Argomenti trattati
Picture this: a 14-time Canadian Superbike champion, after two decades of absence, returns to a track that’s seen legends come and go. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Jordan Szoke is back at the Loudon Classic. Can you believe it? The same track that served as a crucible for his early career is once again hosting this racing titan. But what’s with the 20-year hiatus? Was he taking a leisurely stroll through the land of mediocrity? Or was he simply waiting for the right moment to unleash hell on the competition?
The return of the champion
Szoke, riding for the Economy Lube Bridgestone Celtic HSBK Ducati team, is making waves as he hops onto the V2 Panigale, a machine that has been under the capable hands of MotoAmerica star Cameron Petersen. Talk about high stakes! The New Hampshire Motor Speedway isn’t just any old track. It’s a narrow, challenging 2.6 km circuit, one of the oldest motorcycle road races in the United States. And let’s not forget the juicy $400,000 purse for 2025. Can you taste the desperation? The thrill? Or is it just the scent of burnt rubber and crushed dreams?
Double duty in the Streetfighter class
As if one race wasn’t enough, Szoke is also stepping into the Streetfighter class for the first time, piloting an HSBK Ducati Streetfighter V4. It’s like watching a lion trying to adapt to life in a circus. Can he handle the pressure, or will he crumble like a cheap suit in a rainstorm? The support from Bridgestone and Importations Thibault is significant, but let’s be real: how much can a sponsor do when the stakes are life or death on the racetrack? And with Scott Miller, the notorious tuner from Fast Company, lurking in the shadows, one wonders if Szoke has bitten off more than he can chew.
A legacy of dominance
It’s no secret that Szoke has dominated the Bridgestone CSBK like a tyrant on a throne. With 19 championships, 101 wins, and a staggering 165 podiums under his belt, he’s like the Michael Jordan of motorcycle racing. But what’s a king without his kingdom? The Loudon Classic has been a part of his saga since his rookie days on a Kawasaki ZX-7RR in 1997, a year before he claimed his first Canadian Superbike title. Can he reclaim his throne after more than 20 years of absence? Or has the crown grown rusty?
Support from the right places
Economy Lube has been a loyal ally, backing Szoke since the start of the 2024 campaign. But let’s not kid ourselves—this isn’t charity. They’re in it for the brand visibility. And what better way to boost your image than to have a champion on your side? Szoke’s contract with Canadian Kawasaki remains, allowing him to ride the Ducati in Loudon. It’s a calculated move to elevate the profile of Canadian racing. But come on, it’s also a heartfelt thank you for all the years of loyalty. But who are we kidding? It’s racing—it’s all about the glory, the speed, and the chance to spit in the face of mediocrity.
A rich history
The Loudon Classic has been around since 1934, part of the Laconia Motorcycle Week. Once a staple of the MotoAmerica schedule, it has faced its share of ups and downs, reeling in both glory and despair. Now, with Szoke back in the mix, the race has gained a new layer of intrigue. Will he conquer the track once more, or will he be another footnote in the annals of racing history, a cautionary tale of what happens when you think you can just waltz back in after decades? Only time will tell, and the clock is ticking.
What’s next?
As Szoke revs up for the Loudon Classic, one can’t help but wonder—what’s next for this racing juggernaut? Will he be a phoenix rising from the ashes, or just another ghost haunting the circuit? The world watches with bated breath, ready to witness the saga unfold. And as he takes to the track, we’ll be there, popcorn in hand, waiting to see if he’ll reign supreme or simply fall flat on his face.