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Round#5
Mosport International Raceway
Bowmanville, Ontario
Track Length: 2.459 miles
Last Years Winners
Superbike: Frank Trombino (Yamaha R1)
600 Sportbike: Linnley Clarke (Suzuki)
Open Sportbike: Owen Weichel (Yamaha R1)
If last years 6 bike battle, is any indication of what to expect at
Mosport, then don't count your chickens if you are Steve Crevier (Honda
RC51). Steve Crevier, has backed up his words from the preseason in a Mat
Mladin like style. He took the championship with only 1 win last year,
while younger riders such as Francis Martin (Victory at St Eustache in
2000), Frank Trombino (Mosport Victory) and Jordan Szoke (4 Wins), often
took the spotlight. Somehow these riders overshadowed the now current 5
time Canadian Superbike Champion, the 1998 AMA 600 Champion, and quite
frankly, the winningest racer in Canadian Superbike History. But one win
last year, is what people remembered. And at Mosport last year, Crevier,
had as good a shot as any one of the 6 riders battling in the lead pack,
but he finished 2nd. This year Crevier comes to Mosport as the
Championship leader, and with 3 wins, the most dominant rider.
Mosport can make or break a career. Mosport is an intimidating track, with
off camber, steep downhill turns that are blind. This is the track that
separates the men from the boys, and the rider that wins, gets to take in
all the glory. Last year, it was the victorious Frank Trombino on the
Yamaha R1. This year, Steve Crevier has been virtually unchallenged as he
continues to rewrite the record books. He is performing at a much higher
level and all factors would indicate another win for the Honda RC51 pilot.
But this is Mosport.
Expect strong challenges from veterans and youth alike. Owen Weichel
(Kawasaki ZX7) desperately needs a victory here before the championship
gets out of reach. He was victorious here last year in Open Sportbike.
Francis Martin (Suzuki GSXR1000) has put the Suzuki everywhere but the top
of the podium. Francis was unable to compete at Mosport last year because
of a crash in testing. With the championship still within his grasp, and
the new Suzuki getting better each round, Mosport couldn't come at a
better time for the former Canadian Superbike Champion. This is the last
track on the circuit in which the Suzuki can stretch its legs. If you
recall the Suzuki Scott Miller built last year (BRUTUS), it was the
fastest bike at Mosport. The new Suzuki is reportedly faster.
Frank Trombino (Yamaha YZFR1) is out of the championship hunt by all
reasonable standards. But, Frank won here last year, and in the restart,
the Yamaha Motor somehow found its legs and Franks Yamaha blew past
everyone down Mosport's long Andretti straight.
But more surprising is the dominant fashion in which Frank took the win,
far out pacing 2nd place Steve Crevier and his Honda RC51.
Ben Pilon (Yamaha YZFR1) came out flying last year during qualifying and
had held the fastest lap when his weekend came to an abrupt end as the
result of a punishing crashing. Mosport is an unforgiving track, yet
rewards bravery. Ben has put forth some of his fastest and best races
here, and has been crowned "the king of Mosport".
Finally, Steve Crevier may find his stiffest competition comes from within
the Alan Labrosse run Honda Camp. Yes, Steve's
teammates, brother in law Mike Taylor (RC51) and Jeff Williams (CBR929)
are wild men at this track. Taylor's season is just starting to come to
him as he adapts to the V-twin. And Jeff Williams can ride the wheels off
a CBR and has done so in the past. Anyone watching Williams race his
Underpowered ZX7RR last year, knows that he can overcome a horsepower
deficit at this fast flowing racetrack.
Superbike Championship Points heading into round #5
(10 Points for Pole, 50 Points for a Race Win)
1) Steve Crevier (Honda RC51) 216
2) Owen Weichel (Kawasaki ZX7RR) 170
3) Francis Martin (Suzuki GSXR1000) 168
4) Benoit Pilon (Yamaha YZF1000R1) 106
5) Mike Taylor (Honda RC51) 104
Open Sportbike (150 Horsepower, 360 Minimum Weight, DOT tires)
1) Frank Trombino (Yamaha YZF-R1) 182
2) Jeff Williams (Honda CBR929) 160
3) Francis Martin (Suzuki GSXR1000) 157
4) Clint McBain (Suzuki GSXR1000) 132
5) Benoit Pilon (Yamaha YZF-R1) 116
600 Sportbike (110 Horsepower, 360 Minimum Weight, DOT tires)
1) Steve Crevier (Honda) 215
2) Clint McBain (Suzuki) 146
3) J.F. Cyr (Yamaha) 134
4) Jeff Williams (Honda) 127
5) Owen Weichel (Kawasaki) 121 |