From a press release issued by series organizers:

MORE POWER FOR 2004

TORONTO, ON A major rule change has been announced for the 2004 Parts Canada Superbike Championship.

Based on impressive early indications regarding the performance levels of the machinery due to enter the feature class this summer, the maximum horsepower in the Superbike category has been increased to 170 hp. The previously announced limit for the 2004 season was 160 hp. Last year maximum horsepower was set at 155 hp.

The decision, unprecedented in the history of Canada’s premier motorcycle road racing division was made following a meeting between series organizer Professional Motorsports Productions and representatives from Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha late last month. Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha are all introducing new motorcycles for the feature class this year.

“There is no question that the pace of development of sport bikes has reached a remarkable level in recent years,” said Colin Fraser of PMP. “We thought it was wise to adjust our horsepower limit now and give our Superbike competitors plenty of time to prepare for the new season. No further adjustments to this guideline will be made during 2004.”

Minimum weight in the Superbike class remains 360 lbs.

The 2004 Parts Canada Superbike Championship opens at Shannonville Motorsport Park May 20-23.

Horsepower and weight limits in the Hindle Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike and International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike categories remain unchanged. Horsepower for the two national support classes is restricted to 115 hp while weight is set at a minimum of 350 lbs.

Maximum horsepower and minimum weight restrictions have been central to the 600 Sport Bike rules in the national series since the start of the 1997 season but this is the second year that a maximum horsepower limit has been used in the feature class. The top finishers from qualifying and race action are measured on the series’ official Dynojet Dyno as soon as they come off the track.

Last year’s introduction of horsepower restrictions to the Parts Canada Superbike feature class helped produce some of the closest racing the sport has seen in its 25 years. Six different riders scored wins in the eight series events and four competitors remained in contention for the title right up to the final weekend of the season. All four major Japanese manufacturers earned Superbike race wins.

Pascal Picotte of St-Cecile de Milton, QC, riding a Yamaha YZF-R1 won his first Canadian national Superbike crown by just six points over Maple Ridge, BC’s Steve Crevier and nine clear of Rock Forest, QC rider Francis Martin. Both Crevier and Martin raced Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycles.

This year’s Parts Canada Superbike Championship consists of eight races over six tour stops, including doubleheader events at Calgary’s Race City Motorsport Park July 2-4 and Mosport International Raceway, near Bowmanville, ON July 15-18.