Gravelle ICAR Race Report

GATINEAU, QUEBEC (June 16, 2009) — 6^th place finish for Team Gym-Max/Hybrid Racing sponsored rider Roxanne Gravelle in her first Expert race!

ICAR circuit in Mirabel, Quebec was the sight for round 2 of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. For motorcycle road racer Roxanne Gravelle her weekend started with some exciting news straight away. Upon arrival at the track she was informed by the Women’s Cup Challenge officials that her rider status had changed from Novice to Expert starting that weekend. Gravelle, who was was coming off of a win in the 2nd round of the WCC, was flattered by the announcement but was also caught a bit off guard.

With the information of the status upgrade behind her all sights were set on making a strong impression in her first Expert race. The weekend was going relatively smooth, Gravelle’s Gym-Max sponsored Yamaha R6 was running flawlessly. In her first outing to ICar Roxanne managed to secure a 1:39.813 by Friday afternoon practice. “I am really pumped about my lap times as they are competitive with the times of the other Expert women.” Said Gravelle.

Sunday morning was sunny with no clouds in sight at the ICAR circuit. The great weather was a welcome sight after a Saturday that saw the Team Gym-Max/Hybrid Racing loose the front of her Yamaha R6 while trail braking to deep into turn 1. Gravelle’s confidence was bruised along with a few spots on her right arm and left hand. However, despite the minor discomfort, Roxanne is a racer and decided to work on her confidence during the race. The plan, besting the previous best lap time of the weekend.

In the race Gravelle got an amazing start and finished 6^th with a best time of 1:37.713, exceeding her objectives. “I had a great time out there. My R6 was running incredibly strong as usual which really helped get my confidence back. I’m really happy with my lap times and happy that I was able to be strong in corner #1 which had been my strength all weekend before Saturday morning’s crash. Everything considered it was a good weekend at ICAR and I’m glad to go home with a smile on my face.”

Roxanne would like to thank Pascal Beauchesne, Philip Masse, Simon Blue and Ken Pieschke for the help they provided this weekend, it was absolutely invaluable. In addition she would also like to give special thanks to the Toyota-Yamaha Factory Racing Team crew for going out of their way to help find parts to fix Gravelle’s Gym-Max sponsored Yamaha R6.

Now with renewed confidence Roxanne is looking forward to competing in Round #4 of the Pro Honda Women’s Cup Challenge at the Parts Canada Superbike Championship from July 16 to 19, at the Mosport International Raceway. (http://www.mosport.com/home/home.asp).

Roxanne Gravelle’s 2009 effort is supported by: Gym-Max (www.gym-max.com), Hybrid Racing (www.hybridracing.ca), Fix Auto de l’Outaouais, Bell Helmets (www.bellpowersports.com), Galfer USA (www.galferusa.com), Vortex Racing (www.vortexracing.com) More Information about how you can race Pro Honda Women’s Cup Challenge: www.womenscup.ca/home.htm