Opening lap action of Pro Supersport race two Saturday afternoon at RAD Torque Raceway with eventual race winner Torin Collins (71) leading over Sebastien Tremblay (1), Andrew Van Winkle (45), Elliot Vieira (33), Alex Michel (99), and the rest of the field. [Photo: Rob O’Brien / CSBK]
Andrew Van Winkle showed no signs of slowing down in Saturday afternoon’s second Pro Supersport race at RAD Torque Raceway, putting on a gutsy performance that delivered both redemption and revenge.
After a frustrating crash in race one earlier in the day, the 18-year-old Mountainview Motorsports rider regrouped and returned to the grid with fire in his eyes. When the lights went out, Van Winkle rocketed off the line behind Sebastien Tremblay, slotted into second, and prepared for battle—only to have the race red-flagged on the opening lap.
On the restart, Van Winkle remained in the mix but watched as Torin Collins capitalized on the reset and pulled ahead early. While Collins would go on to dominate the front, Van Winkle found himself locked in a high-stakes battle with Tremblay for the remaining podium spots.
Pro Supersport Race Two podium from RAD Torque Raceway (L-R): Sebastien Tremblay, Torin Collins, and Andrew Van Winkle. [Photo: Rob O’Brien / CSBK]
It was a familiar matchup. Last year, Tremblay made an aggressive move on Van Winkle at Atlantic Motorsport Park. This time, the tables turned. With just a few laps to go, Van Winkle caught the reigning champion off-guard in turn two with a bold, calculated pass—one that came with a hint of payback.
“That was similar to Nova Scotia last year, only this time it was me who finished ahead,” Van Winkle grinned after the race. “There was a bit of contact, but nothing serious. I think there was an issue with his pit board, so I don’t know if he even knew I was there.”
Tremblay confirmed he was unaware Van Winkle had closed the gap so quickly, but showed no ill will over the move, admitting, “I didn’t expect that at all.”
The aggressive but clean pass not only secured second place for Van Winkle but also served as a reminder that the young rider is not backing down in this year’s championship battle. He now sits 29 points behind series leader Collins heading into Sunday’s race, with three rounds remaining on the calendar.
For Van Winkle, Saturday’s podium wasn’t just a strong result—it was a statement. When the pressure’s on, the kid delivers.