Following a challenging season that resulted in a condensed program due to ever-changing pandemic restrictions, Canadian National Superbike Championship organizers Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP), have announced the first four dates for the 2021 National roadracing series. Hoping to return to a more traditional season with a full schedule of events for 2021, awards are planned for National Championships in all five National series available to both Pro and Amateur status racers.
2021 CSBK National Schedule:
June 11-13th Grand Bend Motorplex, ON
July 10-11th Calabogie Motorsports Park, ON
July 31-Aug 1st Atlantic Motorsport Park, Shubenacadie, NS
August 14-15th Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Bowmanville, ON
While four dates have been confirmed, plans are in the works to add a fifth event either prior to or following the recently announced dates. Plans for the 2021 National program are being based on the assumption that spectator access will be limited or non-existent for part or all of the season. Two Pro Superbike feature races are expected per weekend, with a total of ten races counting toward the 2021 National overall Championship and coveted number one plate. CSBK will once again compete exclusively with spec Dunlop rubber in 2021 for the eighth straight year.
Events are being co-hosted by Pro 6 Cycle. A motorcycle shop and organizers of racing schools, lapping days and the inaugural Pro 6 GP Regional series based at Calabogie Motorsports Park, their participation allowed the 2020 series to proceed after Fiat-owned Mopar pulled their title sponsorship for the season in April.
“2020 was a tough year for everyone in many ways, and we are grateful we could eventually put together a program with Pro 6 to stage events for the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Superbike Championship,” explains series founder Colin Fraser.
The 2021 series opener (currently) also marks a return to Grand Bend for the season kick-off which wasn’t possible in 2020. Hosting a successful season opener for 2020, Calabogie will host the second-round next season, which will include a full national event for the first time since 2015. 2021 will also mark a return to Atlantic Motorsport Park in Shubenacadie, NS as travel restrictions within the Atlantic provinces made a 2020 event impossible.
Jordan Szoke swept all four Pro Superbike races in 2020 aboard his Canada General Warranty-backed Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja – the fourth perfect season of his career and 14th overall Canadian Championship. CSBK decided not to award the Canada Cup for this season and only awarded the Champion of the premier class. According to Szoke’s website, the 41-year-old has decided to return for the 2021 season. “I’ve won 14 of the 40 possible championships here in Canada.” says Szoke. “I was perhaps planning on maybe stepping back after this season, but with the promise of a brighter future as motorcycle sales increase and more and more people are getting back on two-wheels, I feel that maybe my time isn’t quite done yet. And perhaps it is even more important to follow up with another season promoting the sport and showing our manufacturers here in Canada that racing is a huge marketing asset for them.”
CSBK didn’t officially run a Championship for the middleweight Pro category in 2020 due to the nature of the season, but Sebastien Tremblay won both the 2020 Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike CSBK races aboard his Turcotte Performance Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja. Also looking to return for 2021, this could be the season he gets his first Pro Sport Bike Championship. Honours such as the Brooklin Cycle Racing Pro Rookie of the Year, allowing racers who made their pro debut in either 2020 or 2021 being eligible for the award.
For more details, visit CSBK.ca
Nothing west of Windsor, no events in Quebec or at Shannonville (so far).
Its a sad state of affairs for what was once a truly national series.
I missed out last year after waiting for them to hit Shubenacadie, as both Caroline and I were ready for our inaugural camping weekend at Atlantic Motorsports Park. I’ve my fingers crossed for this coming year! I can’t wait to see the lightweights in action again.
Cheers!