Racing Season begins May 30, 2009

Come out and see 51racing in action at Stratotech park. The team has made major upgrades to the RC51 and is already running a half second faster than last years best times.

Rider/mechanic Rick Newcombe says, "The might RC51 is running like a top level farm tractor. The 500 pound bulk is barely noticeable with the new Traxxion Dynamics front shock springs and the Penske triple clicker rear shock. The new oil seems to have given us about 12 more horsepower along with about 200ft/lbs more torque. We're very excited for the prospects of improved results this year."

The team is growing with pledges of financial support from new sponsors "Fat Franks" and "Golds Gym Edmonton". This means the team can upgrade the three year old tires they've been using...uhm...for the last three years. Other riders have indicated that 3 year old tires may be holding back the team's performance.

Stay tuned, more to come.

New motorcycle movie - free sneak preview

On March 5th 2009 Mongrel Media is hosting a special sneak preview for the motorcycle movie One Week (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOaYQTHNTrc) starring Joshua Jackson. We would like to invite you to join us at the screening. It takes places at 7pm at Scotiabank Theatre in West Edmonton Wall. Do you think you could pass on this email to friends, coworkers and family members who may be interested in the screening? The screening is free and you can get your pass at our website www.oneweek.ca.

Getting close to race season

There is a new race series taking shape.

The EMRA, CMRA, and the WMRC we would like to announce that there will be a WESTERN CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES between the three clubs starting this 2009 race season.The Western Canadian Championship (WCC) shall consist of 6 races during 3 double header weekends. Each club (EMRA, WMRC, and CMRA) will host 1 double header weekend.
Races 1 & 2: May 16 & 17 at Mission Raceway ParkRaces 3 & 4: July 11 & 12 at Stratotech ParkRaces 5 & 6: September 19 & 20 at Race City.
The following 7 class will be run as part of the WCC series: Thunderclass/Battle of the twins, 600 Supersport (Pro and AM), Heavyweight Supersport (PRO and AM), and Superbike (PRO and AM). During these double header races any points that are accumulated will count towards the WCC points. As with any championship, the racer with most points accumulated over the season will be crowned champion. The accumulation of points during your local double header rounds will count even in the event you do not compete in the entire WCC seriesDuring the race weekends, all local race club rules including Tech, Noise, and Rider Equipment rules shall be adhered to. The goal of this Championship is to build strong racing ties across Western Canada and promote racing between our 3 clubs. If you have any questions regarding this championship please post here or Email one of the local representatives:

EMRA - Justin Knapik - Justin.knapik@edmonton.ca
WMRC- Ryan Whittle – Ryanwhittle@shaw.ca
CMRA – Joe Peskunowicz - jpeskunowicz@canyontech.ca
Click on the link below for the Series Guidelines.http://www.emra.ca/Misc/WCC%20Guidelines.pdf

Team promo poster

Memories on a snowy December day

It's snowing but not too cold. All we have are memories for the next few months. This is a highlight shot from the 2008 season.

Selling sponsorship

These days, sponsorship for most companies is a port into a niche audience, of reaching out to the audience of an industry-within-an-industry. It's a multi-level bet based on credibility at a super-niche level.

Today's super-niche sponsorship principle applies to any industry. After spending millions sponsoring Tiger Woods, GM finally realized he can't sell Buicks. He's not a credible car geek. GM kicked Woods upstairs to corporate marketing, which will probably employ him behind the scenes as a draw at events for dealers and suppliers, which is a far better investment.

Sponsoring bloggers is a matter of the right company sponsoring the right blogger at the right time. For your product or service, sponsor the super-involved bloggers who've built their credibility around the category and live, breathe and die by it.

MotoGP - Valentino Rossi is amazing

The Motegi Japan MotoGP was an excellent race and the scene for the crowning of Valentino Rossi as the 2008 World Champion. There were some epic early battles with riders on fresh tires that eventually settled out into a tight 3 way race for the victory between Rossi, Stoner and Pedrosa as tire choices delivered the riders different strategies to the pavement and the time sheets. Gradually the recurring world champion moved up to third, second and finally into first, where he rode brilliantly to the top of both the Motegi podium and the 2008 World Championship. While Rossi picked up win number 70 in the premier class, Stoner settled for second with Pedrosa third narrowly beating Spanish rival Jorge Lorenzo.

Valentino Rossi is the only man to win the MotoGP championship on four different motorcycles! He is the best motorcycle racer that has ever lived. It is very enjoyable to watch him develop and push a motorcycle to new records with every ride.

Two more races to go and there's no reason for Rossi to stop winning. What a great MotoGP season.