Michael and Tony were joined by their wives, Jennifer and Diane, team mechanic Carlos Carrascosa and his girlfriend, Sonia Matte.  Head Tuner Guy Martin and wife, Janet Brickwood, were unable to attend due to a prior commitment. 

Michael received the 1st place trophy for winning the Heavyweight Sportsman Championship and the 3rd place overall trophy for the Feature Pro Superbike Championship. 
Tony was awarded the 2nd place overall trophy for the Amateur Superbike Championship.  He also finished 2nd overall in the Heavyweight Sportsman Championship.

Many of the banquet attendees celebrated afterwards with a night out.  A good time was had by all!

Both riders look forward to finalizing plans for 2012 in the coming months.

Many thanks to Royal Distributing, Martin Brickwood Performance, Dunlop, Pro 6 Cycle, Elka Suspension, Accelerated Technologies, Double Dog Moto, Nexo Sport, 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.

Les pilotes de l’écurie Royal Distributing / MBP Michael Leon et Tony Stufko ont reçu, lors du banquet de fin de saison qui se tenait à Belleville Samedi le 5 novembre dernier, les trophées de Championnat de la série RACE.

Michael et Tony étaient accompagnés par leur conjointe, Jennifer et Diane, le mécanicien Carlos Carrascosa et sa copine Sonia Matte. L’ajusteur en Chef Guy Martin et sa conjointe, Janet Brickwood étaient absents à cause d’engagements préalables.

Michael s’est vu remettre le trophée de 1ère position pour le Championnat Heavyweight Sportsman et celui de la 3ème position pour le Championnat Feature Pro Superbike.
Tony a reçu le trophée de 2ème position pour le Championnat Amateur Superbike. Il a aussi terminé 2ème au classement général du Championnat Heavyweight Sportsman.

Plusieurs des invités ont continués les festivités par la suite. Du bon temps pour tous !!

Les deux pilotes finaliseront leurs plans pour la saison 2012 au courant des prochains mois.

Un grand merci à Royal Distributing, Martin Brickwood Performance, Dunlop, Pro 6 Cycle, Elka Suspension, Accelerated Technologies, Double Dog Moto, Nexo Sport, 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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Leon Racing would like to extend condolences to the family and friends of MotoGP racer Marco Simoncelli who lost his life while competing in the Malaysian Grand Prix, October 23, 2011.  Godspeed Marco.

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

Riding his Royal Distributing / MBP Ducati 848, fitted with an 1198 engine, Tony Stufko finished second in the Amateur Superbike class at round 5 of the RACE Superseries.  The event race took place on September 4th at Shannonville’s Long Track configuration.  Teammate, Michael Leon suffered a heartbreaking mechanical failure to his Ducati 1198S Superbike, on the opening lap of the Pro Superbike feature.

Tony had some work to do after beginning the opening lap of the Amateur Superbike race in 4th position.  Race leader Kris Garvie had pulled out a 5 second lead by the time Tony moved up to second place.  Tony put his head down and began to slowly

reel in the leader.  He ran laps in the “1:48”’s and “1:47”s and in the process set the fastest lap of the race.  His best, a time of 1:47.603 seconds was also a personal best for Tony on the long track. The final finishing order was Garvie riding a Kawasaki 600 in 1st, Stufko on the Ducati in 2nd, and Adam Murray in 3rd, riding a Yamaha 600.  All three riders were on Dunlop tires.

Tony has moved into second in the Amateur Superbike point standings and after the race commented “I owe so much to the tireless work of Guy from MBP.  His efforts both trackside and in the shop on both bikes have literally salvaged my season.”

                                                                                                           Photo by Rob MacLennan

Photo by Rob MacLennan

The custom made front drive chain sprocket of Michael’s Ducati Superbike failed on the opening lap of Sunday’s Pro Superbike Final.  Fortunately, no other damage occurred and Michael did not crash as a result of the damage.  The race was won by Jodi Christie with Sean Huffman second and Elie Daccache third.  The DNF was especially disappointing for the team since Michael was definitely a contender for the win this weekend.  Michael had won Saturday’s Pro Superbike heat race after an exciting battle with Christie who was riding a Honda CBR 1000.

“I was really looking forward to racing for the win today, and I’m sad for the whole team.  In the last two rounds, we have finally begun to turn some fast lap times and started to explore the potential of the bike and the Dunlop tires.  It’s a shame.  I can’t wait to get back out there for another shot at a win in Superbike.”

