use agreement under the Simcoe County Forest Recreation Policy. Two clubs, the Halton Off Road Riders Association (HORRA) and Simcoe County Off Road Riders Association (SCORRA) perform stewardship duties in 33 tracts under a use agreement between the County and the OFTR.
The project will involve trail improvements, signage and mapping supervised by John Heimstra, Simcoe County Projects Coordinator for the OFTR.
For more information about the Simcoe County Forest visit www.county.simcoe.on.ca/municipalservices/forestry.
For more information about HORRA and SCORRA visit www.horra.ca and www.scorra.ca, and for more on the OFTR go to www.oftr.ca.
GOODERHAM, ON -- The Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR) announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a partnership with the County of Simcoe Forestry Department to invest $68,200 in improvements to the trail system and staging areas.
The County committed $68,200 in real dollars and the OFTR has matched the amount through the National Trails Coalition (NTC) Stimulus Program (www.ntc-canada.ca).
The OFTR and its affiliated clubs have been working with Simcoe County since 2005 when there was a proposed ban on off-road motorcycles in Ontario's largest municipal forest (30,000 acres). The OFTR has since entered into land use agreement under the Simcoe County Forest Recreation Policy. Two clubs, the Halton Off Road Riders Association (HORRA) and Simcoe County Off Road Riders Association (SCORRA) perform stewardship duties in 33 tracts under a use agreement between the County and the OFTR.
The project will involve trail improvements, signage and mapping supervised by John Heimstra, Simcoe County Projects Coordinator for the OFTR.
For more information about the Simcoe County Forest visit www.county.simcoe.on.ca/municipalservices/forestry.
For more information about HORRA and SCORRA visit www.horra.ca and www.scorra.ca, and for more on the OFTR go to www.oftr.ca.
Cathcart sets four Bonneville records
From Triumph North America
BONNEVILLE, UT - British racing journalist Alan Cathcart set four officially-recognized FIM World Land Speed Records at the 2009 BUB Bonneville Speed Trials held on the Utah Salt Flats in the United States from Aug. 30-Sept. 3.
The four speed records were set at Bonneville on Triumph Bonneville machines fitted with Pirelli racing tires, one naturally-aspirated and the other turbocharged, in a year celebrating the iconic model’s 50th anniversary.
Riding a street-legal Thruxton Bonneville prepared by Matt Capri, owner of South Bay Triumph in Lomita, CA – a leading North American tuning house for the British motorcycles – Cathcart broke the 150 mph barrier to set a new two-way FIM World Record for the flying mile at 152.678 mph (245.711 km/h) and another for the flying kilometre at 152.770 mph (245.859 km/h). These speeds set new marks for the FIM’s 1000cc Normally-Aspirated Twin-Cylinder Unstreamlined category.
In addition to this, aboard the turbocharged South Bay Triumph Bonneville also built by Capri, Cathcart established two more new FIM World Records for the 1000cc Forced Induction Twin-Cylinder Unstreamlined class, with a two-way speed for the flying mile of 165.405 mph (266.194 km/h) and for the flying kilometre of 165.672 mph (266.623 km/h). The mile speed qualifies as a new AMA record, too, with all records subject to ratification by the relevant authorities.
The South Bay Triumphs were shod with Pirelli rain tires supplied by the Italian manufacturer’s racing division.
Prochnau rolls on in Quebec
From the Canadian Enduro Championship
The fifth and sixth rounds of the eight-race Royal Distributing 2009 Canadian Enduro Championship (CEC) were held in Labelle, QC last weekend.
BC’s Bobby Prochnau, riding a KTM 450, dominated by fending off challenges from Lethbridge, AB’s Jason Schrage and local hero Guy Giroux, who rode his BMW 450X to third place overall.
Alberta’s Shane Cuthbertson, BC’s Geoff Nelson, Ontario’s Brian Wojanarski, Tyler Linton and Quebec-based Patrick Beaule and Allan Lachapelle are some of the Pro riders who showed fine form over the weekend.
Two hard luck award candidates were Machine Yamaha Toyota team rider Jake Stapleton, who was on track for a top finish but a mishap saw him pull out early on the first day, and Alberta youngster Ben Riviere, who broke his arm yet rode on to the finish to win the Amateur C class.
