The Kawasaki 400-4 Cup has been added to the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship for 2024.
By: Canadian Superbike Chamionship
February 5, 2024 

Hamilton, Ontario – Another new category will enter the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship in 2024, open to near-stock Kawasaki motorcycles focused on the all-new 399cc, in-line four-cylinder ZX-4R and ZX-4RR models.

 

The Kawasaki 400-4 Cup will run in conjunction with the updated Pro and Amateur Twins category on-track this season, but feature separate scoring and results. Pro Twins ran together with Pro Sport Bike during their debut season in 2023, but now they will join the new Amateur Twins class and the spec Kawasaki 400cc-four category to race together in 2024.

 

Both Twins classes and the Kawasaki Cup category are classified as “Pro-AM”, meaning riders will compete for one podium and one set of trophies per race, but are scored separately in terms of overall series championship points standings. This means each race for Twins/Kawasaki Cup will feature two podiums: one for Twins, and one for the ZX-4R/RR class.

 

Modifications to Kawasaki ZX-4R and ZX-4RR machinery will be limited, and these adjustments must fall in line with the existing rules for the Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike category.

 

All Kawasaki ZX-4R Cup competitors will be required to use Gulf Classic fuel, the lower-cost version of two fuel options provided by new spec fuel provider Gulf Race Fuels.

 

Maximum horsepower as measured on the official series Dynojet Dyno, (operated by Brooklin Cycle Racing of Pickering, ON) will be 75 HP, checked immediately post-race. An aftermarket slip-on exhaust silencer will be permitted, and a reflash of the stock ECU (Electronic Control Unit) will also be allowed. These figures may be reviewed mid season as development continues.

 

As with every other category in Bridgestone CSBK, the Kawasaki Cup Competitors will also have to meet a minimum post-race weight limit. In the case of the ZX-4R and ZX-4RR, this weight will be 350 pounds, immediately post-race, as measured on the certified CSBK official scales at Keene Truck Technical Inspection.

 

Each Kawasaki 400-4 will run on identical spec Bridgestone tires, mounted on stock rims. Competitors are restricted to two sets of tires for use over the course of the typical three-day event, beginning with round one at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Victoria Day weekend, May 17-19.

 

Otherwise, the new Kawasaki spec machines will be near stock, with other mods only permitted to brakes lines, brake pads, front suspension internals and rear shock absorbers.

 

Aftermarket handlebars and controls are permitted, and race fairings with the ability to control fluids are required. A front brake lever guard and rear swingarm “shark fin” are also mandated, as with all other CSBK classes.

 

The most recent spec category hosted by CSBK was the Kawasaki Ninja 300 Series – the precursor to the current Pro-AM Lightweight and Super Sonic School Amateur Lightweight Sport Bike classes – which raced nationally in 2016 and 2017.

 

CSBK has also hosted national championships for Honda with 125cc and 250cc capacity, the Suzuki SV650 Cup, and the Yamaha RZ350 Challenge. All of these categories were strictly regulated, with the goal of developing young Canadian racing talent.

 

Many top competitors have come from these various “spec” series, including Hall of Famers Miguel Duhamel and Pascal Picotte, as well as current CSBK stars and national champions Tomas Casas, Stacey Nesbitt, and David McKay.

 

More information can be found on the series’ official website at CSBK.ca.

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The Driveway McLaren 720S GT3 EVO shows impressive pace in early stages of endurance classic before retiring in hour 19.
By: Pfaff Motorsports
January 30, 2024 

Daytona Beach, Florida – Pfaff Motorsports took the green flag at the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech season opener at the Daytona 24 Hours and wasted little time moving up from its sixth-place starting position to the lead by lap 55 of the twice-around-the clock event.



The record-setting crowd saw witness to the debut of the Driveway 720S GT3 EVO in impressive fashion, as driver Oliver Jarvis (UK) vaulted the team up five positions in the GTD Pro class, and 11 positions in the GTD category by lap 25 of the 791-lap total race distance, an incredible feat for the Canadian-based sportscar team. Pfaff Motorsports had run the new McLaren for the first time just one week prior, at the ROAR preseason test.



That momentum continued as Jarvis handed the 720S to fellow full-season Pfaff driver Martin Kirchöffer (DE), but nearing the end of his stint four-and-a-half hours into the race, the McLaren suffered a right front upright failure, forcing the team to limp back to the garage where they sprinted through a 39-minute repair to get the car back on track.



In a 24-hour race where anything can happen, Pfaff’s crew never wavered, leaning on both the impressive performance of the 720S GT3 EVO and its strategy to help get back into contention for a repeat of the team’s 2022 Daytona 24 Hour win.



Fighting into the evening, the team suffered yet another blow just after midnight on lap 291, when a starter issue froze the McLaren in the pits, forcing the team back to the garage for another 38-minute repair – putting them 43 laps down from the lead.



With victory seeming out of sight, Pfaff remained in the points hunt for their full-season championship fight, setting impressive lap times throughout the late hours and into the early morning, until at 8:40 am ET on lap 532, the McLaren suffered a powertrain failure that forced the team to retire from the race with just 5 hours remaining.