                                                                             commented Michael.

The next event for the team will also be the last of the season.  Come out to support the Royal Distributing / MBP team and the RACE Superseries at the season finale on September 23rd, 24th and 25th at Shannnonvile on the Pro Track configuration.

Michael Leon 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, George Seeger, Dave Cody and Quebec Coating.

Tony Stufko is supported by Royal Distributing, Martin Brickwood Performance, Dunlop, Pro 6 Cycle, Windmill Motorsports, Valley Sales and Equipment, Monette Sports / Montreal Ducati, Ottawa Yamaha, Rev-Amp Electrical Equipment, EBC Brakes, Armour Bodies and , LG Restorations.

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Tony borrowed the Royal Distributing / MBP Superbike, normally ridden by Michael, for Sunday’s Amateur Superbike final, when his machine was sidelined with engine woes during Saturday’s heat race.  He rode conservatively, but was still able to finish second and record some decent lap times.  The race was won by Kris Garvie with Adam Murray finishing third.  Tony is currently in third in the Amateur Superbike Championship standings.

In the Feature Pro Superbike final, Michael also finished in second place.  Michael was hoping to challenge for the win after a good battle with Jodie Christie during the Saturday heat race.  Unfortunately, during the Sunday final, Michael was only able to keep pace with race winner Jodie, but not able to get close enough to attempt a pass for the lead.  Suzuki rider Dan Willard finished in third place.  Michael’s only consolation is that he set the fastest lap of the race, a personal best on the Long Track configuration, with a time of 1:45:554.  The result moves Michael to second place in the Pro Superbike Championship standings.

The Liquid Cooled Thunder and Heavyweight Sportsman classes were canceled for the weekend due to low rider registration.

Please join the team at the track for Round 5, to be held at Shannonville, on  Labour Day weekend.

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, A Acceptable, 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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Royal Distributing / MBP Team riders Michael Leon and Tony Stufko left Round 3 of the RACE Superseries, held at Shannonville’s Pro Track this past July 23-24 weekend, with 8 podium finishes split between them!

The highlight the race weekend for Michael was his 2nd place finish in the feature Pro Superbike class. The event was won by Honda rider Jodi Chistie with Franklyn Dominguez rounding out the 3rd spot. It was a breakthrough weekend for the team as Michael was able to keep pace with Jodi for much of the race and even reel him in a little at the midway point. Michael set a personal best lap time during the race. “As the laps wore down I was getting the sense that Jodi still had a little left in reserve. I was pushing as hard as I could without taking too many risks. I felt that I could still push a little harder but I would have been really exceeding my comfort zone. With two laps to go, I decided that it was better for the team to leave the track with a clean bike and build on the success for the next round. I’m so excited that we made so much progress this weekend.” Michael said.

Photo by Rob MacLennan

In other action, Michael also won three other races: Saturday’s Heavyweight Sportsman race (a make up race for the one cancelled on May 15); Sunday’s Liquid Thunder race and Sunday’s Heavyweight Sportsman race. During Sunday’s Heavyweight Sportsman race Michael set a new class lap record.

Four factors to the successful weekend were:

1) Royal Distributing: The team would not be able to compete without the major support provided by Royal Distributing.

2) Tuner Guy Martin and crew Carlos Carrascosa: Guy took advantage of the break between Rd2 and 3 to install a fresh race engine in the team’s Ducati 1198S. Trackside, both Guy and Carlos worked extremely hard throughout the weekend, constantly improving the bike set up. Not an easy task considering the oppressive heat of Friday and Saturday.

3) Elka Suspension: The team made a major step forward with the setup of the Ducati by installing a new Elka rear shock to replace the reworked stock Ohlins unit. “I figure that the new shock is worth at least a second per lap in increased feel on corner exits” commented Michael.

4) Sandy Noce and Dunlop: Sandy from Pro6Cycle is more that just a tire vendor to the team. As usual, he provided continual guidance on compound selection and pressure settings to help get the most out of the tires. Also, this weekend Sandy filled in for vacationing John Sharrard of Accelerated Technologies and helped with suspension and setup advice. The Dunlop tires are awesome. Michael set the new lap record in Heavyweight Sportsman using a soft compound front tire with 60 laps on it!

