Most Canadian racers are still to announce 2012 plans, but Coutourier Racing out of Quebec has announced its formation as a loose coalition of riders competing in different classes.
Top tuners Patrice Goyette and Guy Martin head up the wrench side, while twice-Canadian superbike champ Francis Martin takes up the management role. Riders will be:
- Kevin Lacombe, Pro Superbike, BMW S1000RR
- Samuel Proux, Pro Superbike, BMW S1000RR
- Stephane Couturier, Am Superbike, Ducati 1098R, 1098
- Louie Raffa, Pro Sportsbike, 600RR Honda
- Eric Fiset, Am Sportsbike, 600GSXR Suzuki
- Tatyana Lahaise, Novice, 250 Honda
BMW apparently isn’t going to run an official team in 2012, preferring to offer huge discounts on bikes and parts to encourage privateer entries. Expect Andrew Nelson to return on his S1000RR, and possibly 2011 team member Mike Ferreira. Brett McCormick, as already reported, will be heading to the World Superbike circus in the Superstock class, while his chief rival in 2011, seven-time champion Jordan Szoke, hasn’t announced anything except personal sponsors. However, Jordan has been seen spending considerable time around KTM recently …
