VRRA Grand Prix of Quebec
L’Autodrome St. Eustache
July 24-25 2004

This was Ken’s first visit to this track, and he found suspension settings tough to get sorted out on this fairly bumpy layout. The gearing was perfect though, enabling the big Ducat 851 to get out of corners very well, and only giving up acceleration to one other bike.

Upon finding that they where running the drag strip the Friday night, Ken, never known to let an opportunity to race go by, entered the road-racing Ducati as well as his girlfriends 600 Monster in the competition. It was probably the first time anyone there had seen a Ducati drag race, as they are not known for this type of racing! After running both bikes in time trials, the 851 clutch started to get hot, and he decided to use the little Monster for the racing. Unfortunately, he ‘Red-lighted’ in his first race, and the evening was over!

Saturday’s practice and heat race went very well, with Ken jumping into and holding onto the lead for a few laps, steadily improving his lap times and finishing a safe second. The bike was working great, but it became apparent that a steering dampener would have been a nice addition to keep the front end steady on the undulating, bumpy surface.

In the Sunday final, Ken got another good start, but soon found it a struggle to improve upon his times without a steering dampener and ended up a respectable third, but ahead of the series points leader. Ken has now moved into first place in the P4 F-1 series.

This inaugural Grand Prix of Quebec was a great success for the VRRA, with a higher number of racers taking part than hoped for. There were very few incidents, and most riders had a great time, most likely ensuring that this will be a regular event on the Vintage schedule from now on.

The next round is the VRRA’s annual three day Festival at SUPERSHOW Racing’s ‘home’ track, Mosport International Raceway, August 20/21/22. This is one of the largest Vintage events in North America, with riders from across the continent and even across the Atlantic participating. It’s a must attend event! SUPERSHOW Racing will be there in force with fours riders and over 10 race bikes including some historic championship machines on display from the SUPERSHOW Collection as part of the Canadian Motorcycle Heritage Museum Traveling Roadshow. Drop by the SUPERSHOW pit area near the restaurant and say ‘Hi’!

More 2004 Vintage Racing: June Shannonville - July St. Eustache - July Shubenacadie - August Mosport - September North Bay - SUPERSHOW Racing Page

SUPERSHOW Was There - Past Roadshow appearances - MAIN