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Husqvarna Canada Race Report – FMSQ Rounds 6 |||amp; 7

FP Husqvarna / Zip-Ty Racing Canada’s podium streak has continued in Quebec’s hotly contested FMSQ series. Husqvarna Canada’s Guy Giroux and Karine Geoffrion each climbed the podium at both Round 6, held in Rockland on August 8th, and at Round 7 in Ormstown on August 22nd.

Giroux has put his Husqvarna on the podium in every FMSQ round he has raced in 2010. Karine Geoffrion’s consistent success battling the fierce competition in the ladies class leaves her sitting in a solid 2nd overall and only 6 points shy of taking over the lead in the Championship.

Prior to Round 6 in Rockland, Guy Giroux had spent some time riding Karine’s WR 125 two stroke in practice. He had so much fun that he decided to race one at the next round. Guy got a new WR 125 and installed the 144cc kit for the Rockland Race. Giroux hammered the little 144 through the Rockland course and fought his way into 2nd overall by the time the checkers flew.


GUY GIROUX

“I wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision to race the 144 but I had so much fun on that bike that it was ridiculous. Getting a podium with it made it that much better. It might not have the power I’m used to but that little bike turned and handled perfect”.

Karine Geoffrion screamed her trusty WR 125 off the starting line at Rockland and grabbed the holeshot before dropping back to 3rd early in the race. Karine mounted a charge throughout the rest of the race that left her shy of catching the leader, but with a solid 2nd overall at the finish and several minutes of breathing room over 3rd position.

KARINE GEOFFRION

At Round 7, both Guy and Karine picked up where they left off at the previous race by once again fighting their way to podium positions at the Ormstown event. Guy Giroux opted to race the WR 144 for the second race in a row and was rewarded with another solid 2nd overall finish.

“I was stuck in about 5th place after the start and was getting roosted like crazy. By the time I was able to pull the trigger and get into 2nd, Jason (Thomas) was long gone. The laps were very long and Karine pulled me in for fuel on lap 3 and it gave 3rd place a chance to catch up. It was pouring rain and the track was crazy slippery, so I just concentrated on staying up and avoiding trouble until the end.”

Although Karine Geoffrion had some challenges with the mud and rocks of the Ormstown course, she was able to ride steady and strong on her WR 125 and successfully battled her way to the final podium position. Karine’s 3rd overall in Ormstown leaves her 2nd overall in the 2010 series and within striking distance of the Championship

We are very grateful to our many amazing sponsors. Without them, our team would not exist.

Husqvarna Canada Team Sponsor

Husqvarna Canada, Feeding Performance Inc., Motovan, Rekluse, Ogio, Dragon, Xtreme, TCX, Axis, Zox, Pro-Tech, Etnies, Throttle Entertainment, UNI Filter, DID, LeoVince, GPR Stabilizer, Motul, LimeNine, EC3D, Impact Canopies, GoPro, Enduro Engineering, Supersprox, SkyCap, Boyesen, E-line, IMS, Matrix Concepts, TM Designworks, Dunlop and Zip Ty Racing

Special thanks to the Husqvarna Canada dealers that provide extra assistance help ensure our race program is a success; Bow Ridge Sports in Cochrane, Echo Cycle in Edmonton and RiverCity Cycle in Kamloops.

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Rounds 5 and 6 Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championship

Parry Sound, ON is the place to be on September 11th & 12th for the Royal Distributing Canadian Enduro Championship presented by Parts Canada and brought to you by Honda Canada.  The first four rounds in Alberta and BC were a huge success and built the momentum and excitement for the final four rounds.  There were over 120 riders at the first events and we are expecting at least that many to show up in Parry Sound next weekend and Labelle, PQ on Sept 18th & 19th.

There are over 18 riders from Western Canada making the trip on the Royal Distributing race transport including top Pro's Honda's Jason Schrage, KTM's Geoff Nelson, Husaberg's Shane Cuthbertson, Husqvarna's Ryan & Nick Graffunder and many others including Julian Cerny, Jared Thomas, Paul Petrin and wildman Ben Rego.

