Michael Leon

The Royal Distributing Racing Team had a breakthrough weekend at the final, double header round of the Mopar Canadian Superbike Championship, August 25-26 at Mosport.  Rider Michael Leon was on pace and able to challenge the regular front runners with his CBR600RR, prepared by crew chief Carlos Carrascosa.

In Friday’s qualifying session, Michael put the bike on the front row.  He recorded the 3rd fastest time with a lap of 1:26.285 seconds.  Pole was set by Raphael Archambault with a time of 1:25.274 seconds.

The final spot on the podium of Saturday’s Sportbike race was decided in the last corner of the last lap after a race long duel between Suzuki mounted Frank Trombino and Leon.  “Our bikes were pretty evenly matched.  I almost got by with the help of the draft on the straight, on the last lap, but I couldn’t make it stick.  I made a desperate attempt in the last corner, but I went wide and messed up my drive out.  As Frank drag raced past, I had a moment on the cement dust.  I almost crashed and ended up bouncing off Frank.  Luckily, I have a Woodcraft brake lever protector on the bike.  Otherwise, I would have taken us both out.  They should be mandatory.” commented Michael who ended up fourth.  Trombino was 3rd.  Jodi Christie and Raphael Archambault were 1st and 2nd, respectively, 6 seconds ahead.

GoPro footage of Saturday’s race can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QFq8jePxBo

On Sunday, the final Mopar CSBK Sportbike race of the season was even more exciting.   Jodi ran away with the lead while the trio of Archambault, Trombino and Leon slugged it out for 2nd place.  Unfortunately, Michael crashed on the last lap while attempting a pass on the outside of Frank in the high speed turn eight.

 “I was determined to finish on the podium!  I had drafted up beside him at the end of the straight.  While I was trying to stay along the outside through 8, to be on the inside for 9, I got out onto the cement patch.  The traction is reduced a little out there and I lost the front.  I wanted the podium so bad!  Not just for me, but for Carlos, who built such a fast motor and has worked so hard, and for Royal Distributing too.” said Michael, who was unhurt in the crash.

Michael was able to turn a lap of 1:24.807 seconds during the final, a personal best by a large margin.  He attributes this, in large part, to the competitive engine and the suspension package supplied by John Sharrard of Accelerated Technologies and John Ilkiw of Elka Suspension.

The team is repairing the crash damage and preparing for Rd 5 of the RACE regional series this upcoming weekend.  Michael is currently tied for 2nd in the Superbike class standings.

Follow the team this season on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leon-Racing/313192898765913

The Royal Distributing Racing Team would like to thank Royal Distributing, Triple 7 Racing, Pro 6 Cycle, Dunlop Tires, Accelerated Technologies, Elka Suspension, Nexo Sports, PBI Sprockets, Woodcraft, Martin Brickwood Performance, Armour Bodies, CVR Motors, LG Restorations and Gianmajor Inc.

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