Bradl Crowned Moto2 World Champion

Germany's Stefan Bradl was crowned the 2011 Moto2 World Champion in Valencia, Spain today following the withdrawal due to injury of his biggest challenger, Marc Marquez. The twenty-one year old Bradl is the first German to take a motorcycle world championship since Dirk Raudies in the 125cc class in 1993.

The son of World Championship runner-up and 250cc ace, Helmut Bradl, Stefan attributes much of his success to his father. According to Bradl this championship is special as 2o years after his father was 2nd in the world championship, Bradl is now a champion himself. Bradl says of his father, "He's the biggest part in my life, supporting me from every second of racing."

Winning the World Championship is still sinking in for Bradl, as the title did not come easily. Rookie Repsol Honda rider Marc Marquez put up a strong fight, and took over the championship points lead in Motegi. It was then that Bradl decided to take an all or nothing approach to score some good results, remain consistent and take the championship title. Bradl says of his battles with Marquez, "I think everybody has enjoyed this Moto2 season. It was a very good battle in the end between Marc and me and I think there hasn't been a single race which has not been exciting. Sometimes as a rider you think 'Oh F***! Another race like that!', and you just want to go away and do your own race, but in this class everything is just so close."

For Sunday's final Moto2 race of the season, Bradl's goal is to win and enjoy the moment; "My goal for tomorrow is to win the race, because now everything is so free; I'm just enjoying racing."

Stefan Bradl is expected to remain with the Veismann Keifer Racing squad in the Moto2 class in 2012.

MotoGP: Stoner Clinches Decisive Pole in Valencia

MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner clinched his 12the pole position at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia today, in decisively convincing fashion with a best lap time of 1:31:861, over a second ahead of second place finisher and Respol Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa (1:32:875). Stoner also equalled the record of five-time world champion Mick Doohan of 12 pole positions in a single season.

Track conditions were tough for this afternoon's qualifying, as the track started out wet and then began to dry up towards the end of the session. Riders have been struggling all weekend with rainy and damp practice conditions on Friday, followed by dry conditions for Saturday morning's free practice. According to Stoner, "This afternoon conditions were very tricky, some parts of the track the rain was a little heavier and you weren't sure how far to push". Conditions started to improve towards the end of the session and with under 10 minutes remaining, Stoner went out on a soft rear tire and set a lap time of 1:31:861 which would remain unchallenged for the rest of the session.

Dani Pedrosa qualified second and also struggled with the wet racetrack, "Qualifying was very tricky especially in the middle of the practice, it was a bit raining and you didn't know how hard to push."

Factory Yamaha's Ben Spies bounced back from a difficult past few weeks by clinching the third spot on the front row of the grid. "It was actually a pretty good session. It was definitely difficult like they said with spitting rain the whole time and not knowing how hard to push on certain parts of the track." Spies circulated patiently on the racetrack, keeping the tires hot in case there was a break in the weather. The strategy paid off as a time of 1:33:057 was quick enough to secure a spot on the front row.

In Moto2 action, Gresini Honda's Michele Pirro secured his first and very special position. According to Pirro, "It is a special pole position because I dedicate the pole to Marco, his family and the team." The entire Gresini Honda family has been struggling all weekend in what has been described as a "surreal atmosphere" by the entire team as the experience the gaping hole left by the loss of Marco Simoncelli. All of the riders in the Gresini Honda camp are working hard and dedicating their riding to their friend and fellow rider this weekend.

History was also made in 125cc qualifying as Mahindra Racing's Danny Webb secured his very first pole position ever, and also the last pole position in the 125cc class, which will be replaced by the Moto3 race category in 2012. Webb took a gamble going out on dry tires about half way through the session, but his feeling to switch to slicks paid off when he pulled in a best time of 1:45:898, nearly a half a second faster than second place rider Louis Rossi. Webb also noted it was an important result for Mahindra, as he and his teammate are about the only two riders in the 125cc class who are not equipped with an Aprilia or Derbi motorcycle. Webb's pole position also comes on the same weekend that Mahindra Racing unveiled its 2012 Moto3 bike.