To answer the western challenge the eastern riders like Brian Wojnarowski, Adam Millson, Guy Giroux and Chris Van Hove are getting ready.  Machine Racing is bringing in a few hot shots like Jake Stapleton on a Honda 250F and former MX star and current Editor of MXP Magazine Ryan Gauld on a Yamaha 250F.  Add in Quebec star Philipe Chaine and the E1 class will be very, very interesting.  Another Eastern star - 8 time US National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty is also trying to get his Husaberg to Parry Sound to mix it up in E2!!

Saturday and Sunday the Rockstar gals will be in attendance with thier Ford F150 super truck giving out samples.  Offroadmotorcycles.ca is planning a Sunday night after party at Don Cherry's in downtown Parry Sound  that will be something you dont want to miss.

For full event information and sign up info. Click HERE.


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More detail about the forthcoming Triumph Adventure bikes

Triumph have "leaked" another bit of information about their two new, and much anticipated Adventure models. The marketing plan is pretty transparent but it's still working.  Slowly releasing information is seemingly increasing 'buzz' about the models.

Here's the latest video:


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Yamaha Introduces Stylish Stryker for 2011 and Early Release 2012 Super Ténéré!

Two completely different bikes - same jaw dropping impact!


Toronto, ON – September 1, 2010 Yamaha Motor Canada is proud to announce the launch of two exciting new motorcycles, the 2011 Stryker cruiser and 2012 Super Ténéré adventure tourer. These motorcycles complement the FZ8 and Fazer 8 motorcycles previously launched in June.

The all-new Stryker, with a 1304cc, fuel-injected powerplant and chopper-inspired styling, is a motorcycle that begs to be ridden and admired. Ride quality is bolstered with typical V-Twin attributes like arm-stretching torque and a classic rumble sound. The Stryker also boasts the 34-degree rake with 6-degree yoke offset found on the larger displacement Raider, allowing for comfortable low speed handling while maintaining the stylish, low and raked look of a custom.

John Bayliss, Product Manager, Motorcycles at Yamaha Motor Canada says, “Customers can now get that original, custom look with the reliability, fit and finish that Yamaha provides from the factory. They no longer have to choose as the new Stryker offers the best of both worlds.”

Yamaha’s extraordinary new Super Ténéré has been a hot topic of conversation among motorcyclists since its European launch earlier this year. Although it will not hit showrooms until the spring, Yamaha is proud to introduce it to Canada, a land made for adventure. At the heart of the Ténéré lies a fuel-injected, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 1199cc mill that mixes gobs of torque with quick-revving acceleration for excellent performance in varied conditions. The bike has a number of advanced rider assist technologies like; Intelligent Unified Braking System with ABS, Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle with 3-mode traction control, a low, centralized mass for confidence-inspiring handling and adjustable seat height and suspension.

“The new Ténéré is the ultimate bike for an adventurous soul. It’s has some of Yamaha’s latest technology with everything you need to cover big miles on a route less traveled”, says Bayliss.

In launching two bikes with completely different applications, Bayliss mused, “The only thing similar about these bikes is they require a motorcyclist with a bold personality who is passionate about their riding. Whether you want to attract attention on the boulevard or go exploring in remote areas, these bikes are yet another example that Yamaha has something for everyone.”

For more information on the latest Yamaha motorcycles, visit: www.yamaha-motor.ca.






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Sad news for race fans everywhere

Peter Lenz - the seriously talented motorcycle racer who also happened to be only 13 years old was killed during the warmup for Sunday’s USGPRU Moriwaki MD250H race at the Indianapolis Grand Prix when he was apparently struck by another rider.

Lenz was the youngest ever licensed Expert racer in the American Federation of Motorcyclists and the youngest ever licensed Expert racer in Championship Cup Series history - at age 11.

I'm pretty sure I've posted this video of him at a race track before but watch this and you'll see why he was described as a child prodigy.  Incredibly talented.  A sad day indeed.

