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Szoke looks to add to legacy in Mopar CSBK finale at CTMP
A perfect season in any sport is considered a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. The National Football League’s Miami Dolphins went 17-0 in 1972 and have been waiting for someone to match them ever since.
But at this weekend’s doubleheader final round of the Mopar Canadian Superbike Championship at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Jordan Szoke will be bidding for his third perfect season, and second in succession, in addition to claiming an 11th Canadian Superbike title.
The 37-year-old racer from Lynden, Ont. went unbeaten for the first time in 2010 before running the table again in 2015, capping off his remarkable year with a doubleheader sweep at CTMP.
This season Szoke has victories in all five Mopar CSBK races aboard the Mopar Express Lane / Motovan / BMW Motorrad BMW S1000RR and enjoys a commanding 51-point lead, 268-217, over Kenny Riedmann heading into this weekend’s doubleheader.
A weekend sweep would not only assure Szoke of his third perfect campaign, but also give him 59 Canadian Superbike race wins and 14 at CTMP, both all-time records.
However, with two points paying races on tap this weekend and 50 points for a race win, it would not take much for Riedmann to turn the tables on the defending champion. The 24-year-old from Belfountain, Ont. has finished second to Szoke in each race this year and led most of the most recent round at Atlantic Motorsport Park.
The rider of the Sturgess Cycle / Liqui Moly / Joe Rocket Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja came within a turn of ending Szoke’s perfect 2015 season at CTMP last year and will be looking to close the deal this time around.
Another rider capable of upsetting Szoke is top BCR Pro Rookie of the Year contender Ben Young. The 23-year-old from Collingwood, Ont. lies third in the point standings with 186 points on the Tim Horton’s / Scot-Build Developments / BMW Motorrad BMW S1000RR and has finished on the podium four times this year.
Also worth watching will be Warman, Sask.’s Bodhi Edie. The 20-year-old rider of the Trip-Dub Racing / Z1 Cycle Tech / Birkett Freight Solutions Yamaha YZF-R1 has been out of action most of the summer after a qualifying crash at Autodrome St-Eustache in June, but is due back at CTMP this weekend and scored his only career Canadian Superbike win on the high-speed 3.9km (2.459-mile) 10-turn track in 2013.
There is also a tight battle for fourth in the Mopar CSBK standings, with only 11 points separating the three contenders. Beaconsfield, Que.’s Michael Leon enjoyed a season-high fourth place finish at AMP on the Royal Distributing Race Team / BMW Motorrad / Pro 6 Cycle BMW S1000RR. Riding the MotoNation / Laval Moto Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja, Mirabel, Que. rider Tremblay has a history of strong results at CTMP, while Mississauga, Ont.’s Daley had his most competitive weekend of the season at AMP with the OneSpeed Yamaha YZF-R1M.
A highlight of Friday’s action will be the debut of special Dunlop Qualifying Tires for the Dalton Timmis Insurance Pole Position Shootout, as riders make an assault on Brett McCormick’s five-year-old track record of one minute, 20.866 seconds.
In other doubleheader action at CTMP this weekend, Riedmann is in position to claim his third straight Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike title on his Kawasaki ZX-6R. He comes into the two races with a massive 98-point lead, 220-122, over rookie Pro Alex Coelho of Brossard, Que. on the Black Sheep Racing / Liqui Moly / A.G. Graphique Kawasaki ZX-6R, while former two-time Superbike champion Michael Taylor of Toronto is just a further point back in third riding the Triumph Canada / GP Bikes / Goderich Toyota Triumph 675.
Last year’s co-winner of the BCR Pro Rookie of the Year Award Tomas Casas of Peterborough, Ont. has two podium finishes on the Peterborough Cycle Salvage / Parts Canada Yamaha YZF-R6.
Jean-Marc Bilger of Montreal comes to CTMP leading the Magneti Marelli Amateur Superbike class on his BMW S1000RR, while Ottawa’s Chris Brent tops the Shoei Premium Helmets Amateur Sport Bike class with a Honda CBR600RR.
In the closest points battle, Ile Perrot, Que.’s Eric Quintin enjoys a slender one-point advantage over Windsor, N.S. rider Brandon Pemberton in the Kawasaki Ninja 300 Spec National Series.
Competition begins on Friday with qualifying. Feature races in all five national classes will be held Saturday and Sunday.
For more information and to order tickets, call the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm ET), visit online at www.
2016 Point Standings
Mopar Pro Superbike: 1. Jordan Szoke (BMW) 268; 2. Kenny Riedmann (Kawasaki) 217; 3. Ben Young (BMW) 186; 4. Michael Leon (BMW) 149; 5. Sebastien Tremblay (Kawasaki), Trevor Daley (Yamaha) 138
Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike: 1. Kenny Riedmann (Kawasaki) 220; 2. Alex Coelho (Kawasaki) 122; 3. Michael Taylor (Triumph) 121
Magneti Marelli Amateur Superbike: 1. Jean-Marc Bilger (BMW) 175; 2. Chris Brent (Honda) 142; 3. Jacob Shaw-O’Leary (Honda) 121
Shoei Premium Helmets Amateur Sport Bike: 1. Chris Brent (Honda) 188; 2. Jacob Shaw-O’Leary (Honda) 139; 3. Eric Richard (Honda) 99
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Spec National Series: 1. Eric Quintin (Kawasaki) 369; 2. Brandon Pemberton (Kawasaki) 368; 3. Jared Walker (Kawasaki) 293
Recent Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Superbike National Wins
2015 – Jordan Szoke (BMW S1000RR) / Jordan Szoke (BMW S1000RR)
2014 – Frank Trombino (Aprilia RSV1000) / Jodi Christie (Honda CBR1000RR)
2013 – Bodhi Edie (BMW S1000RR) / Alex Welsh (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
2012 – Kevin Lacombe (BMW S1000RR) / Alex Welsh (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
2011 – Brett McCormick (BMW S1000RR) / Jordan Szoke (Kawasaki ZX-10R)
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Fast Facts
…The year-end payout for the four national classes at CTMP (excluding the Kawasaki Ninja 300 Series) will be a total of $64,000, 20 percent more than last season, with the biggest single payout going to the Mopar Pro Superbike champ at $10,000. The Kawasaki class is new this season.
…The only win for an Aprilia in CSBK competition came courtesy of Frank Trombino in a wet race one at CTMP in 2014. It was his third career victory at the track, after he had scored back-to-back wins on a Yamaha in 2000 and 2001. Ducati scored its sole CSBK feature success at CTMP in 1995, with Jeff Sneyd aboard.
…Jordan Szoke has swept the doubleheader at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park four times. Pascal Picotte of Granby, Que. also managed the feat, pulling it off twice.
