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June 6, 2022
Toronto, Ontario – The wait for the 2022 Canadian Superbike Championship season is finally over, as the feature Pro Superbike field prepares for another dramatic campaign entering their round one doubleheader at the Grand Bend Motorplex this weekend, June 9-12.
The 42nd running of the Canadian national championship will kick off in unfamiliar circumstances, as 19-year-old phenom Alex Dumas heads to Grand Bend for the first time in his career to defend his 2021 Canada Cup and number one plate.
The Liqui Moly/FAST School Suzuki rider out of Desmaures, QC, has only appeared at two venues in his CSBK career, but showed zero signs of inexperience at either, winning all four races at Calabogie last season and finding the podium on all three occasions at CTMP. Dumas could continue that trend at Grand Bend this weekend but will surely have to go through his rival Ben Young in order to do so – a difficult proposition at perhaps Young’s best track on the calendar.
Click here to watch the official Grand Bend video preview!
The Van Dolder’s Home Team BMW Motorrad rider will be thrilled to return to ‘The Bend’ in 2022, having pushed Jordan Szoke to the limit there in 2018 before beating Szoke one year later en route to his 2019 championship. Having fully shaken the rust off from his 2020 absence, Young will now look to kick off his quest for a second career title in the opening round, a place he should enter as the marginal favourite.
The Collingwood, ON native will surely be looking over his shoulder for Dumas all weekend in what is expected to be a clear frontrunning duo for the 2022 campaign, but there are plenty of challengers to pick up the pieces if the two rivals get in each others way – though that list has shrunk in a big way entering round one.
Fans won’t be able to spot the iconic green Canadian Kawasaki of Jordan Szoke out on track, as the 14-time champion suffered a barrage of injuries in a pre-season motocross accident and is expected to miss the full season. The 2020 champion won’t be alone on the sidelines, either, as fellow fan favourite Tomas Casas will be forced to sit out round one after the Yamaha Canada rider injured his hand in an offseason crash of his own, though Casas expects to be back up at the front by round two in Calabogie.
Leading the charge in their absence will be a wide-open crop of riders, but one with some familiar names at the top. The most likely of the group will be OneSpeed Suzuki star Trevor Daley, who scored a trio of podiums in 2021 and played a pivotal role in helping Suzuki to the inaugural Constructors Championship last season.
Another fan favourite of the bunch will be 2021 Pro Sport Bike champion Sebastian Tremblay, who is turning his focus solely to the feature Superbike category aboard his Turcotte Performance Kawasaki and could play a big role for the brand in Szoke’s absence, though his best hopes will likely come at his home track in round two.
Also in the podium mix all season will be another pair of Quebecois talents, albeit ones at different points in their careers, as veteran Michael Leon returns to the grid aboard his Royal Distributing BMW as does second-year Pro Samuel Guerin for the EFC Group BMW squad. Leon has already scored a pair of top-five finishes in his career at Grand Bend, while Guerin will be heading to the circuit for the first time in his Pro career after a hard-luck rookie campaign for him in 2021.
Grand Bend is also known for its local expertise, and this season will be no different as a group of potential wildcards headline the Superbike grid, most notably SOAR regional champ Steven Nickerson. The Dewildt Powersports Honda rider managed a career-best fourth in his last national appearance at Grand Bend, and could be one of the top podium threats again at his home track to begin the 2022 campaign.
Jordan Royds will also be pleased to return to Grand Bend, as the sixth-overall finisher in last year’s championship has gained plenty of track knowledge aboard his IBEW BMW and could challenge the front-five as well. As for perhaps the biggest wildcard on the grid, former Lightweight star Trevor Dion is rumoured to be sporting a new BMW Superbike for 2022 alongside his Sport Bike program, and could be a top-five threat himself if he decides to run the dual-threat weekend for the LDS Consulting team.
Joining the Pro ranks for the first time in 2022 will be rookies Anthony Bergeron and Pascal Bastien, both of whom could play surprise roles in deciding the midfield as two of the faster Amateur graduates in recent years. Neither have attended Grand Bend before in their national careers, but Bergeron in particular flashed sensational pace in his title-winning 2021 campaign, winning three out of four races on his privateer BMW.
The second running of the Constructors Championship will also have some new names to sport this season, with Ducati and Aprilia expected to join the grid after homologating their race programs for 2022.
