The 2026 Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship kicked off its third round at Calabogie Motorsports Park with an intense battle between Jordan Szoke and Ben Young. The newly repaved track, hosting its first National since 2026, presented a fresh challenge for the riders. Szoke, a 14-time Canadian
The practice sessions saw Szoke, riding an AIM Insurance-backed works Kawasaki ZX-10RR Ninja and Young, on the Van Dolder’s Honda CBR 1000RR R SP push each other to the limit. The afternoon session, in particular, was a thrilling display of speed and skill, with Szoke setting the fastest lap at 2:01.198 averaging 150 kph around the 5.05-kilometer-long venue.
Szoke’s Adjustments and Challenges
Szoke, who was running his “B” chassis with his “B” engine due to technical problems with his preferred Ninja, shared his thoughts on the track and his performance. “It’s taken me a while to get my head back into it,” he commented, referring to the venue that last hosted a National in 2026 and was recently repaved. The track’s new surface, while offering excellent grip, presented a different feel that required adjustment.
“The track is so good, it’s an adjustment to get used to riding in that style,” Szoke explained. “Today’s problems are old school – I was up late with the kids (twins Reese and Murphy), and I’m having data issues with the electronics.” He also mentioned the need to trust his turn-in points, especially with the high speeds and blind turns at Calabogie. “I’m still working on that. The grip is good with new pavement, but the feel is a little bit vague. We’re still working on the gearing, maybe make the wheelbase longer.”
Szoke also noted that he had to check up on his fast lap due to another rider, which cost him at least half a second. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the possibility of a lap in the two-minute flat range, a potential new lap record with the new track surface and updated Bridgestone rubber.
Young’s Struggles and Optimism
Young, who was second “We made a few chassis changes after this morning, and I lost a little drive. We need to look at the bike; right now, it isn’t quite coming together,” he said. The warmer conditions in the afternoon also posed a challenge, with Young experiencing some front-end chatter and a marshmallow-ey front.
Despite these challenges, Young remains focused on the upcoming pole session at 10:15 am. The rivalry between Szoke and Young is expected to intensify as they prepare for the main event, with both riders determined to secure the top spot.
The Competitive Midfield
Behind the top two, the midfield was equally competitive. Sebastien Tremblay from St-Eustache, QC, a former podium finisher at Calabogie, was third quickest on his Nelson International 50th Anniversary-backed Suzuki GSX-R750. Tremblay, who is the leader of the OPP Racing Supersport support class, came close to a personal best with a lap at 2:04.49.
Alex Michel from Montréal, QC, aboard his Mathias Sports Kawasaki ZX-10R, was fourth 80 turning the most laps of the session. Another standout performer was teenager Andrew Van Winkle from Chilliwack, BC, who had a solid opening day with a lap at 2:04.85. Van Winkle, who is new to the Feature division with his Mountain View Sports-backed Honda CBR1000RR-R, has already secured two podium placings out of a possible four this season.
David MacKay from Stoney Creek, ON, riding a Snow City Honda, was sixth best at 2:04.95 just a tenth behind Van Winkle. MacKay, who has previously earned a podium in the support classes at Calabogie, is another racer with potential for improvement.
The support classes at the VRRA race include National Lightweight, sponsored by the Super Sonic Road Race School. Championship leader Lachlan Alexander from Amaranth, ON, sat at the top of the time sheets, quickest at 2:23.748 aboard a Kawasaki Ninja 500. Second
As the 2026 Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship continues, all eyes are on Szoke and Young, who are set to deliver an exhilarating showdown at Calabogie Motorsports Park.
