June 5, 2008
Calabogie, ON - The first motorcycle race ever held at the Calabogie Motorsports Park circuit allowed spectators to witness an historical performance by Steve Crevier as a member of the Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada Racing team.
The Canadian racing legend Steve Crevier was the first racer on a Buell® 1125R bike in Superbike competition in the world. This debut, requiring the support of a strong team and in conjunction with Buell Motorcycle Company, was expected to be a testing opportunity, especially in light of the fact that the only available engine for this date was a stock 1125R. The higher horsepower 1125R engine is still in development and is expected to be available for upcoming race dates.
At Saturday’s qualifying session and with an engine at least 30 to 40 hp less than other motorcycles in the class, Crevier still managed to secure eighth position for the starting grid. On Sunday, the Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada Racing team was looking at a Top 10 finish as more than satisfactory considering the power disadvantage and the 1125R being untested in actual Superbike race conditions.
From the beginning of the race, it became obvious why Crevier is a legend on the Canadian circuit. The race became an ongoing battle between Crevier and the Suzuki GSX-R1000 of Francis Martin, former two-time Superbike Champion. By lap 18, due to other rider mishaps and a determined Buell 1125R bike, Crevier was in fourth place in the twenty lap race.
Despite the disadvantage of competing with over forty less horsepower than Martin, Crevier’s twin-cylinder Buell motorcycle passed the Suzuki on lap 19 and held on to finish a third place position on the podium, preceded by Kevin Lacombe in second place, and Jordan Szoke, 2007 Parts Canada Superbike Champion.
A clearly inspired Crevier commented, “It’s quite amazing as we only recently received the motorcycles and the crew has been slaving for a solid week. We even had to use a DOT rear tire because our rim was too narrow for the slick.”
As understated as Crevier may have been, the victory served notice that Buell is a legitimate contender and rapidly becoming a force to be considered on the racing circuit. Hopes are high for the next national round to be held from June 26 to June 29 in Calgary, Alberta.
