Matechuk joins XR1200 series

By John Hopkins

Last year's top rookie Pro in the Canadian Superbike Championship, Cody Matechuk is the latest top name to join the Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup national support class.

The Cochrane, AB teenager will run with the backing of Privateers Harley-Davidson of Halifax in the 2011 series. Further confirmed sponsorship will come from Motovan, RMR Suspension and Race Tech.

The 17-year-old Matechuk is one of the rising stars on the Canadian road racing scene. He won the Suzuki SV650 National Cup in 2009 and the following year swept to the Amateur Sport Bike national title. Last year he placed sixth in the Canadian Superbike Championship feature class standings with a top finish of third place on his Acceleration Racing Suzuki.

"It's going to be different," said Matechuk of riding the XR1200 twin. "I rode a Buell three years ago but my only other twin experience has been with the SV. I'm going to have to ride it a bit differently [than a sport bike]. It's heavy so you have to use your weight more and carry your speed because there's not as much horsepower."

Matechuk expects to get his first taste of the Harley at the official Canadian Superbike Championship by Parts Canada test day at Calabogie Motorsports Park on May 20. The 2011 season will open a week later at Circuit ICAR in Mirabel, QC.

"It's going to be tough," Matechuk admitted. "It sounds like there will be a few ex-Pros out there; a lot of top guys. It's going to be close racing and should be interesting to watch. I hope to get on the podium and obviously go for the championship. I want to have fun with it."

Ruthless Racing's Darren James and Dave Estok are confirmed for the series, as well as one of 2010's top national Amateurs Steven Nickerson. Six-time Canadian Superbike Champion Steve Crevier is among the legendary names also rumoured to be making an appearance in the class as well.