The return to Edmonton’s RAD Torque Raceway on Friday brought a mix of excitement and surprises, with reigning Pro Twins champion Andrew Van Winkle making waves in his Sport Bike debut. The 17-year-old showcased his growing prowess, claiming a spot on the front row for Saturday’s race one after an impressive qualifying session.
Van Winkle, riding for FD Racing Suzuki, continues to prove that his transition from the Pro Twins class to the highly competitive Sport Bike category is one to watch. Despite this being his first outing in the Sport Bike class, Van Winkle showed remarkable speed, finishing just 0.801 seconds behind pole-sitter John Laing. His late improvements in the session were enough to edge championship leader Sebastien Tremblay off the front row, a significant feat for the young rider.
Van Winkle’s Meteoric Rise
As the youngest pro champion in CSBK history, Van Winkle has already carved a name for himself in Canadian motorsport. His performance on Friday only adds to his growing reputation as one of the most exciting talents on the grid. Competing against seasoned riders, Van Winkle’s ability to adapt to the faster pace of the Sport Bike class highlights his skill and determination.
“Securing a front-row start in my Sport Bike debut is something I’m really proud of,” Van Winkle shared. “It’s a competitive field, but I’m ready to give it my all in tomorrow’s race.”
A Strong Start Amidst Tough Competition
Van Winkle will line up third on the grid, trailing Laing and Elliot Vieira, who both broke the previous lap record. Laing’s record-breaking performance earned him his first career national pole, while Vieira’s impressive pace on his first visit to RAD Torque Raceway ensured a thrilling fight for the top spot.
Despite the fierce competition, Van Winkle’s strong qualifying effort positions him well for a successful weekend. His ability to disrupt the championship battle between Tremblay and the rest of the Sport Bike field could make him a key player in the doubleheader races.
Looking Ahead
With the first race of the weekend scheduled for 1:10 pm local time on Saturday, Van Winkle is eager to turn his qualifying success into a podium finish. His debut in the Sport Bike class has already sent a clear message: Andrew Van Winkle is here to compete and contend.
Fans can follow Van Winkle’s journey and view the full results from Friday’s qualifying session on the official CSBK website at CSBK.ca.