Team News: Szoke will ride Kawasaki in CSBK
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- Category: Team News
- Published on Thursday, December 13, 2018 10:37 EST
Szoke Signs Two Year Deal with Canadian Kawasaki Motors and Blackfoot Motosports
Jordan Szoke, the winningest racer in National Canadian Superbike History signs a two year deal to run his Mopar Express Lane backed superbike team with brand new equipment for the next two seasons. Szoke will defend his Mopar Canadian Superbike National Title with the redesigned 2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R backed by Blackfoot Motosports.
“I am really excited about this new venture,” grins Szoke. “I started out my superbike career on a Kawasaki so it just seems fitting to finish it on Team Green.”
Szoke started his “real Superbike” debut on a 1993 model Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7RR in 1997 at Atlantic Motorsport Park. In turn bringing home his very first National Superbike Championship to Kawasaki in 1998. Szoke and Kawasaki had one of the most successful runs in Canadian History with a 4 year winning streak sweeping both the Superbike and Pro 600 titles from 2006-2009.
Kawasaki and I are a good fit,” says Szoke. “It is an exciting step for our National Series to have Kawasaki involved in our Superbike program and also a positive step forward for the rest of our competitors and fans to enjoy another brand gunning for the top spot. There is life after sitting in the riders seat and I feel that Kawasaki and I are a good fit to grow together to stay involved within the industry after racing.”
“We are excited to have Jordan back on a Ninja, the bike that helped launch his superbike career back in the late 90’s,” says Brad Goodbody of Canadian Kawasaki Motors. “With the global racing success of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, and the improvements made on the 2019 model, we are really looking forward to seeing what Jordan and his Wanzie Racing Team can do in the CSBK Championship,” states Goodbody.
Szoke is quick to thank BMW Motorrad for their unwavering support for the past 7 seasons. “We part on really good terms. Chris (Duff) and I were kids at the racetrack together, we’ve known each other for years. Him and I both want to see our sport thrive. I am extremely thankful for the 6 Championships and one World Race Trophy Title we brought home to Canada.”
Backing Kawasaki with their new venture is Blackfoot Motosports. Blackfoot Motosports is one of Canada’s largest powersports dealers located in Calgary, AB. Blackfoot has a rich racing heritage both on and off road winning multiple championships both on the asphalt and the dirt.
“Having Blackfoot as a larger part of our efforts really makes me happy. Pat, Doug and Jason have always supported me my entire career, so to have them play a bigger role on our team, the fit just couldn’t be more perfect. I can’t wait to see them back at the racetrack again.” says Szoke.
Szoke continues his relationship with famed tuner Scott Miller of Fast Company. Miller has agreed to help prepare the horsepower for Szoke's already powerful ZX10-R. “Scott and I have worked together during many different parts of my career. When it came time to find a tuner for our engines, it was a no brainer, just call Miller. He was always part of my successes throughout my career so I am grateful to have him back on board.”
Jordan’s wife Amy Szoke made her debut on a Superbike last season, finishing 8th in the Amateur Superbike season overall. Amy will return to CSBK National racing, this time on a Kawasaki Ninja 400 in the Lightweight Sport Bike Class.
When asked about her switch from Superbikes to Lightweights Amy explains, “Running a Superbike is really (really) expensive. My program ran us deep into the red last season so this is a good alternative to just sitting in the pits making sandwiches. My heart truly lies with the big bikes so I wouldn’t rule out a return at some point."
"I’ve found a new passion in film (Amy is a stunt performer in movies and television) and with this program modification it allows me to commit better to both. Kawasaki had given me an opportunity to climb back into the saddle in the past and once again offer me the same opportunity. I am eternally grateful to the green machines for that.”
“Amy brings a level of professionalism, positivity, and skill to the Lightweight Sport Bike class that we are very excited about. I believe, much like Ana Carrasco did in the FIM World Supersport 300 Championship, that Amy and the Ninja 400 are more than capable of running up front and contending for the championship,” says Goodbody.
Mopar Express Lane continues to remain the title sponsor and welcomes Kawasaki and Blackfoot Motosports to Szoke’s Superbike efforts.
From a press release