Follow Inside Motorcycles as we continue to cover MotoGP action from Valencia. Racing takes place on Sunday afternoon in the final round of the world championship series.

MotoGP Final at Valencia: Hayes Settles In

Two-time AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes wishes it were under different circumstances that he was to be riding the Monster Energy Tech 3 Yamaha at the MotoGP season finale in Valencia this weekend. He is replacing an injured Colin Edwards, who was involved in a an incident which took the life of Marco Simoncelli in Malaysia two weeks ago.

This weekend will mark the first time that the reigning AMA Champion has ridden the Valencia circuit, as well as his first experience aboard the powerful MotoGP livery. "I really don't belong here," said an overwhelmed Hayes on Thursday afternoon in a rainy MotoGP paddock, "I don't fit in." For those who have had the opportunity to get to know Josh, he is a humble and down to earth character. He comes into the weekend with no expectations other than to learn the workings of the Yamaha YZR-M1 equipment and to do his best to represent the Yamaha squad.

Wet track conditions during Friday's free practice sessions meant that Hayes' MotoGP debut would be a soggy one. Hayes spoke about his first day on the GP bike, "My first day in MotoGP has been very difficult and scary at times to the honest. Before I went out this morning I don't think I have ever been so nervous in my life. I was happy with my lap times this morning in the tricky conditions but then in the full wet this afternoon it meant it was quite a scary introduction to MotoGP."

While Hayes may not yet have had the opportunity to experience the full potential of the Monster Energy Tech3 Yamaha, the seasoned rider certainly appeared right at home in Valencia. Aside from an uncharacteristically (and to be expected) high level of nervousness prior to the session, Hayes managed to complete his first free practice in 15th position with a time of 1:48:037, a mere 2.524 seconds off morning leader and recently crowned World Champion Casey Stoner. During the afternoon session, Hayes was the first to get out onto the wet racetrack and quickly went to work. After turning countless laps around the 2.5 mile circuit, Hayes found himself in 10th place at the end of the session, with a best lap time of 1:50:509, again 2.5 seconds behind the leader, Suzuki's Alvaro Bautista, who had a best time of 1:47:975 on a wet to damp racetrack.

While Hayes is still learning about the motorcycle, he hopes for some dry conditions prior to Sunday's race so his has an opportunity to test the carbon brakes. According to Hayes, "I don't want to be going into the race on Sunday having to learn to ride in the dry and also adjust to the carbon brakes after two wet days. That would be the worse case scenario for me but I enjoyed today a lot. It was a good experience and once again I want to thank everybody at Yamaha, Tech3 and Monster that made this possible."

Watch for Josh Hayes and the rest of the MotoGP field to be racing the final round of the series this coming Sunday at 2pm local time. All riders have agreed that racing on Sunday is what Marco Simoncelli would have wanted, and a number of riders and teams are sporting the #58 on their motorcycles or gear this weekend in honour of the fallen Italian rider. This weekend will also mark the last race for Pramac Ducati's Loris Capirossi, who after 22 successful years of road racing, will be retiring at the end of this season. Capirossi will be racing with the #58 on his motorcycle this weekend, in honour of his friend.

CSBK planning for a successful 2012

Canadian Superbike Championship series organizers Frontline CSBK sent out a much-anticipated press release regarding its plans moving forward without longtime title sponsor, Parts Canada.

"Central sponsors including BMW Motorrad Canada, Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada, Honda Canada and Mopar have confirmed their intention to continue supporting the National Series," the release announced.Pirelli will also return as official tire supplier. A season schedule is currently in the works and will be announced at the Toronto Motorcycle show opening on December 9th.

One thing is for sure, and that is the return of the successful double header event at Mosport in late August. Inside Motorcycles broke the news early last month that the series was looking at running the Mont Tremblanc circuit, although nothing will be confirmed until the full schedule is released December 9th.

