Andrew Van Winkle proved his resilience and skill during race one of the Economy Lube Pro Sport Bike doubleheader at RAD Torque Raceway. The 17-year-old, riding for FD Racing Suzuki, overcame a challenging start to slice through the pack and secure a commendable fifth-place finish, showcasing his fighting spirit and determination.

A Challenging Start, a Strong Comeback

The race didn’t begin as planned for Van Winkle. A poor start saw him drop to the back of the field, but the young rider quickly shifted gears—both figuratively and literally. With precision and confidence, he worked his way through a tightly packed group of riders battling for fourth place.

In the final laps, Van Winkle joined a fierce fight with fellow rookie teenagers Mavrick Cyr and Philip DeGama-Blanchet. As Cyr faltered in the penultimate lap, Van Winkle capitalized on the opportunity, executing a calculated pass to secure fifth place. It was a brilliant recovery effort and a testament to his ability to remain composed under pressure.

Continuing to Impress

Van Winkle’s fifth-place finish is another strong result in his Sport Bike debut season, highlighting his adaptability and growth. Despite transitioning from the Pro Twins class, where he made history as the youngest pro champion in CSBK, Van Winkle continues to show he belongs among the top riders in the highly competitive Sport Bike field.

“After the start I had, I just focused on staying calm and making smart moves,” Van Winkle said. “To come away with a top-five finish after that is something I’m really proud of, and it gives me confidence heading into the next race.”

Looking Ahead

Van Winkle’s performance in Edmonton solidifies his status as one of the most exciting young talents in Canadian motorsport. With each race, he’s proving that his transition to the Sport Bike class was the right move. His ability to bounce back from setbacks and deliver strong results is sure to make him a regular threat on the grid.

As the season progresses, Van Winkle will undoubtedly aim for even higher finishes, and fans can expect more thrilling rides from the talented teenager.

Stay updated on Andrew Van Winkle’s progress and other CSBK news at CSBK.ca.

https://csbk.ca/index.php/news/news/4112-laing-takes-emphatic-win-in-sport-bike-race-one-at-edmonton