CAN-AM CHALLENGE SERIES OPENER Another racing season begins, and the Can-Am Challenge Series returns to Shannonville Motorsport Park this weekend to kick off the 2006 schedule! Along with the Canadian National Superbike series, the Can-Am Challenge Series will take to the Long Track circuit of S.M.P. this long weekend; the series also looks forward to welcoming the United States Grand Prix Riders Union (USGPRU) north of the border, as the American series makes Shannonville its second stop on their North Eastern schedule. The Can-Am Challenge Series 125cc champion of 2005, John Dempsey, has left his championship up for grabs as he’s made the move to 250s; however, he’ll be watching from the sidelines, as he is taking an involuntary hiatus from racing to recuperate from an April 30th crash, resulting in a broken sternum. John Crook, last year’s 250cc champ, is returning to defend his honor, and should expect to be hassled this weekend by the usual suspects such as Alain Brault, Andre Kipen and Nick Colley. Rumor has it that Matt Cooper, another 125cc graduate, will also be in the freight train of 250cc riders sure to be battling for podium finishes this weekend. Local Shannonville boys Tim Harrington, Dean Hoelscher and Rick Bulmann should be among the top group in the 125cc class, but the USGPRU riders making the trip up to Canada should certainly not be underestimated, for both the 125cc and 250cc classes. Friday is Practice with Qualifying set for Saturday with the racing action to begin at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. For Updates and Results please check www.canamchallengeseries.com or www.USGPRU.net