Michael Leon

Photo by Domenic Ferlisi

Riders were spoiled with mid-July like weather conditions for the final round of the 2011 RACE Superseries, at Shannonville Motorsports Park’s Pro Track, on Sunday September 25th. Royal Distributing / MPB rider Michael Leon finished the season with a 3rd place finish, a win, and a lap record while teammate, Tony Stufko came home with 2nd and 3rd place finishes.

During the opening laps of the Pro Superbike race, Michael was able to hang on to eventual race winner Alex Welsh and 2nd place finisher Jodi Christie but by the midway point, he wasn’t able to maintain the pace of the leaders and finished in third place, seven seconds behind. On lap 2, all three riders set their fastest lap of the race.

Photo by Neil Cameron

Michael’s best time on the Dunlop fitted Ducati was 1:05.296 seconds, a personal best and just 0.4 seconds shy of the RACE Pro Superbike lap record that was set in 2007. “I wanted to win that race so bad, but I just wasn’t able to maintain that pace for more than a few laps. It was a great season overall and I’m proud that we started to show some speed in the last few rounds.” said Michael afterwards. He completes the season in 3rd overall in the Pro Superbike Championship.

Tony had the unexpected opportunity to sample the BMW S1000RR that Francis Martin rode in the Canadian National Superbike Championship. Stéphane Couturier, friend of Guy Martin and owner of Couturier Racing graciously offered the machine when Tony’s Ducati encountered engine troubles on Sunday morning.

Photo by Neil Cameron

Tony rode to 2nd place in the Amateur Superbike class. His best time was within a few tenths of his personal (best set on his Ducati), despite not having any practice on the BMW. He got to mix it up with veteran Pro Jim Proulx, crossing the line behind him on the track. Tony stated “What an amazing opportunity! I can’t thank Stéphane Couturier enough for what is the highlight of my season, and a memory for life. We set out for a top five overall and exceeded all expectations. It didn’t come easy, as there were a lot of roadblocks to get through. Thank you to all my sponsors, without you, it wouldn’t have been possible!” Tony finished 2nd overall in the Amateur Superbike Championship.

In the Heavyweight Sportsman race, Michael charged from last place, after stalling on the grid, to take the win and set a new class lap record in the process. Tony finished in 3rd place, Jim Proulx was 2nd. Michael won the class Championship with Tony second overall.

The whole team would like to thank Royal Distributing, whose support made the season a possibility.
Michael and Tony would like to thank Guy Martin of MBP for the dedication, hard work, and commitment that he showed throughout the season.
Michael and Tony would also like to thank their families for their understanding and continued support.
Much thanks to Carlos Carrascosa for his attention to detail, both in the pits and trackside.
Thank you to Sandy Noce for sharing his extensive knowledge of tires and racing.
Thank you to Janet Brickwood, Dave and Louise Smith, for their support and encouragement throughout the season.

The team’s appreciates their 2011 sponsors:

Royal Distributing
Martin Brickwood Performance
Dunlop
Pro 6 Cycle
Elka Suspension
Accelerated Technologies
Double Dog Moto
Nexo Sports
Rev-Amp Electrical Equipment
EBC Brakes
KS on the Keys Restaurant
A Acceptable Storage
Valley Sales and Equipment
Ottawa Dodge
Monette Sports / Montreal Ducati
Windmill Motorsports
Armour Bodies
Ottawa Yamaha
Woodcraft
Armour Bodies
Eurocorsa
MRA Windscreeens
Speedymoto
J Precision
AV&V
LG Restorations
CVR
George Seeger
Dave Cody
Quebec Coating.

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Photo by Neil Cameron