This summer Kawasaki Canada and the Mopar Canadian National Superbike Championship (CSBK) launched the all-new Kawasaki Ninja 300 Race Series. It exclusively features Kawasaki Ninja 300 bikes with twin-cylinder engines. The inaugural, invitation-only races took place from August 14-16 as part of the CSBK finals at the legendary Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.

During the weekend, more than 20 identically modified Ninja 300 motorcycles were put at the disposal of VIP riders including journalists, special guests from advanced riding schools, and star racers from various pro series. The idea was to show the levelof competition and entertainment this monotype series can achieve.

On the starting grid were Amy Szoke (a former CSBK Women’s Cup rider and the wife of multi-time Canadian champ Jordan Szoke), Jeff Williams and Matt McBride (two Superbike Pro riders), Doug Lawrence (Flat Track champion), and Michael Taylor (multi-series Canadian champion).


The pros lead the way
Taylor and McBride won the Saturday and Sunday races, respectively. Lawrence had the best weekend, though, being the only rider to step on the podium after both races. Each time, the gap between first and sixth place was less than a second. I saved my best performance for the final day, coming in fourth ahead of Adam Faussett (a Kawasaki Motorcycles USA rep) and Taylor.

Based on the comments of a few participants, the new Kawasaki Ninja 300 Race Series is an excellent springboard to the CSBK 600 Amateur Series. With a high-revving engine and a perfect level of performance, this machine represents the best possible learning tool for novices and intermediate riders alike. Some of our future stars will come from this series.

A look at the various modifications
The Ninja 300 bikes were heavily modified before the inaugural weekend by John Sharrad of Accelerated Technologies and Rob Egan of Brooklin Cycle Racing.

Upgrades include:

• K-Tec fork with adjustable preload, compression and rebound, prepared by Accelerated Technologies
• Elka shock
• Hindle exhaust, muffler hanger, and front and rear stands
• New footpeg plates
• Dynojet Power Commander Five calibration system
• Frame protectors
• Hot Bodies Racing full fairing
• Brake lever protector
• Dunlop Sportmax Alpha 13 DOT tires

Everything else in the chassis must be stock. Participants can customize their own Ninja 300 using a pre-approved kit or buy one of the 20 units that were specially prepared.

Who is it for?
Want to take part in the Kawasaki Ninja 300 Race Series? You must be at least 15 years old, have successfully completed a course at an advanced riding school to get your racing licence, and hold a valid CSBK membership card.

The races have already been planned for 2016-2017, and from racers to organizers to spectators, everyone is confident that the series will enjoy success well beyond those years.

Big props to Kawasaki for this formidable initiative and a beautiful, action-packed first weekend.

To learn more, visit www.csbk.ca and www.kawasaki.ca.