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Diablo Honda starts strong
posted by Roddy 

The Diablo Honda team based out of Montreal Quebec, has started the 2002 CMRC National series with a bang and are looking to score a top finish in the competitive 250cc class.

For Immediate Release:

Kamloops, BC; June 23, 2002
Whispering Pines Raceway

Honda Diablo Pro Tech Bills has started the Export “A” Extreme Sports Series Canadian Motocross Championships demonstrating that they’ve got what it takes to run with the top racers, and are serious contenders in the battle for the 2002 Canadian National Championship. They’ve also showed that they strike hard and they strike early.

On the second national race of the 2002 season held in Kamloops, BC, Marco Dube got right on the gas in the first 250 moto, and was into the lead position within the first lap. Teammate Doug Dehaan also got off to a blistering start, and launched into third place. Dube held off national champ JSR until the third lap, when Dube slipped into 2nd place immediately in front of teammate Dehaan in 3rd. JSR, Dube and Dehaan seemed to be racing in a league of their own, and showed the pack that the Honda CR 450 was the bike to beat. Dube and Dehaan continued to pull away from the pack for the duration of the race, finishing second and third respectively.

The drop of the gate in the second 250 moto saw Dube once again blister into the lead, with Smail and JSR hot on his trail. On lap 3, Dube slowed for a yellow flag, and JSR passed to him to assume 1st place. Dube stayed on his heels, hungry to reclaim his rightful position. On the following lap, Dube lost control of the bike in a dramatic incident that put an unexpected end to his day. Meanwhile, Dehaan stalled in the 4th turn, which set him back several positions. He managed to work his way up to an impressive 6th position by the end of the moto, and is currently tied in 5th position in the overall point standings. It was later ruled that JSR passing Dube was illegal, and JSR was subsequently penalized several points.

Heidi Cooke, the 2001 Ladies Pro Class National Champion remained true to form and brought her Honda Diablo Pro Tech Bills 125 to a dual victory. Cooke will compete in next weekend’s national event in Calgary.

The first round of the Export “A” Extreme Sports Series saw Dube get the holeshot in the first moto. He led over half the race when misfortune struck in the form of a flat front tire. Impressively, he was able to complete the race. The second moto saw Dube engage in an exciting and competitive battle to finish 5th.

Dube and Dehaan are also new riders for 2002 to the Honda Diablo Pro Tech Bills Team. Dube has worked closely with Team Manager Andy White for years, including with Suzuki Canada’s National Team in 2000, where Dube finished 2nd. Doug Dehaan joins the team from Honda Blackfoot. Chris Sprenkel and Ted Chatterson also join the team as mechanics for Dube and Dehaan respectively.

“We’re thrilled to have 2 of the series most competitive riders on board this season,” said team manager Andy White. “These guys bring with them such a high level of talent, experience and professionalism. There’s a great dynamic in the team, and that can be hard to achieve. It’s going to be a great season.”
Honda Diablo Pro Tech Bills will compete at Round #3 in Calgary June 29-30, 2002.

Honda Diablo Pro Tech Bills would like to thanks it’s sponsors: Team Diablo Honda would like to thank their sponsors Honda Canada, RPM Finance, Pro-Tech Suspension, Michelin, Factory Effex, Bills Pipes, Acerbis, Bondi Engines, Renthal, EBC Brakes, Turner Engineering, Fox Canada, Troy Lee Designs, Devol, Steen Hansen, Twin Air, Torco, Children’s Starlight Foundation, Falcon Golf, Zimmerance Trailers, and Sticky for their ongoing support.

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