Provisional Weekend Schedule
Friday, August 1912:45 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. Dalton Timmis Insurance Pro Superbike Elimination Qualifying
1:20 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Shoei Premium Helmets Amateur Sport Bike Qualifying
1:55 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. -- Dalton Timmis Insurance Pro Superbike Top 10 Qualifier
2:30 – 2:55 p.m. – Magneti Marelli Amateur Superbike Qualifying
3:35 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike Qualifying
Saturday, August 2011:15 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. – Kawasaki Ninja 300 Spec Series Qualifying
1:00 p.m. – Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike Race (14 laps)
Shoei Premium Helmets Amateur Sport Bike Race (12 laps)
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Spec Series Race (10 laps)
3:00 p.m. – Mopar Pro Superbike Race (20 laps)
Magneti Marelli Amateur Superbike Race (12 laps)
Sunday, August 211:00 p.m. – Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike Race (14 laps)
Shoei Premium Helmets Amateur Sport Bike Race (12 laps)
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Spec Series Race (10 laps)
3:00 p.m. – Mopar Pro Superbike Race (20 laps)
Magneti Marelli Amateur Superbike Race (12 laps)
But at this weekend’s doubleheader final round of the Mopar Canadian Superbike Championship at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Jordan Szoke will be bidding for his third perfect season, and second in succession, in addition to claiming an 11th Canadian Superbike title.
The 37-year-old racer from Lynden, Ont. went unbeaten for the first time in 2010 before running the table again in 2015, capping off his remarkable year with a doubleheader sweep at CTMP.
This season Szoke has victories in all five Mopar CSBK races aboard the Mopar Express Lane / Motovan / BMW Motorrad BMW S1000RR and enjoys a commanding 51-point lead, 268-217, over Kenny Riedmann heading into this weekend’s doubleheader.
A weekend sweep would not only assure Szoke of his third perfect campaign, but also give him 59 Canadian Superbike race wins and 14 at CTMP, both all-time records.
However, with two points paying races on tap this weekend and 50 points for a race win, it would not take much for Riedmann to turn the tables on the defending champion. The 24-year-old from Belfountain, Ont. has finished second to Szoke in each race this year and led most of the most recent round at Atlantic Motorsport Park.
The rider of the Sturgess Cycle / Liqui Moly / Joe Rocket Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja came within a turn of ending Szoke’s perfect 2015 season at CTMP last year and will be looking to close the deal this time around.
Another rider capable of upsetting Szoke is top BCR Pro Rookie of the Year contender Ben Young. The 23-year-old from Collingwood, Ont. lies third in the point standings with 186 points on the Tim Horton’s / Scot-Build Developments / BMW Motorrad BMW S1000RR and has finished on the podium four times this year.
Also worth watching will be Warman, Sask.’s Bodhi Edie. The 20-year-old rider of the Trip-Dub Racing / Z1 Cycle Tech / Birkett Freight Solutions Yamaha YZF-R1 has been out of action most of the summer after a qualifying crash at Autodrome St-Eustache in June, but is due back at CTMP this weekend and scored his only career Canadian Superbike win on the high-speed 3.9km (2.459-mile) 10-turn track in 2013.
There is also a tight battle for fourth in the Mopar CSBK standings, with only 11 points separating the three contenders. Beaconsfield, Que.’s Michael Leon enjoyed a season-high fourth place finish at AMP on the Royal Distributing Race Team / BMW Motorrad / Pro 6 Cycle BMW S1000RR. Riding the MotoNation / Laval Moto Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja, Mirabel, Que. rider Tremblay has a history of strong results at CTMP, while Mississauga, Ont.’s Daley had his most competitive weekend of the season at AMP with the OneSpeed Yamaha YZF-R1M.
A highlight of Friday’s action will be the debut of special Dunlop Qualifying Tires for the Dalton Timmis Insurance Pole Position Shootout, as riders make an assault on Brett McCormick’s five-year-old track record of one minute, 20.866 seconds.
In other doubleheader action at CTMP this weekend, Riedmann is in position to claim his third straight Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike title on his Kawasaki ZX-6R. He comes into the two races with a massive 98-point lead, 220-122, over rookie Pro Alex Coelho of Brossard, Que. on the Black Sheep Racing / Liqui Moly / A.G. Graphique Kawasaki ZX-6R, while former two-time Superbike champion Michael Taylor of Toronto is just a further point back in third riding the Triumph Canada / GP Bikes / Goderich Toyota Triumph 675.
Last year’s co-winner of the BCR Pro Rookie of the Year Award Tomas Casas of Peterborough, Ont. has two podium finishes on the Peterborough Cycle Salvage / Parts Canada Yamaha YZF-R6.
Jean-Marc Bilger of Montreal comes to CTMP leading the Magneti Marelli Amateur Superbike class on his BMW S1000RR, while Ottawa’s Chris Brent tops the Shoei Premium Helmets Amateur Sport Bike class with a Honda CBR600RR.
In the closest points battle, Ile Perrot, Que.’s Eric Quintin enjoys a slender one-point advantage over Windsor, N.S. rider Brandon Pemberton in the Kawasaki Ninja 300 Spec National Series.
Competition begins on Friday with qualifying. Feature races in all five national classes will be held Saturday and Sunday.
For more information and to order tickets, call the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Hotline at 1-800-866-1072 (Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm ET), visit online at www.
2016 Point Standings
Mopar Pro Superbike: 1. Jordan Szoke (BMW) 268; 2. Kenny Riedmann (Kawasaki) 217; 3. Ben Young (BMW) 186; 4. Michael Leon (BMW) 149; 5. Sebastien Tremblay (Kawasaki), Trevor Daley (Yamaha) 138
Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike: 1. Kenny Riedmann (Kawasaki) 220; 2. Alex Coelho (Kawasaki) 122; 3. Michael Taylor (Triumph) 121
Magneti Marelli Amateur Superbike: 1. Jean-Marc Bilger (BMW) 175; 2. Chris Brent (Honda) 142; 3. Jacob Shaw-O’Leary (Honda) 121
Shoei Premium Helmets Amateur Sport Bike: 1. Chris Brent (Honda) 188; 2. Jacob Shaw-O’Leary (Honda) 139; 3. Eric Richard (Honda) 99
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Spec National Series: 1. Eric Quintin (Kawasaki) 369; 2. Brandon Pemberton (Kawasaki) 368; 3. Jared Walker (Kawasaki) 293
Recent Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Superbike National Wins
2015 – Jordan Szoke (BMW S1000RR) / Jordan Szoke (BMW S1000RR)
2014 – Frank Trombino (Aprilia RSV1000) / Jodi Christie (Honda CBR1000RR)
2013 – Bodhi Edie (BMW S1000RR) / Alex Welsh (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
2012 – Kevin Lacombe (BMW S1000RR) / Alex Welsh (Suzuki GSX-R1000)
2011 – Brett McCormick (BMW S1000RR) / Jordan Szoke (Kawasaki ZX-10R)
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Fast Facts
…The year-end payout for the four national classes at CTMP (excluding the Kawasaki Ninja 300 Series) will be a total of $64,000, 20 percent more than last season, with the biggest single payout going to the Mopar Pro Superbike champ at $10,000. The Kawasaki class is new this season.