The Inside Motorcycles Top Pro Junior award went to Simon Ferraton while local rider Jean Pellerin won the Rekluse Clutch Top Amateur in Extreme test award.
Labelle is situated 1.5 hours north of Montreal and the local topography consists of wet rock, black mud and occasional sand pit, all of which challenged the 119-rider field. The three different timed special tests decided the victor.
The CEC has become the true Canadian Championship with support from all six major motorcycle manufacturers and riders travelling from seven of the 10 Canadian provinces. The Quebec round saw riders from the Atlantic provinces attending for the first time.
The final event of the CEC takes place in Parry Sound, ON this weekend. Parry Sound has a long history in welcoming motorcyclists in its community.
At all CEC events spectators are welcome and there is no entry fee to see the best off-road riders in Canada shine. For more information on this weekend’s CEC event see www.worldendurocanada.com
For complete results from BMW Motorrad Labelle CEC go to www.moto-tally.com/wec/Results.asp.
Over 150 exhibitors at Toronto Show
From the Toronto Motorcycle Show
TORONTO, ON -- If you’re dreaming of an adventure onboard a new ride, the Toronto Motorcycle Show is sure to get your motor running.
The Toronto Motorcycle Show, one of seven Canadian motorcycle and ATV shows owned by the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC) and Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV), will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from Friday, December 11 until Sunday, December 13.
The show is the place to see the latest motorcycles, ATVs and scooters <http://www.sportshows.ca/tms/09Showcase.htm> before they hit dealer floors. The Toronto Motorcycle show will feature over 150 exhibitors including motorcycle manufacturers such as BMW, BRP, Buell, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha.
“We’re excited about the new 2010 models that will be on display,” said Bob Ramsay, President of MMIC. “Our members, who are the major manufacturers, are committed to showcasing their newest models at the Toronto show because this gives potential buyers a firsthand look at the new lineups for the coming year.”
BMW Motorrad Canada will feature four to five new or updated models including the new F800R, a chain driven naked version to accompany the F800GS and F800S/ST models. They will also introduce the production version of the 2010 BMW S1000RR, the most powerful production bike BMW Motorrad has ever built. This new supersport category motorcycle is the first true superbike built by BMW Motorrad and will be well placed in the market with a claimed dry weight of 183 kg and 193 hp.
Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada will display a variety of bikes including the new 2010 CVO Softail Convertible model (a new limited-production factory custom motorcycle) and the 2010 CVO Street Glide bike. In addition, the 2010 Ultra Classic Electra Glide and 2010 Fat Bob are two CVO models that have been upgraded with new paint and features.
Victory Motorcycles is showcasing two new models, the Cross Country and Cross Roads to broaden their reach into the luxury touring market segment and complement their Vision line of luxury touring bikes. Victory is offering 24 models in 2010, including two additions to the stylish 8-Ball family and the Ness Signature Series limited edition models.
“There are very few places in Canada where you can see all of these motorized products in one place. You can speak to the experts, ask the manufacturers questions and learn about the advances in safety. We’ve always said the Toronto Motorcycle Show is the premier two-wheel show in Canada,” said Darryl Bond, Show Manager.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Ride for Kids co-founder dies
From the American Motorcyclist Association
PICKERINGTON, OH -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) offers its most sincere condolences to the family, friends, co-workers and volunteer supporters of Ride for Kids co-founder and Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) co-founder Mike Traynor, who died on Sept. 12 following a brief illness. Traynor was 70.
Traynor was known throughout the motorcycling community as a tireless, dedicated and forward-looking individual who turned his passion for finding the cure for childhood brain tumors into a nationwide program of charitable rides that, since 1984, has raised more than $50 million for the PBTF's research and family support programs.
Over the years, the AMA has sanctioned well over 400 Ride for Kids events, each promoted and conducted by devoted local volunteers and patient-families who found satisfaction in giving something back to the unfortunate children afflicted with one of the deadliest childhood cancers.
"Everyone who met Mike knows how inspiring he was, not only on behalf of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, but to everyone in motorcycling and beyond," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Mike Traynor elevated the image of motorcycling in so many ways, and what he created in support of pediatric brain tumor research is truly ground breaking and monumental. We have lost a great friend, a great motorcyclist and a great philanthropist."
