Photo: Rob O’Brien
The Canadian Superbike series returned to Shannonville after an unfortunate financial-related hiatus and provided some typically close racing on the fast Pro track configuration, with the usual Pro suspects eking out victories.
In the premier Superbike class, Jordan Szoke continued his winning streak – he took every victory in 2015 for a record total of 53 wins, to collect another Canadian record of 10 national titles – but had to work for it, waiting until lap 18 of 22 before he got by a red-hot Matt McBride, both riders on BMWs. Kenny Riedmann on his Kawasaki also managed to get by early leader McBride before the flag for second, fighting back after a frightening fast crash in qualifying on Saturday.
The 37-year-old Szoke (who’s been racing at Shannonville since he was 14) said with a laugh, “I’ve still got some fight left in me. But we’ve got a long way to go yet. It’s going to be a long, tough year.”
In the Pro Sport Bike (600 cc) grouping, Riedmann grabbed another win to back up his 2015 championship. Behind him, experienced Pro racer and multiple Canadian champion Michael Taylor, once again out of retirement (this time on a Triumph 675) managed to hold off teenage sensation Tomas Casas on a Yamaha R6, the two filling the final podium spots. It’s interesting to note (and a credit to both riders for different reasons) that Taylor had won two national titles before Casas was born! When that was pointed out to Casas, he just smiled and shook his head — “I just put my head down and do my best!”
The Amateur races were taken by Jean-Mark Bilger (BMW) in the Superbike class and Chris Brent (Honda) in the Sport Bike class, Brent taking his win after the two riders finishing ahead were disqualified for technical infractions. The Kawasaki Ninja 300 spec series wins on the weekend, which features two finals, went to Jared Walker and Eric Quintin, with Quintin leading the championship after four rounds.
Chris Brent Lead the entire 600 Race until the red flag. There was never anyone in front of him.
Thanks for the correction, Alan. Things got a bit hectic for us at the end and I obviously got myself confused about possible protests/penalties in the s/b class.
Yes the Red flags in Both of the Amateur races always make things hectic.