…The only win for an Aprilia in CSBK competition came courtesy of Frank Trombino in a wet race one at CTMP in 2014. It was his third career victory at the track, after he had scored back-to-back wins on a Yamaha in 2000 and 2001. Ducati scored its sole CSBK feature success at CTMP in 1995, with Jeff Sneyd aboard.
…Jordan Szoke has swept the doubleheader at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park four times. Pascal Picotte of Granby, Que. also managed the feat, pulling it off twice.
Provisional Weekend Schedule
Friday, August 1912:45 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. Dalton Timmis Insurance Pro Superbike Elimination Qualifying
1:20 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Shoei Premium Helmets Amateur Sport Bike Qualifying
1:55 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. -- Dalton Timmis Insurance Pro Superbike Top 10 Qualifier
2:30 – 2:55 p.m. – Magneti Marelli Amateur Superbike Qualifying
3:35 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike Qualifying
Saturday, August 2011:15 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. – Kawasaki Ninja 300 Spec Series Qualifying
1:00 p.m. – Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike Race (14 laps)
Shoei Premium Helmets Amateur Sport Bike Race (12 laps)
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Spec Series Race (10 laps)
3:00 p.m. – Mopar Pro Superbike Race (20 laps)
Magneti Marelli Amateur Superbike Race (12 laps)
Sunday, August 211:00 p.m. – Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike Race (14 laps)
Shoei Premium Helmets Amateur Sport Bike Race (12 laps)
Kawasaki Ninja 300 Spec Series Race (10 laps)
3:00 p.m. – Mopar Pro Superbike Race (20 laps)
Magneti Marelli Amateur Superbike Race (12 laps)
Comments
A Letter from David Hatch - Motorcycle Experience
Mon, Aug 15 2016 08:04 AM
| entertainment, Honda
| Permalink
Hi everyone,
A couple of brand new Honda’s (CB1100A and VFR1200X) were dropped off here recently and my buddy Gilbert and I couldn't resist going on a pre ride with both motorcycles over the long weekend.
A lot of folks have been asking me what I thought of the VFR1200X. Well, the big impression with this motorcycle, has got to be the terrific engine. Hands down. I mean, the V4 engine sounds great in this configuration (new cams and ECU programming) and the torque is terrific everywhere up and down the rev range. The fly by wire throttle delivers superb feel and the sound from the single pipe is sweet. The adjustable suspension pieces are a nice touch here and the handling is superb. Everything has been nicely calibrated to allow both single and two up riding. I really like how this bike handled. Linked anti lock braking is standard and totally up to the job while the crossed laced spoke wheels were perfect for the pavement. And they managed "ok” on the hard-packed dirt roads we explored. To make your touring life easier, the VFR1200X comes with a really nifty adjustable, on the fly, windscreen, heated grips, hand protectors, a hand 12 volt power socket for your GPS. You can also order the optional hard bag luggage system with internal liner bags. The system is top drawer, however there were a couple of minor gripes. The saddle was a bit of a let down - it’s been sculpted to allow for riders with a shorter inseam to be able to reach the ground. Great for shorter riders.. not so great for my glutes! After a couple of hours of riding, I found myself thinking that if I owned this motorcycle, I’d probably swap the saddle our for something with more cushion. The other tiny pet peeve? I don’t know if it’s my aging eyes, but I really found the instrument pod a tad lacking. Maybe it was because I was jumping back and forth with the CB1100A. A retro standard motorcycle with two great sweeping analogue gauges. I dunno. Not a huge deal. But I’d love to see a bigger info screen on this puppy. Overall though, I loved the VFR1200X. If you are looking for a bike that can pretty much take you anywhere as long as the road is mostly paved. A motorcycle with lots of room to stretch out and move around. A motorcycle with a great suspension set up that delivers great handling when the road turns twisty. If you like throaty, torque loaded engines with unique character that delivers plenty of power across the width of the power band, then this is the bike for you!
Also, don't forget that we will be once again throwing a party for fans of our TV show at the end of September and you are all invited to ride out and join in the celebration! That’s right, our Prince Edward County based motorcycle television show will play host on Saturday, September 24 at the Hillier Creek Estate Winery just south of Trenton, Ontario in the heart of the County’s wine region. As you know, our long running TV show, which is shot primarily in Prince Edward County has been on the air for over 27 years, and as the show's presenter, I’m looking forward to playing host down in the County from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Once again the Honda Canada demo ride crew will be on hand providing motorcycle demo rides and party favours. Plus this year I’m happy to announce that we’ve partnered up with the local, Eastern Shield chapter of the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group and they will be on hand with a large vintage motorcycle display.
Meanwhile in Episode 4, my riding buddy Norm Wells and I ride through the valley of fire east of Las Vegas, Nevada and wind up stealing home plate. Then during this weeks “Red Adventure”, former professional road racer turned expert enduro rider, Toni Sharpless looks at under armour. While on the subject of body protection, our resident riding Instructor Clinton Smout will stop by this week to discuss the riding shoulder seasons. Plus motorcycle journalist, Colin Fraser will roll up with some advice on shopping for a used set of wheels while looking back at a 2007 Harley-Davidson Night Rod.
Hope you like the show!
Keep your right hand cranked,
David
A couple of brand new Honda’s (CB1100A and VFR1200X) were dropped off here recently and my buddy Gilbert and I couldn't resist going on a pre ride with both motorcycles over the long weekend.
A lot of folks have been asking me what I thought of the VFR1200X. Well, the big impression with this motorcycle, has got to be the terrific engine. Hands down. I mean, the V4 engine sounds great in this configuration (new cams and ECU programming) and the torque is terrific everywhere up and down the rev range. The fly by wire throttle delivers superb feel and the sound from the single pipe is sweet. The adjustable suspension pieces are a nice touch here and the handling is superb. Everything has been nicely calibrated to allow both single and two up riding. I really like how this bike handled. Linked anti lock braking is standard and totally up to the job while the crossed laced spoke wheels were perfect for the pavement. And they managed "ok” on the hard-packed dirt roads we explored. To make your touring life easier, the VFR1200X comes with a really nifty adjustable, on the fly, windscreen, heated grips, hand protectors, a hand 12 volt power socket for your GPS. You can also order the optional hard bag luggage system with internal liner bags. The system is top drawer, however there were a couple of minor gripes. The saddle was a bit of a let down - it’s been sculpted to allow for riders with a shorter inseam to be able to reach the ground. Great for shorter riders.. not so great for my glutes! After a couple of hours of riding, I found myself thinking that if I owned this motorcycle, I’d probably swap the saddle our for something with more cushion. The other tiny pet peeve? I don’t know if it’s my aging eyes, but I really found the instrument pod a tad lacking. Maybe it was because I was jumping back and forth with the CB1100A. A retro standard motorcycle with two great sweeping analogue gauges. I dunno. Not a huge deal. But I’d love to see a bigger info screen on this puppy. Overall though, I loved the VFR1200X. If you are looking for a bike that can pretty much take you anywhere as long as the road is mostly paved. A motorcycle with lots of room to stretch out and move around. A motorcycle with a great suspension set up that delivers great handling when the road turns twisty. If you like throaty, torque loaded engines with unique character that delivers plenty of power across the width of the power band, then this is the bike for you!