After a very successful first running in 2011, the H-D XR1200 class will be back and, as the press release indicates, some U.S. racers may be taking part in the Canadian series next year. CSBK also officially announced the debut of Honda's all-new youth-based CBR250R spec class on the full tour. Pro Superbike will remain the national series' flagship class, while Amateur Superbike, Pro Sport Bike and Amateur Sport bike will all remain unchanged for 2012.

(photo courtesy CSBK.ca)

BCCOM proposes lane filtering in B.C.

The British Columbia Coalition of Motorcyclists (BCCOM) has written a proposal letter for the legalization of lane filtering in the province. The letter is to be discussed with B.C. Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Shirley Bond in the next two weeks, with the results of the discussion to be announced at a BCCOM meeting on November 17. The organization also mentioned that the letter would be sent to the Ministry of Transportation.

Below are some of the safety measures that BCCOM has proposed to allow lane filtering:

- The operator must operate the motorcycle no more than 10 km/h faster than the rest of traffic
- Traffic can’t be going over 30 km/h
- Lane splitting can’t be done in a school crossing zone, park area, area with a high volume of crossing pedestrians, or somewhere where the speed limit is less than 30 km/h
- Motorcyclists must never ride in between vehicles equipped with mirrors that won’t be able to see them (semi-trucks, large RV’s)

Whether the Ministries of Safety and Transportation see this proposal as a way to improve congestion and safety remains to be seen. In the U.S., similar proposals have seen resistance, with some transportation officials arguing that such legislation has no effect traffic congestion, given the fact that motorcycles make up such a small percentage of vehicles on the road in North America.

Two-wheel quarter-mile record smashed

France's Eric Teboul smashed his own records for the quickest elapsed time and fastest speed ever recorded by a motorcycle in the quarter-mile during an event at Santa Pod Raceway in England this past weekend. Teboul ran an almost surreal 5.209-second lap at 281.47 mph on his hydrogen peroxide-powered Rocket Bike.

It was a fitting tribute to his late friend and rocket car legend Sammy Miller, who passed away nine years ago to the day in a non-racing accident.

Teboul admits that the bike has four-second, 300 mph potential, but stopping the motorcycle at those speeds is proving to be the biggest drawback in attempting such a feat.

Colin Edwards to miss MotoGP Final at Valencia

Colin Edwards will not be riding at the MotoGP final in Valencia, Spain next week as the 37-year-old Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider is still recovering from injuries sustained at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang last weekend.

According to a news release from Yamaha Racing, "Edwards was assessed by orthopedic specialist Dr. Henry Small at the University General Hospital in Houston on Wednesday and it was confirmed he has multiple fractures to the top of his left humerus bone, which connects the shoulder to the elbow." The release went on to explain that Edwards will require surgery next Tuesday, and with a four-week recovery period, Edwards will be unable to participate in the final round of the MotoGP series in Valencia on November 6.

Updated: According to a press release from Teknic, AMA Pro Superbike Champion Josh Hayes will replace Colin Edwards on the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team at the final round in Valencia, Spain next weekend. Hayes got the call from Yamaha late on October 26 asking if he would replace the injured rider. Teknic, one of Hayes' sponsors, has agreed to supply him with the suits required for his MotoGP debut.

Everyone at Inside Motorcycles wishes Colin a speedy recovery both physically and emotionally is he is no doubt also struggling with the emotional consequences of a tragic and unfortunate racing incident that took the life of fellow rider Marco Simoncelli in Sepang last weekend.

Marco Simoncelli Laid to Rest: Thousands Bid Farewell

Marco Simoncelli was laid to rest today in his hometown of Coriano, Italy. Thousands of family, friends and motorcycle enthusiasts lined the streets surrounding the Santa Maria Assunta church in Coriano to bid farewell to the 24-year-old rising MotoGP star who was involved in a tragic accident at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia last Sunday.

