WOMEN'S CUP CHALLENGE

Open Sportbike Champions Crowned

Shawna Aron.
Vanessa Gareau.

10/09/05 Toronto, ON – Gecko Yamaha rider Shawna Aron has clinched the Pro Honda Oils Women's Cup Open Expert Championship with one round to go.

Aron took the lead over Marie-Josée Boucher in a strong battle for first place at the Shannonville Motorsport Park this past Labor Day weekend. Boucher and Aron fought an epic race that ended a lap early when SV650 Novice rider, Anne Bossy crashed out on the final lap, it was Aron who came out on top. "It's a complete surprise to me, but I rode hard and I'll take it" said Aron on top of the box. Bossy caused a red flag on the final lap but was able to rise to her feet and make her way back to the pits, much to the delight of the cheering crowd. Finishing third in the race was Natalie Catherine Provost who was excited and very worthy to take her first podium finish in the series.

The points chase for second place remains a close battle. Snob Girls Suzuki rider Catherine Nadeau recovering from previous injuries is now followed closely by Nadine Lajoie and Marie-Josée in the hunt for the runner-up position.. Lajoie who fumbled on her start, left the line in a distant last place only to charge through the whole field and challenge for third place.

The Open Novice Championship was also decided at Shannonville when Cycle Max- Honda mounted Vanessa Gareau fought her way to second place while Randé Hilliard Martin took her first career win. The second place finish was all Gareau needed to clinch her first championship. Hilliard-Martin who struggled with engine problems with her usual Buell ride opted to race aboard a borrowed Suzuki 600. The choice proved to benefit Randé as she sailed across the finish line in first place ahead of Gareau and third place finisher Tammy Byng. Fourth place went to Josée Bouchard who clinched second place overall in the championship. Fellow Novice rider, Suzanne Schmid was forced to sit out the previous two rounds. A collision with another rider in St-Eustache (Aug. 13-14) left Schmid will fractures and broken bones in both hands. "I'm not sure at this point whether or not I'll be able to race in the last round. It all depends on my recovery." Schmid may still join the final round to complete the Novice grid.

Although the Open Championships have been won, there remains another round as the points chase continues for remaining positions and the 600 Supersport Champs have yet to be crowned in the battle for the top spot. The last race of the Women's Cup Championship is scheduled for September 23rd-25th in Shannonville,ON. See you there!!!

From a press release issued by the series organizers.