It’s unclear who will represent the two Italian factories on the national grid this season, but their inclusion will surely put more pressure on the five returning brands from 2021, while Suzuki will hope to defend their inaugural crown from the growing field.
The opening weekend at Grand Bend will kick off with an official CSBK test day on Thursday and practice day on Friday, before racing properly gets underway for the first of four rounds on Saturday and Sunday.
The full schedule, weekend information, and ticket information can be found on the series' official website at www.csbk.ca.
For more information on the CSBK Canadian Superbike Championship, visit www.csbk.ca
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June 2, 2022
Toronto, Ontario – The Canadian Superbike Championship is pleased to welcome BS Battery as the official sponsor of the Pro Superbike Pole Position award in 2022, with compensation now available to the fastest qualifiers in the feature class courtesy of the French company.
Established in 2008 in Paris, France, BS Battery has quickly emerged as one of the largest distributors of automotive batteries in the world, servicing 70 countries with over 400 different battery types.
The brand is just as successful on the track, sponsoring numerous French talents including reigning MotoGP champion and current world championship points leader Fabio Quartararo. The Monster Yamaha rider has been supported by BS Battery since his premier class debut in 2019, helping him develop into one of the sport’s greatest young talents.
BS Battery is also a former partner of fellow MotoGP star Johann Zarco and currently sponsors World Supersport frontrunner Jules Cluzel, while their offroad sponsorships include the successful Sherco Factory enduro team and the upstart BUD Racing Kawasaki motocross team, amongst others.
The high-quality batteries are distributed across Canada exclusively by Importations Thibault, one of the nation’s premier distributors of motorcycle, scooter, ATV, and snowmobile products. Established in 1981, Importations Thibault Ltd. is centred in Sherbrooke, QC, and has helped introduce a number of motorsports brands across Canada in their 45+ years of operation.
The BS Battery Pole Position format will be the same as in 2021, with the award going to the top qualifier from each round in the Pro Superbike feature class as well as an accompanying $2000 reward, courtesy of BS Battery.
Additionally, each weekend’s qualifying results will contribute to the overall season-long award winner, which comes with it an additional $2000 award. The points system will be the same as in 2021, with ten points for pole position, eight for qualifying second, six for qualifying third, four for qualifying fourth, and two for the final spot in fifth.
Former national champion Ben Young was the winner of the inaugural Pole Position award last season, taking the top qualifying spot in the first two rounds before qualifying second in the final weekend as he finished six points clear of eventual Canada Cup winner Alex Dumas.
Young and Dumas – two of the last three Superbike champions – are expected to be the frontrunners once again for the Pole Position award in addition to the overall crown, as both are notoriously strong qualifiers and have racked up a number of front-row starts in their Pro careers.
For more information on the CSBK Canadian Superbike Championship, visit www.csbk.ca
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May 26, 2022
Burlington, Ontario – REV TV YOUR MOTORSPORTS & AUTOMOTIVE DESTINATION 24/7 is thrilled to announce that we have signed a multi-year deal to bring one of the world’s must-see motorsports events to Canadians: The Isle of Man TT.
219 turns, speeds in excess of 200 miles-per-hour, all on 37.7 miles of twisting, narrow mountain roads that days before were travelled by farmers and folks on their way to work, the Isle of Man TT, or Tourist Trophy, is an event like no other. Since 1907 the Mountain Course has been the ultimate test of rider and machine, and for the month of June the 2022 TT lives on REV TV. Featuring 15 hours of programming that includes documentaries, previews, qualifying and race highlights from all categories—Sidecar, Superstock, Supersport, Superbike, and Senior— as well as review shows, you won't miss a moment of Manx action.
“REV TV is thrilled to be able to be the exclusive home in Canada to arguably one of the most historic and longest running motorsports events in the world in the Isle of Man TT,” said Mike Garrow CEO of REV TV. “Viewers are about to witness a month-long happening that is more than just a motorsports event, it is a testament to human bravery and mechanical ingenuity rightfully earning the moniker of ‘The Greatest Race on Earth,’” he added.
”The Isle of Man TT Races is the world’s most accessible and visceral motorsport event”, said Paul Phillips, TT and Motorsport Development Manager, Isle of Man Government, “and we are really looking forward to delivering all of the best action from the TT Mountain Course into homes across Canada this year via our new partnership with REV TV. Motorbike fans, and people being introduced to the event for the first time are in for a real treat.”