Also, don't forget that we will be once again throwing a party for fans of our TV show at the end of September and you are all invited to ride out and join in the celebration! That’s right, our Prince Edward County based motorcycle television show will play host on Saturday, September 24 at the Hillier Creek Estate Winery just south of Trenton, Ontario in the heart of the County’s wine region. As you know, our long running TV show, which is shot primarily in Prince Edward County has been on the air for over 27 years, and as the show's presenter, I’m looking forward to playing host down in the County from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Once again the Honda Canada demo ride crew will be on hand providing motorcycle demo rides and party favours. Plus this year I’m happy to announce that we’ve partnered up with the local, Eastern Shield chapter of the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group and they will be on hand with a large vintage motorcycle display.
Meanwhile in Episode 4, my riding buddy Norm Wells and I ride through the valley of fire east of Las Vegas, Nevada and wind up stealing home plate. Then during this weeks “Red Adventure”, former professional road racer turned expert enduro rider, Toni Sharpless looks at under armour. While on the subject of body protection, our resident riding Instructor Clinton Smout will stop by this week to discuss the riding shoulder seasons. Plus motorcycle journalist, Colin Fraser will roll up with some advice on shopping for a used set of wheels while looking back at a 2007 Harley-Davidson Night Rod.
Hope you like the show!
Keep your right hand cranked,
David
Banner year for BMW Motorrad in the works?
This year continues to be the best ever for BMW Motorrad, with year-to-date sales up 2.1% compared with the same period last year: 94,546 motorcycles and maxi-scooters were delivered to customers in the first seven months of the year. Monthly sales for July achieved almost the same extremely high level as last year with 13,792 units sold, a slight decrease of 2.7%.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AND RACING LEGENDS UNVEIL NEW FTR750 FOR AMA FLAT TRACK COMPETITION
Indian Motorcycle Wrecking Crew Living Legends, Bobby Hill and Bill Tuman on-hand in Sturgis to celebrate historic return to professional racing
MINNEAPOLIS (August 8, 2016) — Indian Motorcycle®, America’s first motorcycle company, unleashed its all-new Indian Scout FTR750 flat track race bike in a place synonymous with the brand – the 76th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The event is the latest milestone in the historic return to professional flat track racing for the brand, while the Scout FTR750 represents Indian Motorcycle’s bid for a strong return to AMA flat track racing.
The Indian Scout FTR750 was revealed at the “Motorcycles as Art” industry event that took place at the famed Buffalo Chip in Sturgis. Special guests on-hand were the two surviving members of the legendary Indian Wrecking Crew, Bobby Hill and Bill Tuman, both of whom are AMA Hall of Fame members. The third member of the Wrecking Crew, Ernie Beckman, passed away in 1999. The motorcycle featured the #51 of Bill Tuman, as a tribute to the last rider to win a Grand National Championship on an Indian in 1953.
“A heritage of racing and winning is in the lifeblood of this brand, and everyone in attendance was clearly proud to be a part of this important moment in the historic return of Indian Motorcycle to professional flat track racing,” said President of Motorcycles Steve Menneto. “We have an incredible team of engineers and designers working on this initiative, and all of us are deeply committed to building a world-class racing program that will live up to our legendary history on the track.”
The all-new Indian Scout FTR750 features a high-revving, racing V-Twin engine developed in-house
and is wrapped in a unique steel frame that allows for a tight wheelbase, large centrally located airbox and unique lightweight carbon fiber body. The design of the race-only bike reflects the heritage of key Indian racing models from history including the Big Base Scout; a historic bike that won in Daytona, dominated events across the country and is still raced in Vintage competition today.
Personalize Your Bike With The New On-Line Scrambler Configurator
Select and personalize your bike with the brand new Scrambler configurator
The new platform features Hi Def images, accessory kits, apparel, and the chance to receive feedback from a local Ducati Scrambler dealer
Possibility to personalize a Scrambler even via a mobile device
All of the configurator’s features are created with precision and originality.
Borgo Panigale, Bologna (Italy), July 21 2016 – The new Ducati Scrambler configurator is now live at: Configurator.scramblerducati.com. The platform allows for the personalization of all six versions at any time and even via a mobile device. From the Scrambler Icon, to the Sixty2. From the Urban Enduro, to the Full Throttle, the Classic and the Flack Track Pro, all of the bikes in the Scrambler range can be viewed and made even more unique and distinctive.
The Scrambler configurator is one of the many projects falling under the Ducati Brand Unit that promotes “self-expression”, the concept that characterises the Scrambler universe. All such projects are designed to give room to creativity, expanding the brand using unconventional and increasingly innovative channels.
In terms of motorcycle personalization, the new Ducati Scrambler configurator offers the possibility to choose from more than 60 accessories: original tank covers and three different Scrambler logos; Racing accessories to emphasise the bike’s sport spirit; six different seats; Enduro accessories for rugged protection when off-road; and much more. All of the images available in the configurator are provided in High Definition, ensuring true to life representation.
The platform offers eleven views of the bike, including side, three-quarter, rear, front, from above and from the riding position. Even the setting can be personalized. The Ducati Scrambler configurator can also be used to choose trendy and practical apparel from the latest collection dedicated to the brand. In order to ensure safety, comfort and style, Scrambler apparel include jackets, trousers, gloves, footwear, t-shirts, glasses and even helmets and goggles, all useful and fun.
There is also the ‘Hop on your motorbike’ option, an additional function that lets the customer share a configuration with his/her closest Ducati Scrambler dealer and receive useful feedback in real time. The configurator also allows for via social media sharing.
“Thanks to the new Scrambler configurator, we create the perfect bike for our fans, in a quick and simple way”, comments Piergiorgio Grossi, Ducati Information Technology & Digital Transformation Director. “In addition, we provide them with many useful options so that they can enjoy an experience that is not just about bikes, accessories and clothing, but also instils the sense of belonging to a large Community. This is one of the first steps of Digital Transformation to be implemented by Ducati and results are proving to be significant and competitive. We would like a Ducatista to be a Ducatista not only when riding but everywhere, at all times, and this becomes possible when the Ducati experience also incorporates all the new digital tools”.
Claudio De Angeli, Scrambler Ducati Brand Unit manager, confirms this. “I’m proud that this digital evolution beginning with the Scrambler brand that has always considered viral, informal communication to be one of its strengths. It was no coincidence that in 2014 we chose to focus on digital channels when launching the new Scrambler concept. That was the starting point and today we have an extensive Community through our Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Vimeo pages and via our site. In addition, in the last few days, we’ve also opened a YouTube channel and launched the first Scrambler app dedicated to street food, The Taste of Joy*”.
