Italian Claudio Corti competed for wins on his Aprilia during the final CSBK round of 2016 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. (Photo-Rob O'Brien)
By: Canadian Superbike Championship
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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The Isle of Man TT is coming to REV TV!
By: REV TV
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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Vincent Lalande (#4) won his third consecutive race in the Canadian MiniSBK Canada Cup on Saturday, but was again pressured by rival Ben Hardwick (#5) right to the finish. (Photo-Colin Fraser)
By: Canadian Superbike Championship
May 14, 2022
 

Lombardy, Ontario – Vincent Lalande won his third consecutive race in the Motul Canada Cup category to extend a dominant lead atop the Canadian Mini Superbike Championship on Saturday, again defeating rival Ben Hardwick in a thrilling third race at Lombardy Raceway, presented by the Super Sonic Road Race School.

 

In similar fashion to the season-opening doubleheader last weekend, Lalande and Hardwick emerged as the clear top two aboard their Ohvale machines, setting the pace early on and adding to their rivalry with numerous passes on each lap.

 

Hardwick, who finished second to Lalande in both races last weekend, appeared to be setting up a last-lap maneuver for the win, making a number of brilliant passes in turns three and ten in the dying stages. However, Lalande again managed to find just that extra bit more, exiting the final corner flawlessly as Hardwick was unable to execute the move he had hoped for.

 

Despite the third consecutive victory for Lalande, it’s another that he was forced to work extremely hard for, with Hardwick continuing to inch closer and closer to his debut win in the feature Canada Cup category.

 

Nevertheless, Lalande will take a growing championship lead into race two on Sunday, with Hardwick needing to change the momentum quickly if he wishes to keep his title hopes alive.

 

Behind the familiar foes up front, it was another podium charge for Merik Sommer, who looks comfortably clear of the “best of the rest” fight as he eyes an eventual battle with the championship leaders in front of him.

 

Sommer’s quest for a debut victory may be put on hold, however, after the youngster suffered a broken elbow in an unfortunate crash during one of his support races, which will surely sideline him on Sunday before hoping to return for round three in June.

 

As for the support classes, it was more dominance from Lalande, as the 14-year-old star comfortably won another pair of races in the Moto1 and GP-1 categories aboard his SpeedFactory67 Buccimoto machine, as he looks like a potential triple-championship threat in 2022.

 

Outside of Lalande’s expertise, both the Moto2 and Sport-2 categories were won by Michael Glavis, who is quickly emerging as another name to watch in the support classes aboard his Kawasaki KX65.

 

The inaugural Canadian Mini Superbike Championship will finish off their second weekend at Lombardy on Sunday, before a month away from the small, twisty circuit, returning for round three on June 25-26.

 

More information can be found on the series’ official website at www.supersonicschool.com.

 

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

 

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The Super Series opener at Shannonville Motorsport Park saw 13 different winners.
By: Super Series
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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14-time Canadian overall Pro Superbike National Champion Jordan Szoke tests at Grand Bend, ON., on May 6 in preparation for the 2022 CSBK National Road racing tour. (Photo-Bob Szoke)
By: Canadian Superbike Championship
May 14, 2022
 

Toronto, Ontario – Fourteen-time Canadian Superbike national champion Jordan Szoke was severely injured in a media event at the Walton Raceway motocross track just north of Stratford, Ontario, on Tuesday, May 10, and is currently recovering from surgery. Szoke was riding his personal Kawasaki KX450F at the time of the incident, and was transported immediately to a nearby hospital.

 

Since then, Szoke has been transferred to a hospital in London, Ontario, and on Wednesday, May 11, underwent successful surgery on both his injured legs and one ankle. The Lyndon, ON native also suffered damage to his jaw and chin in the incident.

 

“It’s going to be a long road to recovery, but with the help of my family, friends and fans, I will be back,” Szoke shared as part of an update on his Facebook account.

 

The Walton venue is home to one of the biggest motocross events in Canada, the annual Walton TransCan held each August.

 

On Thursday, May 5 and Friday, May 6, Szoke had started testing for the Canadian National Championship (CSBK) road racing season at Grand Bend Motorplex in southwestern Ontario, the site of the opening round. Szoke was working with his latest Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R superbike, sponsored by Canada General Warranty and S4R lubricants, and built by Scott Miller’s Fast Company.

 

The Canadian National tour kicks off at Grand Bend on June 9-12, and Szoke was expected to contend for his record 15th career national title. Overall, Szoke has scored 78 career Pro Superbike Feature race victories in Canada, more than double the number of his closest rival.

 

In 2021, Szoke placed third overall in the feature Pro Superbike category, scoring two wins at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in August. Szoke won the previous season’s COVID-affected Canada Cup, marking his record 14th overall crown in 2020. That most recent title campaign was also the fourth perfect season of his career, winning every race of the feature campaign.

 

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

 

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