From a press release issued by series promoters: HONDA CHALLENGE OPENS DOORS TO WOMEN RIDERS TORONTO, ON The Honda CBR125R Challenge has broadened its mandate for its inaugural season and will be open to female riders in 2008. As part of Honda Canada’s efforts to encourage female participation in the sport, women who were at least 14 years old at the start of 2008 will be eligible to compete in the series. Male participation is capped at 22 years of age. The recently announced Honda CBR125R Challenge will be run by Honda Canada with the support of Professional Motorsports Productions (PMP), which organizes the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. “Motorcycling and motorcycle road racing are gaining popularity with women across Canada,” said Tina Capell of PMP. “The Honda CBR125R is an ideal option for women who want to ride, and the Honda CBR125R Challenge is the perfect starter road racing series.” The Honda CBR125R will run near-stock (all bikes will be equipped with a catalytic converter) with engine performance restricted and horsepower checked on the official Parts Canada Superbike Championship Dynojet Dyno. Pirelli spec tires will be used in the series. A specified race conversion kit will be available through participating Honda dealers. The conversion kit includes an Elka shock, Mimic bodywork, Arrow bolt-on exhaust canister, Z-1 frame sliders, Parts Canada work stand and a certificate for Pirelli Supercorsa approved race rubber. Honda launched the CBR125R in 2007 in conjunction with a program aimed to bring new riders into the sport of motorcycling. This program continues in 2008. The bike is powered by a 125cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder engine and takes its styling cues from Honda’s full size sport bikes. Owners of Honda CBR125R motorcycles will get their first on-track opportunity of the new season at Shannonville Motorsport Park on Monday, April 28, when the RACE organization offers a dedicated school for 125R riders. The school will be provided at a discounted rate of $200, which includes a RACE competition licence for successful graduates. Registration and tech staff from the Parts Canada Superbike Championship will be on-hand to offer support. Orion Motorsports, the official Canadian distributor for Pirelli tires, will also be at the track providing tire sales and mounting services for all participants. Although the RACE school will be an excellent opportunity for aspiring Honda CBR125R racers, it will not be restricted to riders intending to compete in the Honda CBR125R Challenge. Owners of completely stock, street legal CBR125R models are also encouraged to enroll in the all-Honda single cylinder classroom-and-track event at SMP. The first Honda CBR125R Challenge race will be a non-championship event at round 2 of the RACE SuperSeries on the Shannonville Nelson Circuit May 2-4. The Honda CBR125R Challenge will be title sponsor of the weekend and series competitors will be eligible for a discounted entry fee. For full series information, visit www.cdnsuperbike.com