Ride for Kids events have been staged since 1984, when Traynor and his wife Dianne started the charitable effort in Atlanta. In 2009, the PBTF will conduct 39 events across the country. The hallmark of every Ride for Kids has been each event's professionalism, efficiency and ultimate success. This, in turn, attracted the support of thousands of volunteers, permitting the PBTF to pass along the vast majority of the funds it collected to the foundation's mission.
Traynor's vision, with the backing of American Honda, guided the PBTF to eventually become the world's largest philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting the search for the cause and cure for childhood brain tumors. Traynor's efforts also helped establish the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, as well as the Journal of Neuro-Oncology, the premier international publication of the Society of Neuro-Oncology.
"Thanks to the Ride for Kids, tens of thousands of non-motorcyclists, especially those in the medical community, have been exposed to the generosity of the motorcycling community," Dingman said. "Mike Traynor did more to promote the positive perception of motorcyclists in the eyes of the general public than few other riders. While he will be greatly missed, the foundation's mission carries on, and we encourage all riders to continue supporting the noble cause that Mike started 25 years ago."
For more information on Mike Traynor, the Ride for Kids program, and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation go to RideforKids.org or PBTFUS.org.
IM's Tate hurt in crash
By John Hopkins
Inside Motorcycles senior editor Larry Tate was injured in an accident while competing in a SOAR endurance event at Toronto Motorsports Park last Saturday.
The incident happened in the closing minutes of the race at the Cayuga, ON facility. Tate was transported to Hamilton General Hospital and reportedly suffered seven broken ribs and a punctured lung in the crash.
There are apparently plans to transfer him closer to home to hospital in Belleville later this week.
Everyone at Inside Motorcycles wishes Larry a speedy recovery.
Inside Motorcycles senior editor Larry Tate was injured in an accident while competing in a SOAR endurance event at Toronto Motorsports Park last Saturday.
The incident happened in the closing minutes of the race at the Cayuga, ON facility. Tate was transported to Hamilton General Hospital and reportedly suffered seven broken ribs and a punctured lung in the crash.
There are apparently plans to transfer him closer to home to hospital in Belleville later this week.
Everyone at Inside Motorcycles wishes Larry a speedy recovery.
Metzeler completes the triple crown of World Enduro as the 2009 E1 World Champion!
From Metzeler
Metzeler has won the E1, E2 and E3 classes of the 2009 World Enduro Championship, proving yet again that the 6 Days Extreme tyre is the tyre-king of enduro!
Please find here attached a race report & images of the 8th Weekend of the 2009 World Enduro Championship held in St. Flour, France:
For further information and the single day standings please check the website www.metzelermoto.com.
Updated: Sportsman class added at Shannonville Supermoto
From Shannonville Motorsport Park
408 Racing and Shannonville Motorsport Park have pulled out all the stops for a special Supermoto event.
On Oct. 17 the Nelson race track has been made available to 408 Racing for a grand 2009 Supermoto Finale.
A new dirt section will be designed and laid out by the Pro at 408 Racing.
There will be Beginner and Amateur classes plus SM2 250, SMl Open, Veteran, Pro Open, Pro 250 and Pro 450. A Sportsman pavement only class has also been added.
This is a stand alone production, not part of a regular series. All fees are the same as on a regular Supermoto race day. Pro classes get 100 per cent payback. Trophies and special mentions for the regular 2009 season will be made at this event.
Racing licences will not be required for this event.
408 Racing and Shannonville Motorsport Park have pulled out all the stops for a special Supermoto event.
On Oct. 17 the Nelson race track has been made available to 408 Racing for a grand 2009 Supermoto Finale.
A new dirt section will be designed and laid out by the Pro at 408 Racing.
There will be Beginner and Amateur classes plus SM2 250, SMl Open, Veteran, Pro Open, Pro 250 and Pro 450. A Sportsman pavement only class has also been added.
This is a stand alone production, not part of a regular series. All fees are the same as on a regular Supermoto race day. Pro classes get 100 per cent payback. Trophies and special mentions for the regular 2009 season will be made at this event.
Racing licences will not be required for this event.
