Early race action during the first of three Pro Supersport races this weekend at RAD Torque Raceway saw Andrew Van Winkle (45) with the early lead over eventual race winner Torin Collins (71) and Sebastien Tremblay (hidden). [Photo: Rob O’Brien / CSBK]
Andrew Van Winkle came into the weekend’s Pro Supersport tripleheader at RAD Torque Raceway with momentum and high expectations—and he wasted no time showing why he’s a key contender in this year’s title fight.
The young Mountainview Motorsports Suzuki rider made an aggressive start in race one, charging ahead of pole-sitter Torin Collins to take the early lead. With reigning champion Sebastien Tremblay also in the mix, the opening laps featured some of the most intense racing of the season. But when Tremblay was forced to retire on lap four, the spotlight narrowed to a head-to-head battle between Van Winkle and Collins.
For several laps, Van Winkle held his own, pushing Collins to the limit and even dicing with him through turns three and four—refusing to give up the position easily. It was a showcase of grit, skill, and determination as the two teenage front-runners clashed for control of the race.
However, after Collins took the lead on lap eight and began to inch away, disaster struck. While still running in second and keeping the pressure on, Van Winkle suffered a crash that sent shockwaves through the championship fight. Though he quickly remounted and brought his machine home in sixth, the incident marked a tough blow to his campaign.
Despite the setback, Van Winkle remains very much in the hunt. His early pace and refusal to concede easily to Collins reinforced that he’s not just a title hopeful—he’s a fighter. With two more races left this weekend, the #45 has every opportunity to bounce back strong.
As the battle for the Supersport crown heats up, one thing is clear: Andrew Van Winkle is still right in the thick of it.