Steve Bortolotti (general manager)
“This was definitely one of the toughest 24 Hours we’ve had here at Daytona. We knew coming in that we would have our work cut out for us, given that we ran the car for the first time here last week at the ROAR [preseason test], but despite that, Ollie [Jarvis] and the team showed what this McLaren is capable of in race conditions.

“The team gave it everything and I couldn’t be more proud of what they were able to do despite everything that was thrown at them, so a major kudos to everyone for laying it all on the table to give us a chance to fight for the points. We’ll have a major post-op and address these issues to come back stronger and harder at Sebring.”



Oliver Jarvis (driver)
“From the start of the race, the car felt good. It’s impressively quick, so we were optimistic from the start that we could be fighting for the win. Unfortunately, there were just too many issues to overcome, but the team did an amazing job keeping us in for as long as they did, so we look forward to Sebring and getting back into it there.”



Marvin Kirchöffer (driver)
“It was a difficult race, no doubt. But as the first race with this new team and a brand-new car, we showed a lot of promise for what’s ahead. I can’t wait to get back to Sebring to show what we’re capable of.”



James Hinchcliffe (driver)
“This one stings for sure. The car was so quick, and it was easy to get excited for what was unfolding for the 24 hours. Unfortunately for the guys and girls, this just wasn’t our race, but it was a massive effort from everyone to give us a chance and put some positive laps into the car. I’m looking forward to getting back with everyone and seeing what we can do at Sebring, because while it was a tough race, there have been a lot of positives to take from this one.”



Alexander Rossi (driver)
“We definitely had our hands full here [at Daytona], but throughout the last two weeks, this team has shown time and time again why they are champions and a threat no matter what is thrown at them. Coming in as a driver to a new team with a new car in the biggest race of the season, all I can say is their efforts are inspirational. I can’t thank them enough for making this an easy transition, and I’m excited to see what the future has in store.”



About Pfaff Motorsports
Pfaff Motorsports has established itself as one of the most successful sportscar racing programs in North America over the past decade. A professional team in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), it has established long-term partnerships with premium brands such as Lithia & Driveway, Motul, and the Automotive Owned Brands of Canadian Tire Corporation, and is one of the top-performing teams in the sport.



Pfaff Motorsports’ competition résumé includes historic victories and championships across multiple series. Since joining the top-tier IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2019, the team has won the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona and twice at the 12 Hours of Sebring, in addition to being crowned the 2022 WeatherTech Championship GTD Pro class and 2021 GTD class champions. It has also won the 2018 GT World Challenge America championship and is a three-time Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada champion. For more information, please visit www.pfaffmotorsports.com.

 
Canadians In BOLD
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Gulf Race Fuels joins the Canadian Superbike Championship as the official spec-fuel provider for all CSBK classes when the 2024 season kicks off in May. (Photo-Rob O'Brien/CSBK)
By: Canadian International Auto Show
January 22, 2024 

Hamilton, Ontario – The Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK) is thrilled to confirm a ground-breaking partnership with Gulf Race Fuels, solidifying a three-year agreement that will see Gulf become the official spec fuel provider for all Bridgestone CSBK competitors at each national event.
 
This strategic alliance represents a significant step forward for both CSBK and Gulf Race Fuels, reinforcing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation within the Canadian motorsports landscape.
 
CSBK owner Ross Millson expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are very pleased to welcome Gulf Race Fuels as our official spec fuel provider for the next three years. This partnership signifies our shared dedication to advancing the sport of Superbike racing in Canada. Gulf Race Fuels' commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide top-tier racing experiences for both competitors and fans."
 
Gulf Race Fuels spokesperson Jeff LaRose added, "Partnering with CSBK is a thrilling opportunity for Gulf Race Fuels to showcase our high-performance racing fuels on one of Canada's premier racing platforms. We are excited to contribute to the success of CSBK competitors and look forward to a fruitful collaboration over the next three years."
 
As part of the agreement, Gulf Race Fuels will exclusively supply the spec fuel for all Bridgestone CSBK competitors throughout the national tour, ensuring a level playing field and fostering an environment where skill and strategy take center stage.
 
The partnership between CSBK and Gulf Race Fuels is set to commence at the season opening event, scheduled for May 17-19 at Shannonville Motorsport Park.  
 
More information on Bridgestone CSBK can be found on the series’ official website at www.csbk.ca.  
 
For more information about Gulf Race Fuels, please visit www.GulfRaceFuels.com. To contact a Gulf Race Fuels distributor in Canada, please visit www.GulfProFuels.ca.
 
For more information on the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship, visit www.csbk.ca
 
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2023 Canadian Pro Superbike Champ Young and Top Canadian Pro Superbike rider Daley will race on identical Hindle Exhaust powered Suzuki GSX-R750s.
By: Bridgestone USA
January 30, 2024 

Nashville, Tennessee – Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced it has teamed up with top Canadian Superbike Championship riders Ben Young and Trevor Daley to form Team BATTLAX, which will debut at the 82nd running of the Daytona 200 March 7-9, 2024, at Daytona International Speedway. Team BATTLAX will compete on a pair of identical custom Suzuki Canada GSX-R750 builds featuring Bridgestone BATTLAX race tires.