To follow Scrambler Ducati activities on social networks, click on twitter.com/scramblerducati, facebook.com/scramblerducati, instagram.com/scramblerducati andyoutube.com/c/scramblerducati-official.
* Available for iOS, soon available for Android devices. Tasteofjoy.scramblerducati.com/
The new platform features Hi Def images, accessory kits, apparel, and the chance to receive feedback from a local Ducati Scrambler dealer
Possibility to personalize a Scrambler even via a mobile device
All of the configurator’s features are created with precision and originality.
Borgo Panigale, Bologna (Italy), July 21 2016 – The new Ducati Scrambler configurator is now live at: Configurator.scramblerducati.com. The platform allows for the personalization of all six versions at any time and even via a mobile device. From the Scrambler Icon, to the Sixty2. From the Urban Enduro, to the Full Throttle, the Classic and the Flack Track Pro, all of the bikes in the Scrambler range can be viewed and made even more unique and distinctive.
The Scrambler configurator is one of the many projects falling under the Ducati Brand Unit that promotes “self-expression”, the concept that characterises the Scrambler universe. All such projects are designed to give room to creativity, expanding the brand using unconventional and increasingly innovative channels.
In terms of motorcycle personalization, the new Ducati Scrambler configurator offers the possibility to choose from more than 60 accessories: original tank covers and three different Scrambler logos; Racing accessories to emphasise the bike’s sport spirit; six different seats; Enduro accessories for rugged protection when off-road; and much more. All of the images available in the configurator are provided in High Definition, ensuring true to life representation.
The platform offers eleven views of the bike, including side, three-quarter, rear, front, from above and from the riding position. Even the setting can be personalized. The Ducati Scrambler configurator can also be used to choose trendy and practical apparel from the latest collection dedicated to the brand. In order to ensure safety, comfort and style, Scrambler apparel include jackets, trousers, gloves, footwear, t-shirts, glasses and even helmets and goggles, all useful and fun.
There is also the ‘Hop on your motorbike’ option, an additional function that lets the customer share a configuration with his/her closest Ducati Scrambler dealer and receive useful feedback in real time. The configurator also allows for via social media sharing.
“Thanks to the new Scrambler configurator, we create the perfect bike for our fans, in a quick and simple way”, comments Piergiorgio Grossi, Ducati Information Technology & Digital Transformation Director. “In addition, we provide them with many useful options so that they can enjoy an experience that is not just about bikes, accessories and clothing, but also instils the sense of belonging to a large Community. This is one of the first steps of Digital Transformation to be implemented by Ducati and results are proving to be significant and competitive. We would like a Ducatista to be a Ducatista not only when riding but everywhere, at all times, and this becomes possible when the Ducati experience also incorporates all the new digital tools”.
Claudio De Angeli, Scrambler Ducati Brand Unit manager, confirms this. “I’m proud that this digital evolution beginning with the Scrambler brand that has always considered viral, informal communication to be one of its strengths. It was no coincidence that in 2014 we chose to focus on digital channels when launching the new Scrambler concept. That was the starting point and today we have an extensive Community through our Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Vimeo pages and via our site. In addition, in the last few days, we’ve also opened a YouTube channel and launched the first Scrambler app dedicated to street food, The Taste of Joy*”.
To follow Scrambler Ducati activities on social networks, click on twitter.com/scramblerducati, facebook.com/scramblerducati, instagram.com/scramblerducati andyoutube.com/c/scramblerducati-official.
* Available for iOS, soon available for Android devices. Tasteofjoy.scramblerducati.com/
Dunlop announces 'Q' Tire for Mopar CSBK at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
The final events in the 2016 Mopar CSBK Series at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Ont., August 19-21, will feature the use of soft option Dunlop Qualifying slick tires. For Dalton Timmis Insurance SuperPole Qualifying at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on Friday afternoon,August 19, a special second timed session will allow the top 10 riders in the Mopar Pro Superbike class to utilize the unique rear slick super soft ‘Q tire’ for their timed laps.
The special Dunlop Qualifying tires will be recognizable to fans by their sidewalls decorated with a broad yellow stripe.
“It’s been five years since we last used Q tires in the Series,” explained CSBK Series Technical Boss Fred Benjamin. “We have slightly tweaked the August 19schedule to make it easier for the top Pros to get set for the final 15-minute SuperPole session. In the second session for Dalton Timmis Insurance Pole, our top guns will have an added advantage around CTMP.”
At 2016 CSBK rounds, the Dalton Timmis Insurance SuperPole session establishes the top 10 positions on the starting grid for Saturday and Sunday’s Feature races, as well as awarding $2,000 in prize money to the top five and a Rockwell watch to the winner of DTI Pole Position.
Qualifying and each Pro Superbike race are covered in a 30-minute segment, broadcast on TSN.
“There is certainly an art, or a skill set, to getting the most out of a Qualifying tire,” explained Sandy Noce, owner of Dunlop Canadian National race tire distributor Pro 6. “You only get one or two laps at the most that provide the best from that ‘Q’ tire, but those laps could be as much as a second faster than what a good rider can achieve with a regular race tire.”
The special Dunlop Qualifying tires will be recognizable to fans by their sidewalls decorated with a broad yellow stripe.
“It’s been five years since we last used Q tires in the Series,” explained CSBK Series Technical Boss Fred Benjamin. “We have slightly tweaked the August 19schedule to make it easier for the top Pros to get set for the final 15-minute SuperPole session. In the second session for Dalton Timmis Insurance Pole, our top guns will have an added advantage around CTMP.”
At 2016 CSBK rounds, the Dalton Timmis Insurance SuperPole session establishes the top 10 positions on the starting grid for Saturday and Sunday’s Feature races, as well as awarding $2,000 in prize money to the top five and a Rockwell watch to the winner of DTI Pole Position.
Qualifying and each Pro Superbike race are covered in a 30-minute segment, broadcast on TSN.
“There is certainly an art, or a skill set, to getting the most out of a Qualifying tire,” explained Sandy Noce, owner of Dunlop Canadian National race tire distributor Pro 6. “You only get one or two laps at the most that provide the best from that ‘Q’ tire, but those laps could be as much as a second faster than what a good rider can achieve with a regular race tire.”
The special Dunlop slick ‘Q’ tire will be released to the top 10 riders after the opening portion of Dalton Timmis Insurance SuperPole, giving those racers sufficient time to place the new tire in warmers and adjust their motorcycle as they see fit for the increased traction.
“The Qualifying tire is not a race tire, and does not substitute for a race choice in our Dunlop slick line-up,” continued former Pro racer Noce. “This is something special, celebrating our third season as spec tire with the CSBK tour, and offering our best competitors the chance to add an extra dimension to their Qualifying efforts.”
In 2015, pole position for the Pro Superbike races at CTMP was taken by the Hindle Yamaha YZF-R1 of Alex Welsh of Uxbridge, Ont. Welsh turned a best ‘Q’ lap of 1:21.852 around the 4.03km-long, 10-turn, formerly-known-as-Mosport venue.