Among those who joined Marco's family- his father Paolo, mother Rosella, sister Martina and girlfriend Kate- were his close friend Valentino Rossi, as well as Loris Capirossi, Andrea Dovizioso, Jorge Lorenzo, Toni Elias, Randy de Puniet, Sete Gibernau, and close friend and former team mate Marco Melandri as well as his 2011 team mate Hiroshi Aoyama.

Marco's casket was flanked by his Gilera bike, on which he won the 2008 250cc World Championship, and his Gresini Honda RC212V motorcycle on which he competed in the MotoGP championship.

Thousands watched from television screens outside the church, sporting #58 apparel, flags and memorabilia, while other donned their racing leathers. A television screen was also set up at the nearby Misano Circuit. #CiaoMarco quickly trended as the world said goodbye to a dynamic, energetic and spirited rider.

According to Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, "What I experienced in Coriano was very moving. After seeing the turnout of citizens, fans and the whole paddock there is no doubt that a great rider and a brilliant person has left us. The outpouring of affection that has been shown demonstrates that he has left his mark." Rest in Peace, Marco.

McCormick comes home, sets the record straight

[Editor's note: Contrary to some internet reports, Canadian champ Brett McCormick has not signed on with Team Effenbert Liberty to race WSBK next year...]
Reigning Canadian Superbike Championship by Parts Canada overall number one Brett McCormick of Saskatoon, SK, has certainly been on the move of late. Following three weeks in Europe competing in SuperStock rounds in France and Spain and visiting the BMW works SBK team in Germany, McCormick has finally returned to Canada.

Now McCormick is on a road trip, relaxing and exercising while visiting race and school friends at various points in western Canada. Slated to spend Halloween on the west coast with Harley-Davidson XR1200 Cup Pro aces Darren James and Steve Crevier, IM caught up with McCormick on Sunday night, October 23, following a full day of mountain biking west of Calgary, AB.

When asked about rumours that he was slated to ride for a works supported Ducati effort on the World Superbike tour in 2012, McCormick explained that “everyone acts really interested, and it seems like there are opportunities with both BMW and maybe Ducati in Europe. It could be World Superbike, or it could be a full season on the FIM SuperStock 1000 Cup bikes.”

McCormick, age 20, competed in the final two rounds of the Superstock tour in Europe, riding for the Garnier Alpha Racing Team aboard a BMW S1000RR in a “sorta try out” arranged by BMW Motorrad Canada. After a rough start at Magny-Cours October 2 where he worked his way up to 13th overall, McCormick was happier at the series finale at Portimao October 16 where he edged his teammate to net 10th out of 29 entrants.

Superstock is considered a stepping stone for the feature Superbike class, and the rules are similar to those used in the Canadian SBK class, where McCormick won six out of a possible seven 2011 races aboard his works-supported BMW.

Following the race in Portugal, McCormick represented Inside Motorcycles at the same venue in an exclusive works machinery track test – check an upcoming issue for the Champ’s review. A strong effort during the Monday Media Day led to series tire supplier Pirelli recommending McCormick for a Ducati Superbike tire test the next day.

So on Tuesday, October 18, McCormick spent the afternoon turning 30 laps aboard the Effenbert Liberty Ducati 1098R, turning the ninth best lap time of the day. His best lap at 1:44.2 compared well with that posted by regular rider veteran Jacob Smrz in the actual second race, quickest of the day at 1:44.08.

“I’m not counting my chickens,” continued McCormick, referring to his aim of moving to the European tour next season. “I think I showed that I belong there. I feel capable of doing well in Europe, and my trip overall bodes well.”

“We should know more in a couple of weeks. My goal, I think my best chance for seasoning, is Superstock. I’d be happy to move straight to Superbike, I don’t think I’m far off the pace at all, but I think Superstock would be my first choice, to learn the tracks and get used to everything.”

SOAR announces 2012 Schedule

The Southern Ontario Association of Racing has released its 2012 schedule.

The motorcycle road racing series will make four stops at Grand Bend Motorplex, a positive sign for the new road course that SOAR made their first stop at this past August. Toronto Motorsports Park, which has been the unofficial 'home' track of SOAR over the past few years, will host two events.

