Toronto Motorcycle Show wrap-up

This year’s TMS was another success. For years now, the show has been the venue of choice for most manufacturers, dealers and enthusiasts to participate in a common passion for motorcycling and all its related activities. Whether it be racing, touring, or simply an appreciation for new, innovative technology, the TMS has been the stop in Canada that satisifies most needs.

This year saw the introduction of many new and updated models from several manufacturers. BMW introduced a line of step through – scooter style motorcycles, with typical BMW luxury features and practicality (BMW scooters ??). At the other end of the spectrum is the S1000RR, the newly crowned king of the Superbike class in Canada, for the first time, with the soon to be ex-pat, Brett “the kid” McCormick in the saddle (more on that a little later). Ducati introduced the 1199, Panigale, voted the most beautiful bike in show at the EICMA 69th International Motorcycle Show in Milan and now show-goers in Toronto have the opportunity to see it up close and personal, with on board photo ops and opportunity to ask questions about the state of the art machine. Other manufacturers such as Honda, Harley Davidson, Victory to name a few were all represented with their latest and greatest offerings for all to see, touch (in most cases) and ask all about. Together with prodcuts and services for all riders and styles, this was a must stop for anyone needing their motorcycle fix early as the next riding season seems so distant.

On a more somber note, the state of professional racing in Canada is not in good shape. Ever since the financial crisis of 2009, which impacted the industry worldwide and set off a firestorm of reorganization, rationalization and and retrencment, the already weak industry has seen further decline here in Canada, to the point that for 2012, there will be NO factory-direct sponsored teams. BMW was the last team standing, but after Kawasaki made the decision to pull out, BMW had no choice. A sad state of affairs indeed. So where does that leave the pro riders, such as Brett McCormick. Lady luck, but more likely, a huge amount of skill and hard work has landed Brett a spot on a new team competing in the Superstock 1000 FIM Cup in 2012. The talented twenty year old, coming from a season he dominated and after which he was crowned as the 2011 Canadian Superbike Champion, had already raced, riding a BMW RR1000, in the final rounds of the 2011 FIM Cup in France and Portugal , and in October he was invited to participate in private tests in Portimao and to try the Ducati 1098F, on which he delivered a very positive performance. The bike that will be provided to the Superstock Team is the new 1199 Panigale model which will replace the 1098F Superbike that was Ducati’s entry in the class.

Brett McCormick’s first official appearance on the new Ducati masterpiece is scheduled on the 13th of February, when the whole team will move to Australia for a 3 day session of private tests on the Phillip Island circuit.

Brett’s thoughts on this turn of fortune: ”It has been my goal and my dream to race in the world championships, and I have to thank the Effenbert-Liberty team for giving me a test in Portimao. Their team and bike are with the best, and they are serious about winning, so I plan to return their faith in me by putting the team colors at the front! At the test I found the bike to be the best I’ve ever ridden. And working with the team from both a technical and human standpoint was awesome, so I can’t wait for the season to start!”.

We say, congratulations Brett, we know you will do your sport and Canada proud. The best of luck from all of us at Racing in Focus and I am sure from your many fans also.

So, Brett is set. But what of the other great Canadian riders and teams. Not to fear, although they have not been as fortunate as Brett, there will be a tomorrow, the sun will rise and the engines will scream once more. The shortened schedule for the 2012 racing season can be found at, www.csbk.ca