RIP Peter.

More details including a post from his father about the accident that claimed his life were on his facebook page.




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Ducati Xerox team return to the racetrack this weekend in Germany


The Nürburgring (Germany), Tuesday 31st August: after a month’s break, the World Superbikes are ready to restart their engines and return to the racetrack; the next stop for the Ducati Xerox Team is Germany, and the historic Nürburgring.

Noriyuki celebrated podium success last season in Race 1 at the Ring but it was the previous year, 2008, that brought the most satisfaction, with a double win for the Japanese rider at the German track, in spite of his riding with a broken collarbone! Michel on the other hand is yet to step up to the Ring’s rostrum, his best result thus far a sixth place finish in 2008. Having returned to the SBK calendar in 2008, after an eight year break, the circuit has been characterised by some very unpredictable weather conditions that have delayed and cut short races in the last two seasons. The historic Ring, located in the heart of Germany’s Black Forest, has played host to motorsport events for more than eighty years; this will be the fifth time that the World Superbike circus visits the track.

As the 2010 edition of the championship charges rapidly towards the home straight, with only two rounds left to run after the coming weekend’s German round, Nitro-Nori lies in 7th position while Uragano Mich is 9th in the overall standings. Ducati holds third position in the constructors championship.

Noriyuki Haga (7th in championship, 177 points)

"I had a great time here in 2008, taking a double win despite some terrible conditions that messed up the smooth running of race day, but then last season didn’t go to plan as I started in pole but crashed out of race 2 in a race I was sure I could have won. The problem at the Nürburgring is that no-one can predict the conditions – we’ve seen the sun come out just minutes after a hail shower so mixed conditions like those make it hard to prepare for race day.”

Haga’s Superbike form at the Nürburgring:
2009: Race 1 – 2nd, Race 2 – DNF
2008: Race 1 – winner, Race 2 – winner
1999: Race 1 – DNF, Race 2 – 6th
1998: Race 1 – 5th, Race 2 – 7th

Michel Fabrizio (9th in championship, 160 points)

“I was disappointed to miss out on the podium at Silverstone so I’ll be trying my best to get there at the Nurburgring. I really like the track but haven’t managed to reach the podium before. The weather is so mixed of course and that can really mess up a weekend if conditions change dramatically each day. Anyway, we’ll be looking to take as many points as possible, and I’ll have my eyes on a top three finish.”

Fabrizio’s Superbike form at the Nürburgring:
2009: Race 1 – 7th, Race 2 – 9th
2008: Race 1 – 7th, Race 2 – 6th


CIRCUIT DATA:
Country: Germany
Name: The Nürburgring
Circuit length: 5.137 km
Pole position: left
Curve a sinistra: 6
Curve a destra: 11
Race distance: 20 laps = 102.74 km

LAP RECORDS: Best lap – Rea (Honda) 1’56.234 (2009). Superpole – Neukirchner (Suzuki) 1'55.471 (2008).
2009 RESULTS: Race 1 - 1. Spies (Yamaha); 2. Haga (Ducati Xerox); 3. Checa (Honda) Race 2 – 1. Rea (Honda); 2. Spies (Yamaha); 3. Checa (Honda)

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Indianapolis MotoGP Racers receive Cardo scala rider G4 PowerSet Motorcycle Communication Systems

Cardo Systems, Inc., the world’s market leader in wireless Bluetooth® communication systems for motorcycle helmets, today announced that it presented the racers competing at this past weekend’s exciting MotoGP in Indianapolis with its industry-leading scala rider G4 PowerSet motorcycle intercom communication system for bikers. 

The most feature-rich communication system of its kind, Cardo Systems’ scala rider G4 PowerSet provides full duplex wireless intercom communication up to ONE mile* among two bikers, three bikers or four-way communication among two bikers and two passengers on two bikes-an industry standard.

