start of the year aboard the ZX-6R, his first national victory. It was the only time Szoke was beaten in the class all season and had many fans musing about what Welsh may have accomplished if he had ridden the bike for a full season. Welsh and Saleemi have obvious chem-
istry and word at ICAR was that Saleemi was impressed with how much Welsh had matured in his ability to assess and commu- nicate the bike’s performance since their first go-round together. Indications are that the team has only scratched the surface with the new Suzuki GSX-R600 Welsh is rid- ing this year. Despite a fall while dicing for the lead
with Trombino in the season opener there is plenty to indicate Welsh can make a serious run at the Pro Sport Bike title this summer. The Pro Sport Bike class often gives a
good perspective into who the most promis- ing rookie Pros are, and based on the sea- son opener this season should be no different. Two of last year’s Amateur national sensations, Raphael Archambault and Jere- mie Hade Precourt gave an excellent ac- count of themselves at Circuit ICAR. Archambault was last year’s Amateur
Sport Bike champion and came within one race of sweeping all seven events. Riding the Archambault Suzuki / Parts Canada Racing Suzuki GSX-R600 in 2011, the Terre- bonne, QC teenager came within a lap of getting onto the podium at ICAR.
Jodi Christie (opposite, #20) is a favourite for the Pro Sport Bike crown after his superb showings against Jordan Szoke in 2010. The Honda rider was unlucky not to win a race de- spite his clear pace; Frank Trombino (top) had plenty to smile about after taking the victory at the ICAR sea- son opener, his first national race win since 2002. The veteran showed great poise in diffi- cult conditions on a Suzuki; The Pro Sport Bike division will once again feature the running of the Buells, as the Ruth- less Racing / Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada team brings v-twin power to the class. Dave Estok was fourth in points in 2010 and Darren James (#29) showed well in limited appear- ances; Raphael Archambault (right) will be a top rookie threat in 2011 after his dominant run to the Amateur Sport Bike title last summer -- his third national championship in three years. The Suzuki rider opened his 2011 campaign
with a fourth at ICAR. photos by Vladimir Valdes (christie) & neil cameron
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