MIRABEL, Que. (May 27) Brantford, Ont.’s Jordan Szoke set the fastest time in testing for the opening round of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship at Circuit ICAR on Thursday. The four-time defending series champion turned a lap at one minute, 26.305 seconds around the 2.8km (1.74-mile), 14-turn circuit for an average speed of 116.795 km/h (70.077 mph) on his Waznie Racing / Ciclo Werks BMC / DeWildt Honda CBR1000RR. Jodi Christie of Keene, Ont. was a strong second fastest with a time of 1:27.037 on the Jodi Christie Racing Honda CBR600RR and Kevin Lacombe of St-Cesaire, Que. turned the third fastest time, a 1:27.717 on the Kevin Lacombe Racing GSX-R1000. “We’re certainly off to a good start,” said Szoke, who has ridden Kawasakis for the past four seasons. “The biggest thing is me making the switch and getting used to the bike. It’s a big change and adapting my riding style is the biggest adjustment so far.” Francis Martin of Sherbrooke, Que. enjoyed an encouraging debut with the Rush HD / BMW Motorrad Canada BMW S1000RR by setting the fourth fastest time, a 1:28.004. The two-time Canadian Superbike champion turned his best lap right at the end of the hour-long afternoon session. Uxbridge, Ont.’s Alex Welsh rounded out the top five with a 1:28.153 on the Competition Systems Kawasaki Race Team Kawasaki ZX-10R. In other action at Circuit ICAR on Thursday, Szoke was also fastest in testing for the Pro Sport Bike class with a time of 1:27.196 on his Honda CBR600RR. Etienne Giguere of Levis, Que. led the way in the Amateur Sport Bike division with a time of 1:32.211 riding a Honda CBR600RR. Brantford, Ont.’s Robert Busby set the pace in Sport Twins with a 1:35.735 riding his Suzuki SV650. Will Hornblower of Sarnia, Ont. was fastest in the Honda CBR125R Challenge with a time of 1:55.605. Laval, Que.’s Natalie Catherine Provost was quickest in the Pro Honda Oils Women’s Cup class at 1:34.259 riding a Honda CBR600RR. Practice for this weekend’s event begins on Friday. Qualifying, including the Pirelli SuperPole for the Inside Motorcycles Pole Position Award in the Parts Canada Superbike class set for Saturday. Races in all national classes will go Sunday. The Honda CBR125R Challenge also has a race set for Saturday afternoon. For ticket information call (514) 955-4227 or go to www.circuiticar.com.