Round #1 May 25-27
Grand Bend Motorplex Long Track

Round #2 June 15-17
Grand Bend Motorplex Modified Track
With Thunder by the Beach all bike drag races

Round #3 July 28-30
Grand Bend Motorplex Technical Track

Round #4 September 7-9
Toronto Motorsports Park Reverse Direction

Round #5 September 28-30
Grand Bend Motorplex Screaming Alien Track

Round #6 October 12-14
Toronto Motorsports Park Regular Direction

R.I.P. Marco Simoncelli

It is with great sadness that we learn today that Marco Simoncelli succumbed to his injuries in Sepang, Malaysia following Sunday's MotoGP race.

The 24-year Italian rider was involved in an accident on lap two of the Malaysian Grand Prix. The race was red flagged and later cancelled. Despite the efforts of the medical team, Marco succumbed to his injuries at 4:56pm local time.

Marco will be remembered as a vibrant, enthusiastic rider who always brought lots of energy to the MotoGP paddock. Inside Motorcycles would like to express our sincerest condolences to Marco's friends and family.

Charly Vu Returns from Red Bull Rookies Tryouts

Charly Vu, the 13 year old Toronto-based motorcycle racer was the sole Canadian participant for the 2012 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection event at Motorland Aragon in Spain. Charly had arrived in Spain 3 days prior to the selection event in order for him to adjust to the time and climate change.

Once Vu had arrived at the Motorland Aragon Circuit on a very warm Tuesday morning, he was quite surprised to learn that the 100 participants including himself would not be riding the full GP circuit, instead they would be riding the kart track which was much more technical and more suited to the specially prepared Metrakit 125cc bikes.

Vu quickly learned the circuit and his machine during his 15 minute warm-up session. Despite slippery track conditions and worn out tires for his second session he drastically increased his confidence and speeds around the new track and as such was pushing the bike and himself to absolute limit. Unfortunately after 8 laps Vu lost the rear while exiting the final corner coming onto the front straight and was no longer able to continue due to a mechanical issue with his bike. According to Charly, "This event has motivated me even more than ever and now I want nothing more than to be over there to compete against the best."

Lorenzo's Surgery a Success; Yamaha Rider to miss Malaysian Grand Prix

from MotoGP.com

Following successful surgery in Australia, Yamaha Factory Racing rider Jorge Lorenzo has now flown home to Barcelona for a period of recovery.

As already confirmed, the Mallorcan rider will miss this weekend’s Grand Prix of Malaysia. A decision on his participation in the final race of the season at Valencia will be made within the next two weeks dependent on the progress of his recovery.

“Casey has had an incredible season with very few mistakes,” commented Lorenzo. “He has always been very strong and consistent so it has been very difficult to beat him. Congratulations to him, he has been the best this year and deserves his second title, a huge achievement as it comes with a different manufacturer. I would have liked to have fought until the end, maybe until Valencia but the accident on Sunday made it impossible. I am very proud of my team for all the hard work they have put in to take second place in the championship. Now we have to think about next year and work as hard as possible to win again. After the crash I was very worried that I would not have full feeling in my finger again, after the excellent treatment I received, I have been assured that I will have complete feeling in my nerves and tendons. This gives me good confidence; I can’t wait to get back on my M1 again!”

Pirelli brings 17" Tires to World Superbike

Magny-Cours (France), October 1, 2011 - Pirelli announces that starting from 2013, it will begin supplying all the tires for the World Superbike Championship, which currently are produced in 16.5", in the 17" size. This radical option will allow Pirelli to remain even closer to its philosophy, its unique approach towards competition with its continuous transferring of solutions developed in the racing environment into the hands of motorcyclists and into road going product through technologies and developments coming from the highest level production series World Championship for which Pirelli is the sole supplier.

