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The roar of engines and the adrenaline rush of speed are back as the rebranded Pro Supersport division prepares to light up the track at Shannonville Motorsport Park. With the opening round of the 2025 Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship just around the corner, all eyes are on reigning champion Sebastien Tremblay. After an impressive performance in 2024, where he clinched five victories and nine podium finishes, Tremblay is determined to add another trophy to his collection. But with a revamped grid and fierce competition, the stakes have never been higher.
Championship dynamics and key players
Tremblay, hailing from Mirabel, Quebec, has made his ambitions crystal clear—he aims to become the winningest rider in Supersport history. With 17 wins under his belt, he currently sits third all-time, trailing only legends Jordan Szoke and Steve Crevier. Yet, it’s not just history that fuels his fire; it’s the desire to dominate a class that has proven unpredictable in recent years. His last few outings at Shannonville have been nothing short of spectacular, winning four out of six races since the 2023 finale. It seems the track, once a nemesis, has turned into a playground for this talented racer.
However, the competition is fierce. This year’s grid is arguably the deepest in the series, featuring at least eight different race winners. Among them is Trevor Daley, who made waves last season as a “super-sub,” achieving three wins and five podiums despite not competing in the full season. His history at Shannonville may be limited, but his capability to deliver when it counts makes him a formidable contender for the upcoming races.
New challengers enter the fray
Adding to the excitement, John Laing will shift from Kawasaki to Suzuki this season, stepping up his game on a GSX-R750. Laing was the top “old-gen” rider last year, and now he finds himself on a more competitive platform, aiming to bring home a championship for Alberta since 2002. Then there’s Torin Collins, making his Supersport debut after a full season in MotoAmerica. Known for a stunning wildcard win in the Superbike class, he’s certainly one to watch, especially on a familiar Suzuki GSX-R750.
But let’s not forget about local hero Brad Macrae. Although he’ll be racing an older model R6 after plans for a new R9 fell through, his experience at Shannonville, where he tasted victory in 2023, could make him a dark horse. Missing the entirety of 2024 due to injury, Macrae is desperate to reclaim his spot on the podium, and his familiarity with the track might just give him the edge he needs.
Rising stars and past champions
Among the contenders, Elliot Vieira stands out as a rider looking to bounce back after a challenging previous season. Having joined the Economy Lube Ducati program midway through last year, he struggled to find his rhythm with four DNFs in just five races. A return to his privateer V2 Panigale could be what he needs to remind everyone of his speed, especially considering he has accumulated 14 podiums in the last three seasons.
And what about the up-and-coming stars? Andrew Van Winkle, just 18, is another rider to keep an eye on. He’s coming off an impressive end to 2024, where he scored five podiums in the last seven races, including a historic victory. This season, he’ll be racing a GSX-R600 with support from Suzuki Canada, and if last year’s momentum carries over, he’ll definitely be a force to reckon with.
The thrill of race day at SMP
The anticipation for the opening round is palpable, with Friday morning practice set to kick off the action. Fans can expect two thrilling races over the weekend, showcasing the raw talent and fierce competition that defines Canadian motorsport. As the engines roar to life and the tires grip the asphalt, the Supersport class is set to deliver excitement, drama, and perhaps even some surprises.
In the world of racing, as many know, anything can happen, and that’s precisely what keeps fans coming back for more. Whether it’s the seasoned veterans or the hungry newcomers, the 2025 Supersport season promises to be a spectacle that no motorsport enthusiast will want to miss.