Canadian XR1200 series ready to roll

From Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada

CONCORD, ON -- Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada has announced a full commitment to running the highly anticipated Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup Series in Canada in 2011. With the potential of veterans such as Steve Crevier participating in the series, the XR1200 Cup Series promises to become a captivating and entertaining show of passion, performance and artistry in racing.

After the recent announcement of the launch of www.csbk.ca, hosted by the newly appointed management company of the Canadian Superbike Championship, Frontline CSBK Inc., Darren James, owner and racer #29 for Ruthless Racing Inc. commented, "To see this XR1200 Series kick off in Canada in 2011 is a dream coming true. I have wanted nothing more than to make sure we start with a full grid, so it's amazing to see the level of enthusiasm of riders wanting to participate in this new Harley[-Davidson] Racing series. Who knows, we may have to actually hold qualifiers for the XR1200 Series this time next year!

"The feedback we have received so far is great. Guys love the fact that they can easily alternate U.S. AMA race dates with our Canadian racing events. I am very grateful for the support that Vance & Hines and Elka Suspension are giving the series. It's going to be a ton of fun out there."

Together with the established Floridian Racer #123, Dave Estok, James, Manager of Ruthless Racing Inc., will be competing in two classes this year – the Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup Series and the Pro Sport Bike Class. The two-rider team will be racing on Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles, respectively, prepared by Ruthless Racing Inc.

Having won the 1996 Harley-Davidson 883 World Championship and in the same year the Buell Lightning Championship, Estok brings a wealth of experience, which will prove to be consequential in the upcoming racing season. Estok also has three ASRA Thunder Bike Championships under his belt (2003, 2005 and 2007) and has been participating in the Canadian Superbike Series for the last five years. He put forth a strong fourth place finish in the Pro Sport Bike Series in 2010.

James has two Canadian National Thunder Bike Championships (2005 and 2006) and a CCS National Thunder Bike Championship in Daytona (2003) under his belt. Teamed up with the renowned Jeremy McWilliams, James spent the 2010 season racing for Warr's Harley-Davidson in the UK and participated in the Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy Series in the British Superbike Series. He finished fourth overall for the year, while teammate McWillams took the Championship. 

Thomas Morin will be returning as Crew Chief of the Ruthless Racing Inc. team, sponsored by Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada. When asked about the difference in prepping the XR1200 motorcycles for racing verses the Buells, Morin noted, "The Harley-Davidson XR1200 [bikes] are spec bikes so it will really come down to the rider's skills. Maintaining the motorcycle will be more important than ever. We are looking forward to getting some test days on our bikes soon and getting us and the bikes tuned up and ready to roll out for the first round."

Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada is now ready to extend high profile, title sponsorship opportunities around the Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup Series in Canada to interested companies. For further information on sponsorship opportunities or on participating in the Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup Series, please contact James, Manager, Racing Programs, by phone at 604‑273‑5421 or by e-mail at darrenjames@deeley.com.