In the 2015 races, double winner Jordan Szoke of Lynden, Ont. set the fastest race time with his 2015 title-winning Express Lanes/Motovan BMW S1000RR. In Sunday’s second Pro Superbike round of the CTMP event, Szoke turned a fastest lap at 1:21.677 on his way to a perfect, seven-victory season.
In 2015, pole position for the Pro Superbike races at CTMP was taken by the Hindle Yamaha YZF-R1 of Alex Welsh of Uxbridge, Ont. Welsh turned a best ‘Q’ lap of 1:21.852 around the 4.03km-long, 10-turn, formerly-known-as-Mosport venue.
In the 2015 races, double winner Jordan Szoke of Lynden, Ont. set the fastest race time with his 2015 title-winning Express Lanes/Motovan BMW S1000RR. In Sunday’s second Pro Superbike round of the CTMP event, Szoke turned a fastest lap at 1:21.677 on his way to a perfect, seven-victory season.
Michael Martin. 25 years of adventure travels on the BMW GS
Michael Martin has been travelling to the most distant corners of the earth for more than 30 years now and has become the world’s most renowned desert photographer. It was 25 years ago that the qualified geographer chose the motorcycle as his preferred expedition vehicle, actually a BMW R 100 GS, on which he undertook the Transafrica trip from Kenya to Cape Town.
Michael Martin has been travelling to the most distant corners of the earth for more than 30 years now and has become the world’s most renowned desert photographer. It was 25 years ago that the qualified geographer chose the motorcycle as his preferred expedition vehicle, actually a BMW R 100 GS, on which he undertook the Transafrica trip from Kenya to Cape Town.
“To me the motorcycle seemed to be the ideal means of transport for going on my long-haul adventure travels to the most remote parts of our planet. Compared to a car, it is very light and agile and narrow enough to travel even on narrow paths. It was thanks to the great enthusiasm of two BMW employees for Africa that my touring companions and I were able to set off on our dream motorcycle, the BMW R 100 GS. We were overjoyed. And then we even managed to convince Lufthansa to fly our machines to Nairobi free of charge. From there we started out on our first big project”, recalls the 53-year old.
Stephan Schaller, President BMW Motorrad: “Michael Martin and the BMW GS have been a dream couple for 25 years, a combination which could not be any more successful. Michael Martin’s work is unique worldwide and the demands he places on his expedition vehicle impressively show you well suited a BMW GS is for precisely this purpose. We are very happy that the partnership between Michael Martin and BMW Motorrad has been so successful for the last 25 years and look forward to continuing it.”
Exploring Africa was something Michael Martin simply wasn’t able to resist. In 1995 and 1998 he went on expeditions to the Nile and to the deserts of Africa. Now he was already in the saddle of an R 1100 GS.
“It was during this time I decided to concentrate above all on the topic of deserts. In 2000 I then began the project ‘Deserts of the Earth’. This time I was riding an R 1150 GS, which had once again improved on its predecessor’s qualities”, recalls Michael Martin.
In 2009 Michael Martin went travelling and photographing for his new project “Desert Planet”, now on an R 1200 GS Adventure which was virtually created for just such extreme demands. Because this time around Michael Martin not only explored the dry deserts, but also cold and ice deserts in the Arctic and Antarctic. Since then he has undertaken more than 40 voyages and expeditions. The resulting “Desert Planet” project is presented in multivision format, as a photo book, as a TV Series and in the form of an exhibition.
Michael Martin begins his “Desert Planet” presentation tour on 22 October 2016 and will be performing his fascinating multivision show until April 2017 in more than 100 German and 10 Austrian cities. For further information and ticket bookings please go to www.michael-martin.de.
Ducati Heads to Sturgis for Frist Time
THE BLACK HILLS BECOME EVEN DARKER AS THE XDIAVEL DESCENDS UPON THE 76 ANNUAL STURGIS® MOTORCYCLE RALLY
Ducati Travels To Sturgis For First Time To Bring XDiavel Xperience Tour Demo Rides
And Unveil Custom XDiavel by Roland Sands Design
Italian performance motorcycle leader Ducati is heading to South Dakota this August for the first time to thrill the hundreds of thousands attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Ducati will be hosting various events throughout the rally between August 5 and August 13, which will include unveiling an XDiavel customized by Roland Sands Design (RSD) as well as test-riding opportunities.
"Sturgis is always a great place to get together with motorcyclists to celebrate our shared passion for two-wheels,” said Jason Chinnock, chief executive officer of Ducati North America. “2016 marks both the 90th Anniversary and the launch of Ducati’s entry into the cruiser with the new XDiavel. This year is the perfect time to share the Ducati brand at the largest gathering of motorcyclists in the USA. To commemorate this event we have integrated into a number of activities and partnered with Roland Sands Design to build a custom version of the XDiavel. This build opens the door to a new world for customization of the XDiavel. Roland Sands Design is an important partner for us, and they bring their innovative design style to everything they do and we’re honored to unveil it at Sturgis.”
The action starts on Friday, August 5, when the Ducati XDiavel Xperience Tour rolls into town offering spirited test rides, daily, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express Sturgis, located at 2721 Lazelle Street. In addition to the demo rides that will run through August 13, Ducati will be presenting its entire XDiavel product line, along with an XDiavel Lounge and XDiavel Café built on-site for guests to enjoy while experiencing the festivities.
On Monday, August 8th at 8 a.m. a group of XDiavels will join the Sturgis annual Mayor’s Ride with Sturgis’ Mayor Mark Carstensen as they ride through several of the Black Hill’s most spectacular two lane roads and byways, to support the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Service & Police Reserves.
The activities will continue on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., August 9 when Ducati and Roland Sands unveils the XDiavel designed by RSD during a pool party at the Pappy Hoel Campground. Blue skies, cool water, live music, raffles and a bikini contest will highlight the event, which is co-sponsored by Ducati partners Bell helmets and Roland Sands Design.
Wednesday morning August 10th the XDiavel crew will join AMA National Champions and former World Superbike competitors Ben and Eric Bostrom for their 3rd Annual Boz Bros Ride. Ben & Eric will treat the group to refreshments before the ride begins at “Sturgis Guns” located at 2324 Junction Ave, Sturgis SD 57785. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and departs on a 60-mile ride through the Black Hills. Lunch, beverages, and swag will be provided after the ride with all the “free will” proceeds going to the Sturgis Police Department.
After the Scrambler Ducati’s first win at the Super Hooligan flat track race in Austin with Jamie Robinson behind the bars, the Scrambler will return to the dirt track with the Super Hooligan race presented by RSD the evening of Wednesday, August 10. Ducati’s exclusive dealer in Nebraska, Ducati Omaha will campaign the flat track inspired Scrambler Flat Track Pro in stock trim with the exception of the removal of the front brake & headlight and the addition of a Termignoni slip-on exhaust. Come out to cheer on the Scrambler Ducati and Ducati Omaha team from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the infamous Sturgis Buffalo Chip during the Moto Stampede.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally’s 76th annual gathering is estimated to bring more than half-a-million motorcycle enthusiasts and spectators to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Since 1938, Sturgis has been one of the most significant American motorcycle rally's and has increasingly become a place for manufacturers from all over the world to celebrate motorcycle culture and share new products.
