Jordan Szoke, the winningest rider in Canadian Superbike history, will be riding a Kawasaki ZX-10R next season, with sponsorship from Blackfoot Motosports and title sponsor Mopar Express Lane. He’s seen in the photo with Canadian Kawasaki’s Manager of Marketing, Brad Goodbody.
For years now, Szoke has been tied to BMW. He signed to race the S1000 RR superbike for the 2012 season, and has won every Pro Superbike championship since, with the exception of 2014, when injury kept him out of the final races of the season. He’s not only won the title in six of the seven seasons he’s raced the bike, but he’s also won most of the races, with perfect racing seasons in 2015 and 2016.
But, although he’s ridden BMW for years, Szoke also has a long history with Kawasaki. He started his Pro Superbike career on a Kawasaki and had many successes aboard Team Green’s machines, particularly a four-year streak that saw him winning both the Superbike and Pro 600 titles aboard Kawis between 2006 and 2009.
As part of the move to Kawasaki, Amy Szoke will also be riding a Ninja in next year’s series. She’s leaving Amateur Superbike to return to Lightweight Sport Bike aboard a Ninja 400.
Full details of the Szoke family’s big move are in the press release below.
Szoke Signs Two Year Deal with Canadian Kawasaki Motors and Blackfoot Motosports
Jordan Szoke, the winningest racer in National Canadian Superbike History, signs a two-year deal to run his Mopar Express Lane backed super bike team with brand new equipment for the next two seasons. Szoke will defend his Mopar Canadian Superbike National Title with the redesigned 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R backed by Blackfoot Motosports.
“I am really excited about this new venture,” grins Szoke. “I started out my super bike career on a Kawasaki, so it just seems fitting to finish it on Team Green.”
Szoke started his “real Superbike” debut on a 1993 model Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7RR in 1997 at Atlantic Motorsports Park. In turn bringing home his very first National Superbike Championship to Kawasaki in 1998. Szoke and Kawasaki had one of the most successful runs in Canadian History with a 4-year winning streak, sweeping both the Superbike and Pro 600 titles from 2006-2009.
“Kawasaki and I are a good fit,” says Szoke. “It is an exciting step for our National Series to have Kawasaki involved in our Superbike program and also a positive step forward for the rest of our competitors and fans to enjoy another brand gunning for the top spot. There is life after sitting in the rider’s seat, and I feel that Kawasaki and I are a good fit to grow together to stay involved within the industry after racing.”
“We are excited to have Jordan back on a Ninja, the bike that helped launch his superbike career back in the late 90’s,” says Brad Goodbody of Canadian Kawasaki Motors. “With the global racing success of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, and the improvements made on the 2019 model, we are really looking forward to seeing what Jordan and his Wanzie Racing Team can do in the CSBK Championship.”
Szoke is quick to thank BMW Motorrad for their unwavering support for the past 7 seasons. “We part on really good terms,” Szoke states. “Chris (Duff) and I were kids are the racetrack together, we’ve known each other for years. Him and I both want to see our sport thrive. I am extremely thankful for the 6 Championships and one World Race Trophy Title we brought home to Canada.”
Also joining Team Green for the upcoming CSBK season is Jordan’s wife, Amy Szoke. Amy made her debut on a Superbike last season, finishing 8th in the Amateur Superbike season overall. Amy will return to CSBK National racing, this time on a Kawasaki Ninja 400 in the Lightweight Sportbike Class.
When asked about her switch from Superbikes to Lightweights, Amy explains, “Running a Superbike is really (really) expensive. My program ran us deep into the red last season, so this is an exciting option to race for Kawasaki and keep the budget in check. My heart truly lies with the big bikes, so I wouldn’t rule out a return at some point. I’ve found a new passion in film (Amy is a stunt performer in movies and television) and with this program modification it allows me to commit better to both. Kawasaki had given me an opportunity to climb back into the saddle in the past and once again offers me the same opportunity. I am eternally grateful to the green machines for that.”
“Amy brings a level of professionalism, positivity, and skill to the Lightweight Sportbike class that we are very excited about. I believe, much like Ana Carrasco did in the FIM World Supersport 300 Championship, that Amy and the Ninja 400 are more than capable of running up front and contending for the championship,” says Goodbody.
Backing Kawasaki with their new venture is Blackfoot Motosports. Blackfoot Motosports is one of Canada’s largest power sports dealers located in Calgary AB. Blackfoot has a rich racing heritage both on and off road winning multiple championships both on the asphalt and the dirt.
“Having Blackfoot as a larger part of our efforts really makes me happy. Pat, Doug and Jason have always supported me my entire career, so to have them play a bigger role on our team, the fit just couldn’t be more perfect. I can’t wait to see them back at the racetrack again,” says Szoke.
Mopar Express Lane continues to remain the title sponsor and welcomes Kawasaki and Blackfoot Motosports to Szoke’s Superbike efforts.