The highly acclaimed communication system contains two factory paired scala rider G4 Bluetooth headsets for immediate motorcycle intercom use. In addition to intercom communication, each scala rider® G4 can connect with virtually any portable Bluetooth device including mobile phones, MP3 players and compatible GPS units (for in-helmet voice instructions). It can also connect with non-Bluetooth MP3 players and GPS units via its embedded jack, and the entire line of scala rider headsets. Both can transmit STEREO music from any MP3 player with A2DP capability.

Established in 1949 as a world championship by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), MotoGP is the premier motorcycle racing world championship, an 18-race series visiting 14 countries across four continents. Its participants represent the world’s most-skilled racers. Last weekend’s Indianapolis leg of this prestigious global event showcased the natural synergy between FIM and Cardo Systems, both marquee names in the motorcycle industry. Cardo Systems was happy to provide them with the industry’s pre-eminent Bluetooth® communication device in recognition of their world-class status in competing in last weekend’s Indianapolis event.

Compatible with virtually all motorcycle helmets, the scala rider G4 PowerSet is available with noise-canceling microphones for the highest communication quality. The device’s rechargeable li-polymer batteries allow for up to 10 hours of talk-time and 7-days standby time.

The scala rider G4 PowerSet is available through select distributors, retail outlets, specialty motorcycle shops and directly from the Cardo Systems web site at www.cardosystems.com with a suggested retail price of $489.95 USD.

*results may vary according to terrain.



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Red Island Run - PEI motorcycle rally success

The first annual PEI - "Red Island Run" took place this past weekend in beautiful Prince Edward Island and it seems to have been a success; though there's not much in the news yet or on the Red Island Run website.

I haven't seen reports of actual numbers of attendees yet but organizers were said to be expecting 1500 people.


So, if you were there send us some pictures or information about the event!


To keep an eye on the event in the future bookmark this link:

http://www.redislandrun.com/

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Ride like Batman!

Finally, your wish to have a bike like Batman have become possible. Dave Welch of Chopper City USA has created a replica that's street legal.  I'm sure it handles the twisties like a dream with those two 'giant' tires!  Definitely a more upright position than the movie version.

Here's a video clip of the the BATMAN Bat-Pod from the BATMAN movie (The Dark Knight) built by Dave Welch of www.choppercityusa.com.

If you have more money than you know what to do with you might want to pick one up: 


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Don Hatton raising money for United Way

Hold onto your helmets! Don Hatton, renowned Dakar Rally Racer, owner of Duncan Motorsports, and a local Cowichan celebrity has joined forces with the Cowichan Exhibition, as the new venue for their annual Ride for The Way, and “Bikefest 2010” fundraiser for Cowichan United Way!

The event, which launched in 2009 is sure to be a real crowd-pleaser for Cowichan Exhibition visitors, and if last year is anything to go by, should bring several hundred bikes, and riders together all raising money to support those in need in our community.

The event is on Sunday September 12th, and kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast from 8:00am to 9:30am and then riders and passengers will take a scenic tour of the Cowichan Region touring up through Crofton and Chemainus, to Cedar, through to Yellowpoint and then back down the highway to The Cowichan Exhibition Grounds for a BBQ lunch and plenty of time left over to enjoy all the attractions of the Cowichan Exhibition, with The Midway, Tractor Pull, Vintage Machinery, and Horse Shows and other attractions.

As well as an opportunity to meet Don Hatton and hear some of his daring exploits in The Dakar Rally, there will be Vintage Motorcycles, and a Trials demonstration, a 50:50 Draw, and other events.

Participants are asked to pay $35 to take part in the Ride for The Way, which includes entrance to the Exhibition, pancake breakfast, event ride with Poker Run, and BBQ lunch.

Early registration is encouraged. In fact the first 100 People to PRE- REGISTER will receive a FREE T-Shirt to commemorate the event.

