Calabogie, ON. May 25, 2008

The first round of the 2008 Parts Canada Superbike Championship took place at this scenic new race track just outside of Ottawa, and saw mixed fortunes for the Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki riders.

The challenge facing Team Suzuki / Blackfoot / Picotte Racing Suzuki for this first round was enormous, and Team Manager Pascal Picotte knew that they were up to the task: “With three top line riders, our team members had to prepare five different race bikes plus the same number of spare machines. Our pre season testing has gone very well, and new rider Chris Peris, from Calgary, is on the pace with both the GSX-R1000 Superbike and the GSX-R600 Sport Bike. Returning veteran Francis Martin will concentrate on the Superbike class this year and always goes well during the race, while newcomer Matt McBride is adapting quickly to his new team.” Three days of testing allowed the riders to learn the tricks of the new track, with rolling hills, off-camber turns and short straights, as the team worked hard to tune the suspensions for the unique layout.

Fast man Chris Peris knew that he had a shot at podium finishes and a win in both races. “I got a great start and was leading in 600 Sport Bike, with three riders right behind me. Late in the race, I dropped to second and was mounting an attack when the bike got away from me. I was OK except for a bruised right leg”. This injury did not augur well for the Superbike race, as Calabogie is very physical track, and Peris was not comfortable hanging off the bike in the corners. “With two laps to go in the Superbike race, I lapped a slower rider going into the first corner and got hit from behind, unfortunately by my team mate Matt McBride, and we both went down. After this bad weekend, I am looking forward to going home to Calgary for the next round. I know the track better than anyone else, so watch out for us!”

Former two-time Canadian Superbike Champion Francis Martin spent the week end fighting the flu as well as the competition. “I did not get any sleep Friday or Saturday night, which affected my ability to adjust the Superbike to track conditions. I am racing only the Superbike this year, which means I can concentrate all my attention and that of my team to one bike, but I do miss the additional track time I would get if I also raced a 600 Super Sport.” In the Superbike race, Martin did not get his usual hole-shot start, and spent the race fighting his way back to the front. “I was off form towards the end of the race and just lost third place at the checkered flag. I like Calgary, and will be healthy by then. My target there is a podium finish, no less. I have the bike to do it – It’s up to me to deliver.”

Matt McBride was looking to learn about all the elements of his new team: crew chief and mechanics, suspension tuner, new bikes, and the track. His week end went smoothly right from the start and Matt’s motivation seemed to build over the week end, culminating with an excellent third place in the 600 Super Sport race. “The handling of my GSX-R600 was excellent over the first two thirds of the race, and I was able to stay close to the lead pack. For the last part of the race, the tires started to slide too much, especially the front, so I concentrated on smoothness and it paid off with a third place fininh”. Matt was primed for the Superbike race and was a fighting fifth with two laps to go, when he became embroiled in an incident with team mate Chris Peris. “That was bad luck at the end of the Superbike race. Leaving Calabogie with no Superbike points is a bummer, but we will be strong in Calgary, and I want to be fighting with Chris again there, but for the The second round of the 2008 Parts Canada Superbike Championship will be held June 26 to 29 at Race City Motorsport Park, in Calgary, AB.