From a press release issued by Suzuki Canada:

SUZUKI SWEEPS CANADIAN SUPERBIKE SERIES
THE Suzuki Slogan – “Own the Racetrack” rang true in the 2002 Canadian Superbike Championship Series, with Coors Light Racing Team Suzuki riders bringing home the Championship in all three Pro classes and numerous other Suzuki riders showing strong performances.

Although Jordan Szoke had already secured the #1 plate in the Superbike class, he was intent on extending his winning streak at the Shannonville final round. It looked like his plan was on track when Jordan went out in qualifying and recorded the Pole setting time after just two laps.

Teammate Francis Martin qualified his GSX-R1000 in fourth, putting two Suzukis on the front row. As it turned out, Jordan’s race was a short one when he lost traction and slid off the track.

But the Superbike victory podium belonged to Jordan when he was presented with the “Canada Cup” and his #1 Plate in front of a capacity filled grandstand. Congratulations again to Scott Miller of Fast Company and his hard working crew for their outstanding effort with Jordan’s GSX-R1000 Superbike and the championship quest.

The Pro 600 Sportbike title was still up for grabs entering the final round with Coors Light Racing Team Suzuki rider Clint McBain leading the series by 6 points over Kevin Lacombe. Clint had led the series right from the first round and was not about to see his efforts go un-rewarded. To add to the drama, Jordan Szoke and Andrew Nelson had also entered the race and, back from an early season injury, veteran Steve Crevier was looking to prove his abilities.

The Championship battle ended quickly when Clint’s closest rival, Kevin Lacombe crashed in the second lap. Knowing the #1 plate was his; Clint rode to a safe 5th place finish. Further up the field, Ugo Levert scored a 2nd place finish on his Diablo Suzuki GSX-R600 and secured the HJC Pro Rookie of the Year Award with Jordan Szoke finishing 3rd after letting Ugo by in a very sportsmanship like gesture to ensure Ugo’s high placing.

The Pro Open Sportbike title would also be decided at the Shannonville round with Coors Light Racing Team Suzuki rider Francis Martin holding an 11-point advantage over Clint McBain and his Blackfoot GSX-R1000. The outlook was promising as it looked like a Suzuki would wear the #1 plate, but which rider was still unknown. With traction being a concern as the track surface was becoming slippery as the day progressed, Francis knew he had to ride smartly and stay upright for the Championship to be his. Closest non-Suzuki rider to have a shot at the title was J-F Cyr who would have to finish well ahead of Francis and just ahead of Clint if he was to have any chance. For the Suzuki riders, position would be key as well as finishing the race. The race itself was a test of nerves for the crews as positions juggled back and forth and all the “what if” scenarios played out. In the end, Coors Light Racing Team Suzuki rider Francis Martin brought his Fast Company prepared GSX-R1000 home to a safe 5th place finish and secured a Championship Victory.

Adding to the Suzuki Sweep, the Inside Motorcycle “Tuner of the Year” award was presented to Blackfoot Suzuki Racing’s Chuck Downie. Chuck and his Team did an outstanding job all season long on Clint McBain’s GSX-R600 and GSX-R1000.

With all three #1 plates in Canadian Pro racing being awarded to the Coors Light Racing Team Suzuki riders, the Suzuki GSX-R has definitely proven the “Own the Racetrack” slogan is more than just words.