The XDiavel is Ducati’s new entry into cruiser motorcycles, with a relaxed riding position, belt final drive, low seat, and forward controls. Those interested in test rides can participate with a valid motorcycle license and proof of insurance. All riders must provide their own riding gear, including DOT-approved helmet, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, gloves, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots. Bell Helmets has kindly agreed to provide a selection of their helmets for demo riders to borrow should they need.
BMW Motorcycles selling well
Motorcycles segment exceeds sales volume of 80,000 units for the first time in the first half of a year – sales guidance raised
The Motorcycles segment continues to perform well. At 46,966 units, second-quarter sales of BMW motorcycles and maxi-scooters worldwide remained at the previous year’s high level (47,048 units; -0.2%). Segment revenues totalled € 617 million in the second quarter, similar to one year earlier (2015: € 622 million; - 0.8%). Earnings, however, were down on the previous year, due to starting a number of projects which support the implementation of the Motorcycles segment’s new strategy. EBIT amounted to € 98 million (2015: € 112 million; -12.5%), while profit before tax finished at € 97 million (2015: € 112 million; -13.4%).
For the first time in the first half of a year, more than 80,000 motorcycles and maxi-scooters were delivered to customers during the first half of 2016. Sales volume during the period from January to June increased by 3.0% to 80,754 units (2015: 78,418 units) – the fourth successive record figure for the first half of a year. At € 1,199 million, segment revenues were at a similar level to the previous year (2015: € 1,189 million: +0.8%). EBIT amounted to € 192 million (2015: € 227 million; -15.4%), while profit before tax finished at € 191 million (2015: € 226 million; -15.5%). The Motorcycles segment’s sales volume performance is expected to improve further during the second half of the year thanks to its attractive and young model range. For the full year, a solid (previously: slight) increase in retail sales is expected.
The Motorcycles segment continues to perform well. At 46,966 units, second-quarter sales of BMW motorcycles and maxi-scooters worldwide remained at the previous year’s high level (47,048 units; -0.2%). Segment revenues totalled € 617 million in the second quarter, similar to one year earlier (2015: € 622 million; - 0.8%). Earnings, however, were down on the previous year, due to starting a number of projects which support the implementation of the Motorcycles segment’s new strategy. EBIT amounted to € 98 million (2015: € 112 million; -12.5%), while profit before tax finished at € 97 million (2015: € 112 million; -13.4%).
For the first time in the first half of a year, more than 80,000 motorcycles and maxi-scooters were delivered to customers during the first half of 2016. Sales volume during the period from January to June increased by 3.0% to 80,754 units (2015: 78,418 units) – the fourth successive record figure for the first half of a year. At € 1,199 million, segment revenues were at a similar level to the previous year (2015: € 1,189 million: +0.8%). EBIT amounted to € 192 million (2015: € 227 million; -15.4%), while profit before tax finished at € 191 million (2015: € 226 million; -15.5%). The Motorcycles segment’s sales volume performance is expected to improve further during the second half of the year thanks to its attractive and young model range. For the full year, a solid (previously: slight) increase in retail sales is expected.
BMW racer Jordan Szoke remains unbeaten in Canada.
Canadian BMW racer Jordan Szoke (CA) continues his impressive winning streak in the Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK). After winning the opening race of the 2016 season in Shannonville (CA), the Mopar Express Lane BMW Superbike Team rider also celebrated the victories in the second and the third races of the year, held at St. Eustache (CA) last weekend. Including last season, when he had a clean sweep with seven wins in seven races, Szoke has now won ten races in a row on his BMW S 1000 RR. In the championship standings, he extended his lead to 162 points with an advantage of 33 points. With his latest double win, Szoke also improved from 42nd to sixth place in the 2016 BMW Motorrad Race Trophy.
There was more reason to celebrate for the BWM Motorrad Motorsport community in St. Eustache, as Ben Young (GB / Ben Young Racing) also raced onto the podium on his BMW S 1000 RR in both heats, finishing third on both occasions. The strong result for the BMW riders was completed by Michael Leon (CA / Royal Distributing Racing Team), who was fifth in both races, and Samuel Trépanier (CA), who claimed two eighth places.
Victory Racing's Empluse RR & Project 156 Take The Checkered Flad at Pikes Peak
Showcasing its Modern American Muscle powered both by gas and electric motors, Victory Motorcycles® is proud to announce that Victory Racing’s® electric Empulse® RR ridden by Cycle World’s Road Test Editor Don Canet and gas-powered Project 156™ piloted by Jeremy Toye accelerated away from the competition to win their respective classes at the 2016 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) and take second and third overall.”
“The hair-raising moment of my run came in a fast 100-mph sweeper approaching Upper Gravel Pit, which is well up the course. I slithered across an oil stain at the apex, then again crossing over the double yellow centerline. In a heart-stopping moment I ran out of road and was off on the dirt shoulder at high speed. Luck was on my side as I stood the bike upright and coasted along looking for the best spot to cut back onto the stepped pavement edge. The excursion completely killed my drive through the following flat-out right and straight that follows,” Canet says about his winning run on the Empulse RR in the PPC-Electric Motorcycle Class. “My hope for a King of the Mountain top time evaporated, however, as the downtime allowed the road to dry prior to the Heavyweight class contenders making their run, there's almost no way to fully prepare for the track conditions you'll see in the early morning runs.”
In the overall PPIHC motorcycle competition, Canet and the Empulse RR placed 2nd while Toye and Project 156 placed 3rd, both closely following veteran racer Corsican Bruno Langlois and his Kawasaki Z 1000 who benefitted from a dryer and warmer course later in the morning due to a series of red flags.
Canet and his Empulse RR clocked a time of 10:17.813 with an average speed of 69.9 mph through the 156-turn course that takes racers from 9,390 feet above sea level to the mountain’s summit of 14,115 feet above sea level. The 12.42-mile course is split into four sections. Canet zipped through the flowing section #1 in 1:50.531, steep section #2 in 2:26.924, technical section #3 in 2:53.568 and longer, high elevation section #4 in 3:06.790.
Toye rode Project 156 to the Pikes Peak summit in a time of 10.19.777 with an average speed of 69.7 mph. He and his Project 156 bellowed through section #1 in 1:52.520, section #2 in 2:27.213, section #3 in 2:53.375 and section #4 in 3:06.669.
