Notes from the world of roadracing—Ed.
Racing abroad
Thanks to COVID-19, we haven’t seen as many Canadians racing overseas over the past year. After tearing up MotoAmerica the past few years, Alex Dumas is back here in Canada this season, racing in CSBK. We haven’t heard anything from Dan Kruger about street circuit or Pan Delta racing plans.
Still, some Canucks are getting out-of-country for go-fast ventures. BC’s Darren James is back in business in MotoAmerica’s Twins series. James ended up in 11th at the RoadAmerica race, and we expect to see him racing the Washington State round at The Ridge next weekend.
James is a well-known veteran. What about the up-and-coming kids? Torin Collins is back in the European Talent Cup series this summer, recently getting a 21st at Catalunya, after starting 32nd. It was his first race at Catalunya, and with 51 entries in the race, with 38 qualifying, Colins is probably happy with his results, especially when you find out he was racing after braking his foot in a crash at Valencia in the previous round.
Collins, age 15, was one of 38 riders who qualified for the race out of 51 entrants in the single-make class competing on Honda NSF250Rs despite it being his first time at this track and having recently been given the all clear to start training again. Torin fractured his foot as a result of a nasty highside crash at Valencia (Round 2). Next up, he’s racing Autodromo do Algarve in Portugal, a track he’s ridden before, and he’s hoping to improve his results even further.
Here at home
Back in Canada, now. A few days back, we told you CSBK was integrating vintage racing to its season-opener race at Calabogie. Now, we’ve got some more details on that July 10-11 weekend, with an update from Canadian Superbike.
It seems the VRRA is working with CSBK on this deal, and it seems this opening race weekend will actually be a bit complicated. The VRRA is working with CSBK to host some classes at Calabogie, while other classes will run at Shannonville over July 10-11.
The plan is to host the VRRA’s annual Vintage Festival on August 6-8, at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. While there are still questions about the Canada-US border, they’re hoping that American racers will once again be able to attend the CTMP event. More details below:
Press release
VRRA Vintage Festival Update
Toronto, ON – After a bizarre year and a half, the Vintage Road Racing Association is ready to get back to the business of racing.
Although their first round of 2021 was cancelled, VRRA’s newer P4, P5 and GP classes have been invited by CSBK and the Pro 6 GP Race Series for the first racing event of the year at Calabogie Motorsports Park on July 10- 11.
The same weekend (July 10 – 11) will see Super Series host the VRRA’s earlier P1, P2 and P3 classes along with sidecars at Shannonville Motorsport Park.
Both of these events will include a full weekend of exciting racing with both modern bikes and classics on track.
The VRRA’s crown jewel, the annual Vintage Festival roars into life on August 6 – 8, 2021 at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (formerly Mosport). HB Cycle of Lindsay sponsors this competition, and it typically attracts 150 to 200 racers from both Canada and the US.
At this time indicators are strong that the Canada/US border will be re-opened before this event happens and racer attendance should be impressive once again. It’s difficult to predict if spectators will be allowed but if they are this is absolutely the finest track for viewing the action with access to the inside and outside of many of the 10 corners on the famous circuit.
Racing starts Friday afternoon, August 6, with a 2-hour Endurance Race. Sprint events are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm. CTMP is a high-speed horsepower track and hosts some of the best motorcycle competition in North America.
The Vintage Festival is always a treat for the classic bike and sidecar enthusiast and this year will be no different. Every racing class is well represented with many examples of bikes beautifully prepared and restored to their original glory, some going back to the 1950’s.
A Period 5 class has been added this year with bikes up to 1997 and including 750 and 1000 cc four stroke twins plus 4-cylinder bikes up to 750cc.
The Sidecar Racing Association will also be included in the event so be prepared to see lots of spectacular 3 wheeled action with drivers and monkeys pulling off calisthenic maneuvers at high speed.
The Vintage Festival also hosts a race for 2-stroke factory Grand Prix-style bikes. The sight and sounds of all these unique motorcycles lined up together holding high revs for the race start is absolutely unforgettable.
The term ‘Vintage’ may be a bit misleading to some but don’t be fooled. The racing action is fast and fierce and skill levels are second to none. Racers are mostly very experienced amateurs with many being former Pros. Once in a while, current CSBK National Pros make a guest appearance to mix it up with VRRA regulars, and don’t be surprised if you get into conversation with someone who has competed at the Isle of Man – and is still racing of course.
Racing entry is available at vrra.ca under Events. Multiple and bump up races are available for all racers including the P4 Vintage Challenge and the popular Vintage Open. The deadline for sign up is midnight on June 29, 2021. Early entry is encouraged as some classes fill up quickly.
