Drivers Chris Duff, Oliver Jervis and Mike Taylor gathered BMW Motorrad's first three Canadian victories as well as eight podiums finishes. The following year, Mike Ferreira joined the team alongside Mike Taylor. The crew snagged seven podiums and Taylor won the title. The development of BMW sport bikes has allowed the manufacturer to considerably improve the lightness and efficiency of its production models.


Manufacturers usually develop machines based on a racing bike. However, BMW designed the new HP2 Sport first, then fine-tuned it on the World Endurance Championship circuit, including the demanding Bol d'Or and the 24 Heures du Mans. The Canadian BMW Motorrad team also put it through its paces in 2008, registering two HP2 Sports in the Canadian Thunder series. The motorcycles have been evolving throughout the year, benefiting from weight reduction, suspension adjustments, a new electronic engine management and a modified muffler. Constantly improving itself, the team gathered a third-place finish at the last event of the season held at Shanonville, but Mike Ferreira got a two-position penalty for jumping the start. BMW Motorrad finished 4th in the Canadian Thunder series.

Participating in a major series allowed BMW to develop its sport bikes, and the HP2 lineup is proof of that. No doubt about it, BMW will shift into high gear for the 2009 season. In order to improve the blue and white brand's sporty image and conquer new markets, the Bavarian manufacturer will attempt to storm the high-tech bike class next year with its new S1000RR. BMW has already mentioned competing in Superbike in 2009, a series with which customers can identify thanks to the production models it generates. It's looking good!


Photo Credit : BMW