 

The Bridgestone-backed Team BATTLAX will feature a unique partnership with Young, Canadian Superbike champion who is fresh off his third Canadian title, and Daley, who is a Suzuki Canada rider. Race and fabrication shop OneSpeedInc is building a pair of Suzuki Canada GSX-R750s with technical oversight and advice from Young’s longtime crew chief Willie Vass.

 

“The Daytona 200 features some of the best professional riders from across the world, and we are thrilled to partner with Ben and Trevor to represent Bridgestone this year,” said Jim Dowell, Motorsports and Sales Manager for Bridgestone Motorcycle Tire business in the United States and Canada. “The Bridgestone BATTLAX family of tires has a long history of delivering at the highest levels of racing, and we are looking forward to seeing Team BATTLAX push its performance on track at the Daytona 200.”

 

The 2023 Daytona 200 marked Young's first experience racing on Bridgestone tires. Despite several challenges with Young’s equipment on race weekend, a late-race push ultimately saw him running inside the Top 10. The 2024 event will see Young contesting his fourth Daytona 200 and Daley’s first. In addition to Young’s Daytona 200 race experience with Bridgestone tires, Daley has spent significant time as part of a Daytona 24-hour prototype racing team bringing a wealth of experience for the preparation needed to compete in a demanding endurance racing event.

 

“In North American motorcycle racing, there isn’t a challenge greater than the high banks of the Daytona 200,” said Young. “To win at Daytona is the ultimate feather in a racer’s cap. I’m ready to take my experience in previous Daytona 200s—and specifically last year on Bridgestone tires—and deliver another strong season of racing that builds upon the success of the last several.”

 

Young and Daley will be racing on Bridgestone BATTLAX tires following both riders recently completing the inaugural Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship Series, which marked the company’s record-setting first year as the exclusive tire supplier. Team BATTLAX will be fortified trackside by a full slate of Bridgestone engineers, with the entire team taking part in testing preceding the Daytona 200.

 

“Leading up to the event, our team will be well familiarized with the supersport spec GSX-R750 and will be able to use valuable information and experience to put us at the sharp end of the grid,” said Daley. “Between our collective experience and riding our own prepared bikes featuring Bridgestone BATTLAX race tires, I feel extremely confident heading into this year’s 200 with Team BATTLAX.”

 

Bridgestone’s partnership with Team BATTLAX aligns with the “Emotion” and “Ease” values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment, encompassing eight values all beginning with the letter “E,” solidifies Bridgestone’s dedication to fostering a more sustainable world.

 
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French-Canadian fans will soon have dedicated CSBK coverage with the introduction of the series to RDS in 2024. The Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship also returns to TSN next season with a total of 24 episodes planned across its sports channels. (Photo-Rob O'Brien/CSBK)
By: Canadian Superbike Championship
November 15, 2023 

Toronto, Ontario – The Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship will feature its largest broadcast schedule yet in 2024, returning with TSN and joining RDS for a record-breaking 24 new episodes next season.

 

The national series began its partnership with TSN (The Sports Network) in 1994, joining Canada’s premier sports channel and ESPN affiliate. As they prepare to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2024, the two sides will now expand their relationship to include dedicated broadcasts for Quebec’s French-language channel, RDS.

 

RDS (Réseau Des Sports) was launched in 1989 as a sister network to TSN, and will now prepare their own independent broadcasts of all 12 planned Superbike races next season, with the search currently underway for Francophone announcers.

 

“The Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship has proven to be a world-class circuit year after year,” said Mathieu Jolivet, the senior producer for RDS. “TV viewers everywhere now have access to a top-notch product that showcases talent from all over the country, most notably from Quebec. We are thrilled to once again be able to showcase these riders and this series on RDS in 2024!”

 

The expansion comes at a pivotal time in Quebec’s racing history, as the province has continued to produce some of the series’ most notable stars, including pro champions Alex Dumas and Sebastien Tremblay, Superbike frontrunner Sam Guerin, amateur champion Mavrick Cyr, and teenage sensation Vincent Lalande, amongst others.

 

In 2023, TSN showcased a record 21 original episodes of national action, presenting all ten Superbike races, all nine Sport Bike races, and two amateur support class episodes.

 

The 2024 schedule is all but confirmed to feature 12 feature Superbike races (which will be shown on both TSN and RDS), with 12 additional Sport Bike broadcasts on TSN to bring the total to a record of 24 episodes.

 

A particular highlight of 2023’s broadcast success was the debut of announcer Marshall Ferguson – the popular CFL voice joining Colin Fraser in the Superbike booth – and both are expected to return in 2024 for all Superbike races on TSN.

 

More information on the expanded broadcast efforts of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

For more information on the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship, visit www.csbk.ca

 

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