Van Winkle

Hi, I'm Andrew Van Winkle, and I have an unshakeable passion for motorcycle racing! My journey on two wheels started when I was just three years old, riding dirt bikes. By age five, I was already racing motocross, and right before I turned ten, I decided to give road racing a shot. My dad prepared a Suzuki DRZ125 for me, and from my very first time on the track, I was hooked. Although I wasn’t able to compete in the season's first race because of my age, I kept practicing and was ready for my debut by the second race. I broke out of the beginner class right away with a lap times that was too fast! This early experience fueled my drive, and I ended up earning the Most Improved Rider award from the PCMRC club.

Between 2017 and 2021, I experienced major growth as a rider. Each season brought new highlights as I competed across different classes, gaining invaluable experience on a variety of bikes. In 2020, I entered the 250 Production class on a CBR250, and the fast pace of this class challenged me to push harder and refine my skills. That same year, at age 13, I had the incredible opportunity to train at Area 27. After that session, I earned approval to ride as a minor, and by 2021, I completed the WMRC New Racer School, earning my Novice Race License at just 14, becoming the youngest rider in WMRC history to do so. That season, I competed in multiple races and began riding an SV650 for track days at Mission Raceway and Area 27.

The 2022 season was packed with excitement and progress. I rode six different bikes on various tracks, taking on challenges that helped me grow as a rider. Highlights included riding a ZX10 at Area 27, competing on the SV650 with the WMRC, and tackling the 675 Daytona on track days. I also earned a 2nd place overall finish in the 250 Triple Crown Series.

Then came 2023, which was a breakthrough season for me. I was thrilled to join the ProTwins class of the Canadian Superbike Series (CSBK), and in my debut year as a professional racer, I won the class championship! This victory made me the youngest rider in CSBK history to claim a professional championship title. I also clinched the Middleweight Twins class championship in the WMRC race series and scored wins and podium finishes in both the Lightweight and Middleweight Superbike classes. While I continued to race with the PCMRC, I found myself increasingly involved with the mini-bike club as a volunteer.

In the 2024 season, I took on the Pro Sportbike class with CSBK on a Suzuki GSXR 600. I raced in four of the six rounds and placed in the top five in all but one race. Standing on the podium five times and winning one race, I became the youngest rider ever to win a Pro Sportbike race. I finished fourth overall in the series and also won the 600SS class in the WMRC race series, riding a Triumph 675 initially and switching to a Ducati 848 for the season finale.

When I'm not racing, I'm dedicated to training. I focus on building strength and endurance through weight training, road cycling, and single-track trail riding with my dad. I also spend time with friends at Popkum Motor Park for motocross and participate in track days with PCMRC, WMRC, and Area 27 whenever I can. I'm looking forward to seeing where the 2025 season will take me!