Pirelli's 16.5" Diablo Superbike tires are currently used not only in the Superbike World Championship, but also in World Endurance, BSB and CIV which have been the reference to date. Until 2004 in fact, the unique supplier agreement did not exist in the Superbike World Championship so Pirelli adapted itself to the sizes offered by other suppliers.

In line with the primary goal of WSBK to showcase in the highest level of racing the products also sold on the market, Pirelli will replace the current 16.5" tires with 17" sized tires which have already been successful in the local Superbike championships in New Zealand, Holland, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Canada, Malaysia and many other local championships.

The 17” slick tire is the optimal response for those seeking top performance without having to modify the chassis: ultra-high performance without mounting a new set of wheels or changing the bike’s settings.

Over the past three years, Pirelli has greatly accelerated its tire development to meet end users’ needs and the power delivered by new bikes: in 2009, Pirelli introduced the new 190/60R17 size, in 2010 introduced a new high modulus carcass (Pirelli Patent), continuously improving compounds and finally in 2011 introduced the new 200/60R17 size.

Compared to the 16,5” slick tire, the 17" one offers a thicker tread for better handling and consistency, its footprint in mid to full lean is approx 10% wider thanks to a higher profile and a carcass able to endure more side force, all those features will definitely bring great benefits to motorcyclists all over the world.

The Superbike World Championship will be an excellent environment that will allow Pirelli, as sole supplier, to develop the best tires for 17", a size that is now more and more demanded by the market, thus remaining faithful to its motto "We sell what we race" and thus continuing to offer riders the highest quality products developed with the help of the great Superbike champions.

Prototype Bike BRD RedShift Electric Motocross

An additional ‘green’ contender for your conventionally driven motorcycles will get ready to storm onto the marketplace in 2012, as Prototype Bike BRD RedShift Electric unveiled their newest development, the electric RedShift motocross device. The white/blue/orange bike comes to strengthen the truth that bikes also ought to turn into less polluting, similar to the trend set with the car

Mickey Rourke Bike Concept by RSD

Concept Mickey Rourke Bike by RSDAmerican actor Mickey Rourke is often a renown motorcycle fanatics and has even applied the adrenaline-popping two-wheeled machines in certain of his movies. Let us consider, for example, the Harley Davidson as well as the Marlboro Male in which he starred as Harley Davidson, a biker whose ideal pal, Marlboro, was played by Don Johnson.The truth is, that movie

McCormick Posts Top 10 Finish in Portimao

Canadian Superbike Champion Brett McCormick is showing the world what Canadians are made of with a top 10 finish aboard his Garnier Alpha Racing Team BMW S1000 RR in the World Superstock FIM Cup 1000 race in Portimao, Portugal this weekend.

McCormick worked his way up from 20th position in the first qualifying session to 15th position in Qualifier #2. On Sunday, the Canadian managed a highly successful 10th place finish with a fastest lap time of 1:47:330, finishing just over 18 seconds behind race winner Danilo Petrucci, who finished with a best time of 1:45:066.

Full results of the Superstock FIM Cup 1000 race can be found on the World Superbike website.

New MotoGP Champion Crowned

From MotoGP.com

In front of his home fans at Phillip Island, Casey Stoner rode a flawless race to claim his second MotoGP World Championship title at the Iveco Australian Grand Prix. Simoncelli and Dovizioso joined the newly crowned Champion on the podium.

The Australian dominated the weekend for the fifth year running, leading the race from start to finish, giving Honda their first riders title since 2006. The 26 year old took the holeshot from pole position and never looked back as the rest of the field battled for positions.

With a strong breeze blowing and darkening skies, the MotoGP race commenced with a rearranged grid following the withdraw of both Yamaha Factory riders and Héctor Barberá’s replacement rider, Damian Cudlin on the Mapfre Aspar team. Jorge Lorenzo withdrew after a high side in the morning warm up left him with a severely injured finger that will require surgery, while Ben Spies is still mildly concussed after a crash in qualifying on Saturday. Cudlin withdrew due to injuries from a crash in Saturday morning practice.

Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) and Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Team) followed Stoner into turn one, with the Italian making an early move on Hayden to take second. Simoncelli then spent the remainder of the race tussling with Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda), beating his compatriot across the line for his best MotoGP finish of second.

Dani Pedrosa was ten seconds adrift of team mate Dovizioso to finish fourth, giving Honda a 1-4 finish, while Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) inherited fifth place after first Valentino Rossi (Ducati Team) and then Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) crashed out of that position. Rossi fell after making a pass on the Bautista, ending his 13 year string of podium finishes at the Australian circuit, while the Suzuki man slipped toward the end of the race as rain began to fall.

The white flag had been shown on lap ten as scattered rain drops appeared, giving riders the option to swap bikes, though the rain didn’t start in earnest until nearly the end, when it claimed not only Bautista but then Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Honda Gresini).

Hayden was the first to enter the pits to change bikes, followed by Loris Capirossi (Pramac Racing), though it did not help their finishing positions as Hayden ended the race seventh behind Randy de Puniet (Pramac Racing) despite the Frenchman having had an earlier offtrack excursion, while Capirossi finished ninth behind Toni Elías (LCR Honda).

The final race finisher was Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing), who crossed the line tenth.

CASEY STONER World Championship 2011 ( Australian Grand Prix )

The World Championship 2011 Casey StonerCasey Stoner has sealed the 2011 MotoGP world title with a stunning win at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix on Phillip Island. Reigning champion Lorenzo, 40 points behind Honda's Stoner and the only rider still able to catch him, was declared unfit to race after injuring the fourth finger of his left hand during a warm-up crash on Sunday morning, his

Canadians Invade Trials des Nations

The annual Trial des Nations was held in Tolmezzo Italy on Sept 18th, a small quaint town located in the province of Udine, at the base of the Strabut Mountain. This Team Event is is the most important Motorcycle Trials competition of national teams organized by the International Motorcycling Federation. It has been held since 1984 at many different countries. Each team is represented by four riders representing their country. The riders compete together to combine a score at the end of the day. The team with fewest total penalties is awarded the title.

Team Canada was a perfect mix of east and west talents including 2 Time CMA National Champion Jordan Szoke, 2011 WEC National Champ Champion Jonathan English, 2010 WEC National Champ Champion Will Duggan and 2010 WEC National Expert Champion Devon D’Argis along with Minders Jon Nelson and Chris Duggan.

This particular event was laid out in and around the town of Tolmezzo including rough rocky rural hillsides mixed in with stadium like urban terrain. The challenging loop included 18 sections that were to be completed within the 7hr time limit. Any second over would result in penalty points.

Saturday morning came early as the team picked up their specific motorcycles from their manufacturers. Not a moment was wasted in the pits as a few minor tweaks and adjustments were made. With helmets strapped on they greeted the beautiful sunny skies in the practice area just a few short km’s up the mountain. Mother Nature wasn’t as kind to the riders all weekend as thundershowers were predicted for the event on Sunday.

Team Canada found themselves one of the earliest teams out in the morning to meet their first group of sections. They arrived just in time for the thunder and lightning storms that were predicted. The torrential downpours created a serious challenge to our riders as they navigated through the first slippery loop of two.

“I like the terrain, although I believe that if there were some bigger splatters in there instead of all the technical off camber turns and stuff, it would have suited most of our team’s riding preferences better. We all love the big hits!” smiles Szoke.

Into the pits for a quick sandwich, the guys headed out to complete their last loop, with intermittent showers. “I think the arrival times we had to the sections and the way the weather played into it, it affected us a bit more than we anticipated. Timing was everything with the weather and sometimes I think we may have gotten the short end of the stick on that one.” says Szoke.

Team Canada finished the event 13^th overall with a combined score of 339.

When asked about his experience at his fifth TDN for Team Canada Jon English remarks, “The Italian fans are so very knowledgeable, they would be cheering us on like mad through the rough sections even while we were struggling to save a 3.”

To read more about Team Canada’s TDN experiences watch for an upcoming feature article in Inside Motorcycles.