Michael Leon

The Royal Distributing / MBP Racing Team returns from the opening round of the 2011 RACE SuperSeries with 5 podium finishes, split between two riders. The event was held on May 1 at Shannonville’s Fabi track.

Rider Michael Leon rode the team’s Guy Martin owned and tuned Ducati 1198S to a third place result in the feature Pro Superbike class, finishing behind Honda mounted riders Jodie Christie and Frank Trombino. This was the first trip to the Superbike podium for the team. New teammate, Tony Stufko, riding his Ducati 848 (with 1040cc kit) finished 5th in the Amateur Superbike class. Also Michael and Tony finished 1st and 2nd respectively in the Liquid Cooled Thunder and Heavyweight Sportsman classes.

“I’m thrilled to finally get on the box in Superbike. It’s exciting for me, exciting for Guy and Janet and exciting for Carlos. I just can’t send enough thanks to Royal Distributing, MBP and to all our sponsors, without whom we wouldn’t be here! Hopefully, we can continue to make progress and eventually be challenging for a win.” commented Michael.

The weekend had got off to difficult start on Friday when Michael had a very low speed tumble leaving the pits on cold tires. Although the bike was not apparently damaged, it had run while lying on its side for a few moments, starving the engine of oil. Ducati motorcycles do not come equipped with a tip over switch. Guy Martin of MBP and trackside crew Carlos Carrascosa worked into the evening Friday night to install a back up engine in 1198S and get it running again. Proving that hard work pays off, the efforts helped the team recover from a tough start.

A key to the weekend’s success, for Michael, was the help from suspension expert John Sharrard of Accelerated Technologies and from Dunlop Tire Technician Sandy Noce of Pro6Cycle. Guy and Carlos consulted continually throughout the weekend with John and Sandy, making adjustments to suspension, tire selection and tire pressure to continually improve laptimes.

Tony’s run in the Amateur Superbike race was impressive. He worked his way through the field from tenth on the first lap all the way up to third position. A miscalculation in the hairpin put him back in 6th place. In dramatic fashion, Tony once again worked his way back up the 3rd going into the last corner on the last lap. Unfortunately, a false neutral on the drive to the line allowed 2 riders back past. While charging through the field, Tony put in the fastest lap of the race!

“I’m really happy with how I rode on race day. I met my goals of 2nd in my support classes, and a top five in Amateur Superbike. It’s encouraging to here from multiple people how exciting I made the Amateur Superbike race. Many thanks to Royal Distributing and MBP, as well as my other sponsors that are helping me be competitive this year”

The next event for the team is Round 2 on the weekend of May 13-15 at Shannonville’s Pro Track.

Royal Distributing would like to invite everyone out to the No HST Tent Sale Event on now until May 8! Come on down to one of the 4 Tent Sale Locations: Guelph, Innisfil, Whitby and Sudbury. The

Royal Distributing / MBP Superbike Team is supported by Royal Distributing, Martin Brickwood Performance, Dunlop, Pro 6 Cycle, Elka Suspension, Accelerated Technologies, Double Dog Moto, Nexo Sports, Rev-Amp Electrical Equipment, EBC Brakes, Woodcraft, Armour Bodies, Eurocorsa, MRA Windscreeens, Speedymoto, J Precision, AV&V, LG Restorations, CVR Motors, Ottawa Dodge, KS on the Keys, Acceptable Storage, T_SBK Club, George Seeger, Dave Cody and Quebec Coating.

Tony Stufko also is supported by Windmill Motorsports, Valley Sales and Equipment, Monette Sports / Montreal Ducati and Ottawa Yamaha.

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