Coverage of the 2022 Isle of Man TT is brought to you in part by Motul, the leader in the synthetic lubricants industry, and begins at the start of June and proceeds to the end of the month. Check revtv.ca for air times and further information.
About the Isle of Man TT
Every May and June the Isle of Man, a small country nestled between England and Ireland, turns into motorcycle nirvana as the world’s greatest road racers gather to test themselves against the incredible “Mountain Course”—a 37.73 mile beast of a course carved out of the Island’s public closed roads.
About Motul
Motul is a world-class French company specializing in the formulation, production, and distribution of high-tech engine lubricants (two-wheelers, cars, and other vehicles) as well as lubricants for industry via its Motultech activity. Present in more than 120 countries, Motul USA was established in 1989 as a subsidiary of Motul France and is based in Southern California. Motul is recognized as the specialist in synthetic lubricants. As early as 1971, Motul was the first lubricant manufacturer to pioneer the formulation of a 100% synthetic lubricant for automotive engines, the 300V lubricant, making use of Esters technology and issued from the aeronautical industry.
Throughout the years, Motul has gained experience as an official supplier to many racing teams and manufacturers and contributes with them to further technological development in motorsports. Motul is supporting those teams in international competitions such as: 24 Hours of Le Mans (cars and motorcycles), FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Super GT, Formula Drift, Pikes Peak, Dakar, Tour Auto, Le Mans Classic, MotoGP, World Superbike, World MX, FIM Endurance World Championship, IOM TT, MOTUL FIM and score of others.
About REV TV
YOUR MOTORSPORTS & AUTOMOTIVE DESTINATION is available to over 6 million households across Canada and features over 200 races from around the world and right here at home. From two-wheels to four and so much more. REV TV showcases all forms of high-octane racing, such as MotoGP, Monster Jam, AMA Supercross, World Rally Championship, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Indy Lights, World Endurance Championship, World RX Championship, IndyCar Classics, SPEED SPORT TV, along with news coverage such as The Inside Line (F1), Winged Nation (winged sprint cars) and Tuning 365 Performance Auto & Sound Magazine. We also have a slate of original programming with REV Culture with Todd Lewis that features interviews with motorsports luminaries, All North Racing which focuses on grassroots racing, a slew of how-to and behind-the-scenes programs, and so much more. REV TV is your MOTORSPORTS & AUTOMOTIVE DESTINATION 24/7.
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May 26, 2022
Toronto, Ontario – Aprilia’s famed RSV4 lineup of Italian-built Superbikes are now approved for Canadian National road racing competition in both the Pro Superbike feature category and the Amateur Superbike division of the CSBK tour.
Marco d’Acunzo, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, confirmed the homologation of the potent V4 powered street machines, available at dealers across Canada along with the full range of Aprilia sports machinery.
“Aprilia’s first home is the racetrack. It is where the spirit of the brand lives, and with Aprilia, where countless champions first proved themselves on an international stage. This is another step for Aprilia, to bring our championship winning machines to the Canadian racing series, and competition venues across the country,” confirms d’Acunzo, “We look forward to meeting both racers, and fans of Aprilia at CSBK rounds, and further developing our partnership with the series.”
Current Aprilia models confirmed for CSBK action are the RSV4 and the RSV4 factory, the later coming as standard with forged aluminum wheels, Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 semi-active suspension and Brembo Stylema brake calipers. These advanced Aprilia machines also feature MotoGP style aerodynamics, including integrated winglets in the fairing.
Aprilia’s Aleix Espargaro currently holds second overall in the MotoGP World Championship points standings, the Spanish rider earning one win and four podiums thus far aboard the factory entry.
(Aprilia Racing just announced that Aleix Espargaro (41-L) and Maverick Viñales (12-R) will be staying with the team through to the end of 2024)
In World Superbike, the RSV4 Aprilia has earned the World Championship three times, the first two courtesy of Max Biaggi (2010, 2012) and most recently with popular French racer Sylvain Guintoli in 2014.
In Canadian National Superbike action, popular veteran Frank Trombino of Uxbridge, ON, scored Aprilia’s first and thus far only win at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, the famous “old Mosport” near Toronto, ON, aboard an RSV4 in 2014.
Two years later, Italian world moto star Claudio Corti brought his MotoAmerica National series team to CTMP for the final round of the Canadian National series, where his Aprilia battled for the win in both events, eventually earning a pair of second-place finishes after two of the best races in the history of the now 43-year-old Canadian Superbike tour.
