From a press release:
SERIES TAKES SAFETY STEP
TORONTO, ON – Three of Canada’s major motorcycle dealers have joined forces in an effort to improve rider safety in Canadian road racing.
McBride Cycle of Toronto, Calgary’s Blackfoot Motosports and Montreal-Based Diablo Performance have combined to purchase 310 feet of Alpina Air Modules from Austria’s Alpina Safety Systems Unlimited. The air modules are installed in front of obstacles at racetracks, providing a soft barrier for racers.
Similar barriers are already used in World Championship events and U.S. National competition.
The units will travel to each round of this year’s Parts Canada Superbike Championship and will be installed at points on each circuit that are deemed to present the highest risk of injury to racers. Cost to the tracks will be minimal, covering only shipping, installation and maintenance.
Airfence-brand inflatable soft barriers were used in volume in Canada at last year’s Parts Canada Superbike/Formula USA Road Racing Series doubleheader at Mosport International Raceway. The amount of Alpina-brand modules purchased for the Canadian series is similar to what was in place at that event.
“We all decided this project was definitely a must,” said John McBride of McBride Cycle. “There is no monetary gain for any of us in doing this. It is strictly a commitment to the safety of our competitors.”
Advertising space will be sold on the air modules and revenue will be used to fund the purchase of additional or replacement air modules.
“We are very grateful to McBride, Blackfoot and Diablo for taking the initiative on this project,” said Colin Fraser of Professional Motorsports Productions, which runs the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. “The use of the Alpina Air Modules at our venues will ensure that our racers compete with the highest level of safety available to them.”
The 2003 Parts Canada Superbike Championship will consist of seven events and six venues across the country. It opens at Shannonville Motorsport Park May 18 and concludes back at Shannonville Aug. 31.