. Photo by Rob MacLennan

Tony Stufko also had an outstanding weekend of racing, his best to date. He finished the Amateur Superbike race in 2nd place, his first trip to the Superbike podium. The race was described by the track announcer as the most exciting of the weekend. During the first half Tony ran in third place, right on the tails of National Amateur Sport Bike race winners Aubrey Bailey and Kristopher Garvie. At the halfway point Tony was still following, but a few seconds back. On the last lap, during a hectic passing attempt, the leaders collided and ran off the track while exiting the high speed corner at the end of the back straight. Fortunately, neither rider crashed. Tony was within striking distance and was able to steal second place as the riders re-entered the track. The finishing order was Bailey in first place, Stufko in second and Garvie in third.  After the race, Tony said “I am happy with the Amateur Superbike result. I ran a smart race to get on the box and be there in the end to collect the pieces! This result bumps me to third overall in Superbike. Big thanks to Tuner Guy Martin for his hard work in the pits on Saturday that made this all possible”

Tony finished 2nd in Saturday’s Heavyweight Sportsman race (a make up race for the one cancelled on May 15); 2nd in Sunday’s Liquid Thunder race and 3rd in Sunday’s Heavyweight Sportsman race.
The team patiently awaits Round 4, which will occur on August 12, 13 &14 with riders competing on the long track configuration at Shannonville.
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, A Acceptable, 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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Michael’s best performance of the weekend was during the rainy Saturday Pro Superbike heat race.  He qualified on the front row with a 4^th place finish riding the team’s Ducati 1198S on Dunlop rain tires.  Pole was won by Canadian BMW factory rider Mike Ferreira, with Triumph mounted Kenny Riedmann second and Alex Welsh riding his new Suzuki to third.

Tony stole the show during the Saturday Amateur Superbike timed qualifying session.  He qualified on pole riding his Ducati in the wet conditions, also on Dunlop rain tires. His best lap was 2.2 seconds quicker than his closest competitor. 

Sunday morning conditions were very harsh with more rain and the temperature in the single digits.  The track temperature measured at cold 11 deg C.  Track officials had to pump the standing water from Allen’s corner.  Many riders, including the BMW factory team decided to pack it up and head home.

Unfortunately, Michael crashed the team’s Ducati 1198S out of 4^th place on the opening lap of the Pro Superbike race while braking at the end of Shannonville’s long straight.  Kenny Riedmann also crashed out at the same corner, losing the front.  The incidents were not related.

“There was very little traction and a lot of standing water.  I had decided to just circulate for points.  I had a hard time spotting the puddles during the first lap because of the spray from the bikes in front and locked up the front on the brakes.  Luckily my Nexo suit did its job during the long slide from 160 km/hr!” commented Michael.

Tony’s weekend ended with a spectacular highside while chasing Honda mounted Aubrey Bailey who was running in third during the wet Amateur Superbike final.  The crash occurred at the exit of the notoriously slick turn 2 with 2 laps to go.  Miraculously, Tony was able to remount and finish the race collecting valuable points.

“It was disappointing to give points away this weekend, especially after capturing my first pole position. Visibility during the race was so poor that I literally was following the outline of the racer in front of me. It will be more difficult but I’m still in the hunt for the Amateur Superbike Championship.”  Said Tony

Fortunately, neither rider was seriously injured.  The damage to both machines was only cosmetic.

The last races of the day were canceled, including Heavyweight Sportsman.  In the Liquid Cooled Thunder class only one rider choose to ride.  No points will be awarded for those classes and Michael and Tony’s standings will remain unchanged.

This year’s quirky schedule puts the next round of the RACE Superseries on July 22 at Shannonville.  The team looks forward to better results.

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, A Acceptable, 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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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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These videos are a portions of Biker TV Episodes 3 and 4, Season 8, featuring the Royal Distributing / MBP Racing Team. They were broadcast in January and February, 2011 on The “A” Channel Network Ottawa, Toronto/Barrie, Halifax, London and Victoria and on the ACCESS channel in Alberta. Motorcycle racer Michael Leon is followed by the Biker TV crew during the last round of the 2010 Shannonville R.A.C.E. Superseries including interviews with Michael, tuner Guy Martin, crew Carlos Carrascosa, Michael’s wife Jennifer and his Mom and Dad.

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