Shell to sponsor Malaysian MotoGP
From motogp.com
MotoGP rights holders Dorna Sports S.L have reached an agreement with leading motorcycle engine oil brand Shell Advance for them to become the title sponsor of the 2009 Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
The agreement has resulted from an ongoing partnership which has already seen a Shell Advance presence through trackside advertising campaigns at MotoGP events this season in Qatar, Italy, Germany and the United States. Shell Advance is also an official technical partner of the factory Ducati MotoGP team.
Dorna Sports S.L. Managing Director Pau Serracanta stated, “We are delighted that the leading petroleum company in the world is supporting MotoGP as a Grand Prix title sponsor, in addition to the support that they already provide via trackside advertising and their partnership with the official Ducati team. MotoGP has a huge fan base in Malaysia and throughout Asia, so this agreement will give Shell Advance the opportunity to further penetrate this highly important market.”
Tanmay Jaswal, Global Marketing Manager for Shell Advance commented, “We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement to become title sponsor of the penultimate round of the 2009 FIM MotoGP World Championship. The Malaysian MotoGP is an exciting annual event for the whole of Asia and one that Shell Advance is very proud to support. Shell already enjoys a successful technical partnership with Ducati Corse in MotoGP, a close relationship which provides Ducati with cutting edge lubricants and fuels, and allows our technicians to continuously transfer learnings from the racetrack to the road.
"This title sponsorship provides us with an ideal platform to strengthen our existing MotoGP presence as we seek to communicate with MotoGP fans and our customers in markets across Asia.”
The 2009 Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix will take place at the Sepang circuit, close to Kuala Lumpur, from Oct. 23-25.
MotoGP rights holders Dorna Sports S.L have reached an agreement with leading motorcycle engine oil brand Shell Advance for them to become the title sponsor of the 2009 Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
The agreement has resulted from an ongoing partnership which has already seen a Shell Advance presence through trackside advertising campaigns at MotoGP events this season in Qatar, Italy, Germany and the United States. Shell Advance is also an official technical partner of the factory Ducati MotoGP team.
Dorna Sports S.L. Managing Director Pau Serracanta stated, “We are delighted that the leading petroleum company in the world is supporting MotoGP as a Grand Prix title sponsor, in addition to the support that they already provide via trackside advertising and their partnership with the official Ducati team. MotoGP has a huge fan base in Malaysia and throughout Asia, so this agreement will give Shell Advance the opportunity to further penetrate this highly important market.”
Tanmay Jaswal, Global Marketing Manager for Shell Advance commented, “We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement to become title sponsor of the penultimate round of the 2009 FIM MotoGP World Championship. The Malaysian MotoGP is an exciting annual event for the whole of Asia and one that Shell Advance is very proud to support. Shell already enjoys a successful technical partnership with Ducati Corse in MotoGP, a close relationship which provides Ducati with cutting edge lubricants and fuels, and allows our technicians to continuously transfer learnings from the racetrack to the road.
"This title sponsorship provides us with an ideal platform to strengthen our existing MotoGP presence as we seek to communicate with MotoGP fans and our customers in markets across Asia.”
The 2009 Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix will take place at the Sepang circuit, close to Kuala Lumpur, from Oct. 23-25.
Thornton wins AMA Horizon Award
From the American Motorcyclist Association
PICKERINGTON, OH -- Miles Thornton, a 15-year-old motorcycle road racer from West Point, GA, says that lining up against the best amateur riders in the country is inspiring. Enough so that it pushed him to win the prestigious American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Road Race Horizon Award for 2009 at the AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships held Sept. 10-13 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH.
Thornton's performance was impressive all weekend. He won the Middleweight Superbike class, finished second in Middleweight Supersport, and took first in the 250GP class that ran as part of the U.S. Grand Prix Riders Union (USGPRU) program. By winning the 2009 AMA Road Race Horizon Award -- which honours each year the amateur road racer poised to make an impact in the pro ranks -- Thornton demonstrated that has what it takes to excel at the professional level.
"It's crazy," said Thornton, who was thrilled to win the same award previously won by the likes of former AMA Superbike Champion and current World Superbike racer Ben Spies. "I can't even believe it. I never thought I'd go this far racing as a little kid. I'm so happy, and I hope to follow in (Spies') footsteps."
