From a press release issued by the Parts Canada Superbike Championship Series:

Riders test at Mont Tremblant

The on-track testing at the newly reconstructed Circuit Mont Tremblant that was originally scheduled for July, finally took place on October 3 in an hour-long session on the classic road course.

The test consisted of five riders including 2002 HJC Rookie of the Year Ugo Levert, Benoit Pilon, Kevin Lacombe, Matt McBride, and Jean-Francois Cyr. Also along for a ride were Diablo Performance Racing team boss Eddy Brunet, Honda Canada team manager Kevin Graham, and Parts Canada Superbike series organizer Colin Fraser.

Mont Tremblant, originally constructed in 1964, was completely rebuilt in 2000 with new pavement all the way around the 4.3-km 15-turn road course. Tremblant offers racers an incredibly smooth racing surface along with challenging elevation changes.

“This track is the smoothest track I’ve ridden,” said Kevin Lacombe. “And the fun of the elevation changes is just like going to La Ronde.” (an amusement park in Montreal)

The October 3 test planned on using only the Short Track section of the circuit. The Short Track uses the north loop of the Long Track making for a 2.5-km lap. Due to concerns about limited access to the southern section of the track, series organizers had thought that it would be more spectator friendly to run an event on the Short Track. The riders involved in the test disagreed after a few had a chance to try the full length version of Mont Tremblant.

“Having tried the Long Track, I say Wow!” commented Eddy Brunet. “Finally a real race track with some fast corners. The Short Track looks and feels like it’s made for go-karts in comparison.”

Even though the preference is to race on the Long Track, everyone involved said they would still want to compete at Mont Tremblant regardless of track configuration.

“The long track is more appropriate to use, but the short track is also very fun,” said Ugo Levert. “It is a very nice track to attract spectators.”

Because Mont Tremblant was mainly used for car racing in the past, there was some initial concern about safety for motorcycle racers at the circuit. As part of the refurbishing project in 2000 the track was widened from 28 to 36 feet with run-off areas being added or rebuilt in many corners. In general, the riders felt the circuit was safe, but could use some air-fencing in certain areas.

“Coming up the hill under the bridge while we enter the left-hander we are really close to the wall,” commented Matt McBride. “There would need to be an air fence there.”

Another area of concern with the riders was the entrance to turn one. “The race track is very smooth and very wide and safe except for the outside wall in corner one,” said Jean-Francois Cyr of the safety concerns at the track.

Series organizers hope to hold a race at Mont Tremblant, about a 1-1/2 hour drive from Montreal, as part of the 2003 Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

“Given the opportunity to use the Long Track,” added Brunet, “we could bring Canadian Motorcycle road racing up another level.”