To register online go HERE or call Duncan Motorsports at 1-866-746-2453

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TURN 2 MOTO CLUB GP labour day race weekend fast approaching

CALABOGIE, Ontario

Turn 2 Sportbike School is pleased to announce the finalized class structure and schedule for the Turn 2 Moto Club GP Labour Day race weekend presented by Kahuna Powersports. This event is being held at Calabogie Motorsports Park from Sept. 3rd - 5th, 2010.  This will be the final event for Turn 2 in the 2010 season. One lucky Moto Club member will go home with the Grand Prize of a 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R, full NEXO road-race gear, and many other exciting prizes.

The weekend's main race will feature the Superbike class, with primary focus on bikes with 1000cc or greater engine displacement, but will also be open to bikes with smaller engine displacements with unlimited modifications. Qualifying lap times of under 2:20:00 taken from Saturday's heat race will determine Sunday's final grid placement. Prizes for the top three finishers will include up to $3,000 worth of Controlled Riding Group (CRG) track time in 2011.

The Supersport class will be limited to bikes with 750cc or smaller engine displacement with unlimited modifications. Qualifying lap times of under 2:30:00 taken from Saturday's heat race will determine Sunday's final grid placement. Prizes for the top three finishers will include up to $3,000 worth of CRG track time in 2011.

For inspiring new racers, there will be a Mock Race featuring three sub-classes; Greater than 751cc, 750cc or smaller, and also 400cc or smaller. Qualifying lap times will be determined after Saturday's CRG 2 and CRG 3 sessions. Prizes for the top three in each of these classes will include a 1-day ARC class at any level to be used in the 2011 season.

And last but not least, a Best Lap non-race will be open to all Controlled Riding Group 1 participants.

"This has been a phenomenal season for us" says Turn 2 president George Budacki.  "The sole intent of our race weekend is for pure fun in a club environment, and a great way to give back to the numerous Turn 2 Moto Club members and racing enthusiasts who've supported us in the 2010 season."

On Friday September 3rd the school will operate as a normal Turn 2 event with Advanced Riding Course (ARC) and CRG classes available all day at special discount pricing.  Racers will be able to practice in the CRG 3 group with coaching available from Turn 2's Professional Superbike Instructors.




On Saturday September 4th Turn 2 will operate as normal ARC and CRG days with the exception of dedicated classes for both Superbike and Supersport practice in the morning and Heat Races in the afternoon.

On Sunday, the 5th of September, there will be CRG 1 - 3 groups with no ARC sessions available.  The format for Superbike and Supersport classes will mirror Saturday's structure, with a Final 25 minute Superbike race scheduled for 2:00 pm, and the Final 25 minute Supersport race scheduled for 3:20 pm.

Following Sunday's on-track activities will be an awards ceremony at 5:30 pm, where Turn 2 staff will present prizes to all winners from the weekend.  Turn 2 Moto Club members who have worked hard all season in the Super Lap TT Series will finally get the chance to win the Grand Prize draw of a 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250R and full Nexo gear and accessories.  The winner MUST be present to accept the Grand Prize.

Early-bird Pre-registration opens Wednesday August 25th at 9 am (Eastern Standard Time) sharp and closes on Friday August 27th at 9 pm (EST).  Early-birds will enjoy discounted entry fees for SUPERBIKE and SUPERSPORT classes, as well as grid positions for the Saturday Heat Race which will be assigned on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis.

For complete details on the class structures, weekend schedule and entry fees please visit Turn 2 online at www.turn2.ca.  Turn 2 Sportbike School would like to thank all their staff, business partners, sponsors, volunteers and most of all the riders who have joined them throughout the 2010 season.

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New video over at Vride TV

Jeff over at VrideTV just let us know he's has released a new HD video taken while on a ride on the Icefields Parkway at sunset alongside the Athabasca River in Jasper National Park, Alberta Canada. 

A family of mountain goats is featured in this high definition video.  He's been getting a lot of traffic on the video - and a putting a lot of miles on his Harley Davidson V-Rod too!
92,623 kilometers!  He drove it across Canada and back.  And a little more I think judging from that odometer reading.  Many of those kilometers have been captured on film.

Check out the video below:


Be sure to visit  http://www.vridetv.com/ to see all their great video's.

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