“I think it’s a great month for Victory Motorcycles and a great month for America!” says Brian Wismann, Victory Racing Team Manager. “Imagine our brand first taking on the world’s best at the Isle of Man and achieving a podium there, then a couple of weeks later taking on the other epic race on the planet here at Pikes Peak and putting two bikes on the podium – one gas and one electric. I’d just like to really thank all of our sponsors in helping us race these bikes to the clouds in such a stellar way. Victory Motorcycles puts out a great team. I just want to let everyone know that everything we do at Isle of Man and everything we do at Pikes Peak makes it into our production bikes and that that is why we race.”
Victory Motorcycles was the only brand at this year’s PPIHC to race both electric and gas-powered race vehicles.
A race-prepped version of the Victory Empulse® TT, the Victory Empulse RR contended Pikes Peak to build upon the legacy of the motorcycle that took 3rd Place in last year’s SES TT Zero Challenge on the Isle of Man with rider Lee Johnston. It is a completely different bike than the Victory RR that achieved a 2nd Place podium finish with William Dunlop at this year’s recent Isle of Man competition.
While the base frame and overall design of the Empulse RR are essentially the same as the production Empulse TT, a more aerodynamic and lighter monocoque carbon-fiber subframe is used and the battery, controller, and Parker Hannifin-sourced motor have been upgraded with repackaged battery cells offering more capacity, new motor windings and an updated control system and wire harness. Visual differences from the version raced last year in the SES TT include an upright riding position, reduction of bodywork and the addition of hand guards.
Project 156 is a custom race bike built by Roland Sands Designs to serve as a test bed for a prototype engine Victory race technicians developed to analyze the limits of the powerplant that now propels the new Victory Octane™ production motorcycle.
Garnering what was learned from Project 156, the production version of the 1200cc Octane engine was born. Canet placed well in qualifying aboard Project 156 in 2015 but was unable to finish the run only a few miles from the top of the mountain due to a fueling issue. This year, the bike’s engine cooling, lubrication system and fuel system had been massaged to better deal with the dramatic changes in the elevation of the course – particularly at lower RPM to further help Toye squirt out of the tight switchbacks.
“Victory Motorcycles made history at Pikes Peak this past weekend, proving its Modern American Muscle with both electric and gas-powered motorcycles on what’s often referred to as America’s mountain,” says Rod Krois, General Manager of Victory Motorcycles. “The Empulse RR and Project 156 have proven to be important test platforms for Victory engineering and – as their results on the mountain show – are sure to pay dividends in future products.”
“Two years ago we didn’t have anything to compete with at the hill here,” says Nate Secor, Marketing Manager for Victory Motorcycles. “Now, having two of the three spots in the overall, all of our owners and all of the fans of American motorcycling should be proud. As a brand, we’re extremely proud of all of the work the guys have done on the engineering side and with the riders for putting us in this position. It is a long way to come in two years, and I don’t think anyone else in the world has a podium at the Isle of Man and at Pikes Peak in the same month. So we’re extremely proud of that and will be excited to get back here and make it happen again.”
Not only racing against time and competitors, the two Victory Racing motorcycles competed against each other in an epic gas vs. electric battle dubbed “Thunder vs. Lightning.”
Have you been a fan of #TeamThunder or #TeamLightning? Fans of Victory Motorcycles were invited to visit the Victory Motorcycles website to cast their vote regarding which bike, Thunder or Lightning, would be fastest up the mountain and to register for a chance to win a Victory Octane or Victory Empulse TT. The motorcycle given away will be the bike that received the most number of votes.
2016 Wiesner Insurance Ontario Enduro Championship
This weekend WEC presents a special double header Enduro event at a new facility near Staffordville, ON.
On Saturday Round #1 of the 2016 Wiesner Insurance Ontario Enduro Championship kicks off. These events are for kids 18 years of age and younger. The course is a World Championship style special test Enduro format that racers are accustomed. Three interesting special tests are set along the trail loop where riders are timed to the 10th of a second. The tests and transfer trail are designed to be passable and entertaining for all ability levels from beginners on 50cc motorcycles to older kids on full sized bikes. Entry fee $30 per rider.
Sunday's event is the Mexican 500 Sprint Enduro Presented by Lang's Off Road. This fun one off event will utilize the same special test style Enduro format as Saturday but the course will be changed to include all of the challenging terrain this fantastic property has to offer. The course organizers have made a huge effort to put together some incredible special tests, including a long grass track in a hilly field, a large natural terrain motocross course, and a very interesting extreme test.
Any riders on full sized motorcycles can enter the Mexican 500. Classes will be set up on race day based on rider ability. Entry fees $50 per rider, racers must have a 2016 WEC registration which will be available at sign ($30 one time fee). Transponders will also be available at sign in $20 to rent or $40 to purchase.
Both events are completely off-road and no license plates or individual insurance is required.
For Sunday there will be over $2000 worth of prizes given away courtesy of Lang's off road.
A local food vendor will be set up both days - Hamburgers and hot dogs on Saturday and authentic Mexican food on Sunday. All the proceeds will go to a local Mennonite Charity. In addition a local photographer will be set up taking professional quality photos of all the participants which will be available for sale on site.
Basic camping is available for both Friday and Saturday night.
Directions - from main intersection in Staffordville (Heritage Line & Plank Rd) Go south on Plank Rd, turn right on Jackson Line, follow arrows to event.
For more WEC event information please visit our site at www.worldendurocanada.com
On Saturday Round #1 of the 2016 Wiesner Insurance Ontario Enduro Championship kicks off. These events are for kids 18 years of age and younger. The course is a World Championship style special test Enduro format that racers are accustomed. Three interesting special tests are set along the trail loop where riders are timed to the 10th of a second. The tests and transfer trail are designed to be passable and entertaining for all ability levels from beginners on 50cc motorcycles to older kids on full sized bikes. Entry fee $30 per rider.
Sunday's event is the Mexican 500 Sprint Enduro Presented by Lang's Off Road. This fun one off event will utilize the same special test style Enduro format as Saturday but the course will be changed to include all of the challenging terrain this fantastic property has to offer. The course organizers have made a huge effort to put together some incredible special tests, including a long grass track in a hilly field, a large natural terrain motocross course, and a very interesting extreme test.
Any riders on full sized motorcycles can enter the Mexican 500. Classes will be set up on race day based on rider ability. Entry fees $50 per rider, racers must have a 2016 WEC registration which will be available at sign ($30 one time fee). Transponders will also be available at sign in $20 to rent or $40 to purchase.
Both events are completely off-road and no license plates or individual insurance is required.
For Sunday there will be over $2000 worth of prizes given away courtesy of Lang's off road.
A local food vendor will be set up both days - Hamburgers and hot dogs on Saturday and authentic Mexican food on Sunday. All the proceeds will go to a local Mennonite Charity. In addition a local photographer will be set up taking professional quality photos of all the participants which will be available for sale on site.
Basic camping is available for both Friday and Saturday night.
Directions - from main intersection in Staffordville (Heritage Line & Plank Rd) Go south on Plank Rd, turn right on Jackson Line, follow arrows to event.
For more WEC event information please visit our site at www.worldendurocanada.com