Ask anybody where they'd like to go for a summer vacation you'll probably get a wide range of answers: the beach, the mountains, Europe. But if you ask Ottawa's Josée Bouchard, chances are all you'd get was a strange look. You see, with the Canadian summer sandwiched between July and September, Josée knows that for now, she'd better leave the swimsuit in her dresser and hit the track while it's nice outside! For her dedication, we're giving her a nice sunny one-year membership to Sponsorhouse.com. Surf's up!
By Gregg Lowley

How long have you been racing?
Two years. I started in 2004.

How did you get started in racing?
I went to a race school in 2001. I really liked it but I kind of put it on the back burner. In 2003, I started working for the Parts Canada Superbike Championship Series, the National Series in Canada. In the winter of 2004, I heard about an "all women" racing series. That was my chance to start racing. It started in 2003 and was then called "Women's Trophy". In 2005, the series' name changed to "Women's Cup Challenge".

Why do you race?
Because I've been riding bikes on the road ever since I could and I always loved speed. Since my bike accident on the highway, I find it too dangerous to ride on the street. When racing, I love the feeling that I can go as fast as I want without having to worry about cops being around the corner. I am also very competitive.

Which racing schools have you attended?
FAST riding school, phase I, II and R, owned by Michel Mercier.

What is your favorite track?
I tried Le Circuit Mt-Tremblant once for a track day in 2005 and I loved it. It is mostly a car race track, so there aren't many motorcycle events. But hopefully, I will be able to try it again in the future. I also like Mosport since my win there last year. I might go to Jennings this winter for a track day. I will see then how I like it.

What’s your proudest moment in racing?
Winning the Novice class at Mosport in July 2005 by about (from what I heard) 10 sec. Being on top of the podium and spraying (and drinking) champagne is quite fun!

Your lowest moment?
Crashing in the rain at the last round of the season on the Long Track at Shannonville Motorsport Park. I just needed to finish the race in Supersport to secure my 2nd position in the Championship ...  everything was going too well!

What’s the best thing about racing?
Speed, challenge and friendship in the paddock!

The worst thing?
The high cost and the fact that there is no weekend left to go to the beach! Summer is short here, in Canada....

What do you consider your strong point as a racer?
I fight until the end, I don't give up easy and I'm eager to learn.

Your weak point?
Endurance and being too cautious in corners where I've crashed before.

Who is your strongest competitor?
I had some really good battles with Vanessa Gareau in 2005 and she finally finished on top! Randy Hilliard-Martin was quite tough too when she was out there!

Who is your biggest supporter?
My boyfriend, my brother, my sponsors and all my friends. My family is in general proud of me, but they all wish I would do yoga instead!

Do you have a favorite racer?
Chris Vermeulen and Josh Hayes ... just 'cuz.

What are your future racing goals?
I am now an expert rider in the WCC. My goal is to keep learning and to try to stay with the leader group.

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