Michael Leon

Motorcycle racing is never easy. If it were, everyone would do it. Round 4 of the Super Series proved to be one of those weekends that reminds you why we do this—and how quickly it can all unravel.

Friday: A Promising Start
Friday’s practice couldn’t have gone better. We were still riding the momentum of a dominant performance at Round 3, and I quickly found pace on the Pro Track layout, matching my best lap from Rd 1 with a 1:05.9—on worn tires no less. That gave us confidence heading into qualifying.

Saturday Qualifying: A New Benchmark
We approached the day methodically. For Sprint Cup qualifying, the crew—Jeff and Evan—selected the best of our used tires, saving fresh rubber for the Pro Superbike sessions and races. I again posted a 1:05.9, but it was only good enough for P2, edged out by rival Eli Daccache’s 1:05.8.

For Pro Superbike Q, we fitted new Dunlop slicks, a R5 front and R3 rear – and I initially clocked a 1:05.6. It still wasn’t enough. Daccache had put in a 1:05.3. I went back out and reset mentally. I hit all my marks and got a killer drive out of the hairpin, checking the boxes of all the proper things to get done in each corner. I pulled together what I can only describe as one of the best laps of my career: a 1:04.76. That lap is a new personal best-some of my best work on a motorcycle.

For perspective, the pole time for the CSBK National event, held on the same layout earlier this year in May, was a 1:04.73. That pole time was set by a super talented, former Canadian Superbike Champion who is half my age and on a “factory level” Superbike tuned by one of the most accomplished tuners in Canada. To be able to run at the same pace is incredible. I am not naïve and do realize that the current Dunlop tires that I am using are a bit of an advantage over the tires that were used at the National events. But running a comparable lap time is the highlight of the season for me.

Saturday Sprint Cup Race: A Hard Fall
In the first Sprint Cup race, Eli grabbed the hole-shot. I took the lead on Lap 2 and tried to break away a bit too aggressively. I lost the front in Corner 4 and went down. While the crash itself wasn’t severe, the terrain off-track at Shannonville is in rough shape. The bike flipped multiple times and nearly landed on me. Thanks to my Rocket leathers, Bell helmet, and Alpinestars air vest, I walked away unscathed—physically at least.

Mentally, I wasn’t in a good place. Sitting on the bike waiting for the crash truck, I would’ve sold it for $500 and walked away. Once back at the trailer, I called home. My wife, Jennifer, talked me down and reminded me why I race. Her encouragement kept me from quitting on the spot. She’s the quiet strength behind everything I do.

The Rebuild: Heart and Grit
Back in the paddock, Jeff and Evan jumped into action. They began to disassemble the bike to make sure the forks, triple clamps, frame and swingarm were still straight. There is an aluminum tube that carries coolant from the radiator to the engine that was partially crushed. Jeff and Evan borrowed some JB weld from fellow competitor, Ernest Bernhard, to reinforce the crushed coolant tube that was showing signs of cracking. Aside from a damaged rear wheel, everything was still straight. I’m still shocked. After that tumble, we got off lucky.

Unfortunately, the bike came together too late to make the Saturday Pro Superbike start.

Sunday: Redemption
Morning practice went smoothly. I seriously considered calling it a weekend multiple times, but I lined up anyway for the Sprint Cup race. Eli got the jump again and I tried to chase, but my head wasn’t fully in it, and I finished in second place.

For the Pro Superbike race, I had no expectations. I was tired and just wanted to get home to my family. Moments before the race, I was thinking about the hundreds of races that I’ve had at Shannonville. I thought about lining up on my FZR 400 in the early days and decided to stop thinking too much and just race.

I got a great start and led into Turn 1. Then, something clicked. I found that elusive “flow state”—lap after lap, just getting it done. With a few laps to go, and Eli still close, I slowed the pace slightly to reset, then dug deep and posted my fastest lap of the race on Lap 9. That was enough to pull a small gap and take the win.

Reflections
It’s unlikely I’ll be able to reclaim the Number 1 plate this season due to the DNS on Saturday, but I’ve learned not to count anything out. This sport is unpredictable.

I want to dedicate this win to Jeff and Evan. Without their effort, I wouldn’t have even lined up on Sunday. Their attention to detail, mechanical skill, and genuine passion have brought so much to our team—not to mention their friendship, which means even more. And of course, none of this would be possible without Jennifer—my rock through the highs and lows. Her faith in me kept this weekend alive.

You can read about the event in the media here: https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/racemoto-ontario-regional-series-recap-from-shannonville-motorsport-park/

Post-Race and What’s Next
After Shannonville, I headed to Calabogie for the BMW Track Experience demo rides on the new 2025 S1000RR. We’ll be back again on Labour Day weekend—come by if you want to try one out on fresh slicks!
Our final RACE Moto event of the season takes place September 5–7 on the Long Track Layout. Hope to see you there!

Yours truly,
Michael Leon

About Royal Distributing:
Since 1990, Royal Distributing has built a reputation as Canada’s Powersports leader. Royal carries all the gear and aftermarket parts and accessories for Motorcycle, Snowmobile, MX, ATV, Bicycle, Ebike and Marine. Royal offers great product selection at everyday low prices and ships orders coast to coast within Canada for free on orders over $45*. For all your powersport needs, you can check them out at www.royaldistributing.com, call them at 1-800-265-2970 or visit one of their five “superstores” located in Guelph, Innisfil, Whitby, Sudbury and Kanata, ON.

The Royal Distributing Racing Team would like to thank Royal Distributing, Pro 6 Cycle, BMW Motorrad Canada, Dunlop USA, Windmill Motorsports, Bell Helmets, Joe Rocket Canada, Forma Boots, Hindle Exhaust, MWR Air Filters, and Dave Smith.

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