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Marcel Irnie drags a knee in the dirt as he aggressively rounds a corner in racing action. (Photo contributed)
Press release/edited
Marcel Irnie’s quest for success in the Armour Bodies amateur sport bike class of the Parts Canada Superbike Series brought him to Atlantic Motorsport Park (AMP) in Shubenacadie, NS. As a lone privateer, the West Kelowna native made the arduous seven day journey by himself. Irnie arrived the week prior to the Parts Canada National to participate in the regional races at AMP. The race weekend was used to regain his fitness and prepare the machinery for the National race. Using race-worn tires, Irnie rode conservatively, placing 4th, 5th, and 3rd, but was penalized three positions in Sundays race for passing under a waving yellow.
After a week of rest and preparation, Irnie pulled off a scorching 1:10.8 in qualifying, good enough for second in his class. Starting from the front row, Irnie went into the first turn just behind series leader Cody Matechuk, riding for the Acceleration/Suzuki Dealers group. Irnie chased Matechuk throughout the opening laps until Sebastien Tremblay of A.Perusse Kawasaki took second place with an inside pass on lap seven. Irnie chased Tremblay for the remainder of the race, almost catching him on lap nine.
A spectacular crash ended Irnie’s day prompting race stewards to Red Flag the race. ”I was practically low-sided when the rear wheel grabbed traction again and shot the bike in the other direction, kicking me over the handlebars in a Superman-like fashion,” said Irnie. ”I landed hard on the pavement in front of my bike, and slid off the track. Apparently, I kept trying to roll further off the track, but I was already well into dirt.” He was bruised and sore but did not sustain any major injuries.
Irnie drove all the way to Mississauga, ON. for repairs to his damaged motorcycle and he is currently at Shannonville Raceway, in Ontario as he recuperates and prepares for the final event Sept. 3-6.
For more information go to irnieracing.com and to see video of Irnie in action go to vimeo.com/irnie.
sports@kelowna.com
Tags: Marcel Irnie, Superbike race