The field that Thornton raced against didn't include solely amateurs. Some pros competed as well. While their results weren't included in the amateur national championship tallies, the No. 1 plates that go with them, or the AMA Horizon Award, the pro-licensed riders were welcomed at this year's AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships because the event also served as a regional round of the Championship Cup Series (CCS).
One of those pros was Brian Stokes, the 2003 AMA Road Race Horizon Award winner and grand marshal of the 2009 event. Stokes won several classes at the event, doing battle with Thornton in both Middleweight Superbike and Middleweight Supersport.
Other special awards presented at the event included the Vet/Senior Award, the Youth Award and the Top Novice Award.
Sam Gaige from Rochester, NY, won the Vet/Senior Award. Gaige won Unlimited Grand Prix, Middleweight Supersport and Unlimited Superbike. He finished second in Unlimited Supersport, Middleweight Supersport and Middleweight Grand Prix.
Jake Lewis was the top youth rider. The 13-year-old from Princeton, KY won the Expert 125 GP class, finished third in Lightweight GP and finished second in the 125 GP class in the USGPRU program.
Scott Stall from Huxley, IA won the Top Novice Award. Stall had a stellar weekend at the AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships, bringing home first-place trophies in the novice divisions for Heavyweight Supersport, Middleweight Supersport and Middleweight GP. Stall also finished second in Middleweight Supersport and Unlimited Grand Prix and third in Unlimited Supersport.
Monday, September 14, 2009
KTM's Nebel second in German Superbike
From KTM Racing
KTM rider Stefan Nebel secured second place in the International German Championship for Superbikes (IDM) in the final round on Sunday.
Nebel, who went to the IDM finale in Hockenheim with a 25-point advantage, kept the big crowd of fans on their toes right up to the end of the season when he secured the vice championship title for the KTM Superbike team, which was formed less than 12 months ago. But even though he crashed in the second race, his cushion of points from a hard fought seventh place in the first race in front of 28,000 spectators secured second place for the KTM team headed by Konrad Hefele.
The end of season was less positive for Kai-Borre Andersen, who rode in Hockenheim as a replacement for the injured Didier van Keymeulen. Following a strong result in training and a fourth place on the starting grid Anderson went down hard in the Sunday morning warm-up and the concussion he sustained hindered a positive finale for him.
Jeremy McWilliams, who with 11th just missed a front row start by less than four tenths of a second, then crashed in the first race. He broke a rib and badly cut his hand and had to sit out the second race.
The IDM season, with eight rounds and 16 races in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, was nevertheless very positive for the first official KTM Superbike project. Nebel was in the points 15 times, on the podium four times and garnered a total of 184 points.
Van Keymeulen surprised with pole position and the first podium place at the start of the season and right up to his untimely early season's end proved both his talent and the competitiveness of the RC8R.
"I'm totally happy that we managed to work together to successfully fight for the second place," Nebel said. "Everyone made a fantastic effort so that this could happen. It was a season with many highs and some tough lows, like in the second race today but all in all I think we showed that in the IDM KTM is a force to be reckoned with. A big thank you to all those who made this possible."
Martin Bauer and Joerg Teuchert split the race wins at Hockenheim and Teuchert locked up the title riding a Yamaha.
Results Race One
1. Martin Bauer, Austria, Honda 31:05.640
2. Joerg Teuchert, Germany, Yamaha 31:05.782
3. Andreas Meklau, Austria, Suzuki, 31:06.494
4. Gabor Rizmayer, Hungary, 31:14.473
5. Arne Tode, Germany, Honda, 31:14.841
Results Race Two
1. Joerg Teuchert, Germany, Yamaha 17 25:08.365
2. Martin Bauer, Austria, Honda, 25:10.987
3. Matej Smrz, Czech Republic, Honda, 25:12.700
4. Werner Daemen, Belgium, BMW, 25:12.922
5. Julian Mazuecos, Spain, BMW, 25:18.021
Final Standings
1. Joerg Teuchert Germany 293 points
2. Stefan Nebel, Germany, KTM, 184
3. Werner Daemen, Belgium, 173
4. Gabor Rizmayer, Hungary, 173
5. Arne Tode, Germany, 159
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