This year’s CSBK National series opens with the first round at Grand Bend Motorplex, on Lake Huron, Ontario, June 9-12. In total, there will be nine Pro Superbike Feature events in 2022, all telecast on TSN, The Sports Network.
For more information on the CSBK Canadian Superbike Championship, visit www.csbk.ca
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May 19, 2022
Shannonville, Ontaraio –The 2022 Super Series season kicked off this May 14-15 on the Long Track configuration of Shannonville Motorsport Park. On a warm and beautiful mostly sun-soaked weekend, a total of 13 different riders found their way to victory with both rookies and vets taking the top step. With this marking the first of five race weekends on the calendar, a total of 86 entries competed in 16 different events with the most diverse crop of winners seen in recent years.
With the 4-km-long Long Track layout providing the riders with a tough challenge, the first day saw lots of adjustments and shaking down the winter rust. The largest race on day one, was the PRO-AM Sportbike race which saw over 20 riders take to the track. In the PRO division, Louie Raffa managed to hold off Drew Weber for his first win of the campaign, while Eric Quintin took advantage of his pole start to hold off a hard charge from Martin Richard to claim the AM Sportbike win.
Alex Radecki claimed the Lightweight Production win in dominating fashion. While sparks flew in the Novice race, poleman Ryan Dunwoodie stalled on the start allowing Adrian Mitchell to take the lead with Dunwoodie falling back to last. However, Dunwoodie fought back and battled from 12th to third by race end. When the checkered flag fell, Mitchell stood on the top step of the podium for his first Novice victory and allowing him to keep the checkered flag, commemorating his first-ever win.
Drew Weber picked up his first win as a PRO rider, following a flag to flag win the Hvwt Sportsman race. Istvan Hidvegi claimed his first win of 2022, by a staggering margin of 1 lap over second place Dylan Leclair in Ltwt Superbike. Following an intense battle with Steven Fletcher, Michael Vinten claimed the sidecar victory.
In typical Elie Daccache fashion, the PRO Superbike win was another dominating performance for the Ottawa rider. Beating newcomer Jake Leclair by nearly 20 seconds, Daccache’s fastest lap time was nearly four seconds a lap faster than Leclair in second place. Marc Labossière beat out Matt Vanderhorst to claim not just his first victory in the Super Series, but his first victory at Shannonville. To close out the first day of festivities, Hidvegi and Daccache claimed their second wins of the day in Lightweight Production and Sprint Cup respectively.
On day two, a brief rain shower at lunchtime didn’t stop the riders from putting on a good show to close out the weekend. Barrie’s Jordan Decarie scored his first win as an amateur rider in the PRO-AM Sportbike rice, fending off a late charge from Richard. Meanwhile in the PRO division, Alex Coelho got passed on the start by Raffa. However, Coelho charged after Raffa and with two laps to go was right on his rear. Coelho out braked Raffa going down the back straight and held on for his first win of 2022 by a margin of .627 seconds.
Redecki claimed another Ltwt Sportsman win, while in the Novice race Dunwoodie was out for redemption. Nabbing another pole, Dunwoodie failed the start again but used his Ducati power to overtake Mitchell for the lead by the end of lap one. Dunwoodie and Mitchell raced in a league of their own, running times 1-2 seconds faster than third place Alexis Beaudoin. This time, Dunwoodie closed the deal, scoring his first Novice class victory. Weber went 2 for 2 in Hvwt Sportsman, while Redecki claimed the Ltwt Superbike win. Michael Vinten held off another charge from Fletcher for another sidecar win, while Elie Daccache won the PRO Superbike race by over 27 seconds.
In the AM Sportbike division, Vanderhorst didn’t want to leave Shannonville without a winner’s trophy. To get one, he had to get through Marc Labossière. They battled hard with each other following Labossière’s slow start. Then, the Quebec racer ran out of time to catch Vanderhorst who held on for the win by only 3 tenths.
Quite fittingly to close out round one, Hidvegi and Daccache mirrored what they did yesterday by going back-to-back in Lightweight Production and Sprint Cup respectively.
After a successful Round One, the Super Series will be back June 10-11 on the Pro track layout for its second round. Last used during the 2021 season finale, Shannonville’s Pro track offers higher speeds, faster lap times and no room for mistakes.
For more information on the Super Series, please visit www.super-series.ca. Fans can follow us on Facebook @SuperSeriesMotorcycle.
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