The 2024 season of the Bridgestone CSBK series will be remembered as one of the most exciting in recent years, highlighted by multiple first-time winners. Behind the scenes, another first was underway as Ross Millson oversaw his first full season since being announced as the new owner of series operator Professional Motorsports Productions midway through the 2023 campaign.
Long-time motorcycle road racer in both regional and national series, Millson transitioned his passion for racing, moving from the starting grid to working as a member of the team that keeps the CSBK series on track. Now as the owner and operator of Canada’s national Superbike championship, Millson has his sights set on the future and Inside Motorcycles was fortunate enough to spend some time learning about his plans for CSBK.
Inside Motorcycles: For those of our readers who may not know you or be aware of your background, can you walk us through your journey into motorcycles and from competitor to owner of Canada’s national Superbike series.
Ross Millson: I grew up on a dairy farm near Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and spent a lot of time riding dirt bikes. I began racing go-karts and Legends cars before I transitioned to motorcycle road racing in the mid-2000s. I began competing regionally and nationally in 2005 in the Suzuki SV Cup. That year, I participated in the RACE regional series and the Ontario rounds of the Canadian Superbike Championship. In 2006, I advanced to the Amateur 600 class, finishing second nationally, and progressed to the pro ranks in 2007, racing competitively until 2019.
During the pandemic, I started working with CSBK ownership to help navigate the challenges it faced. After discussing it with my wife, we decided to acquire the championship and its assets to ensure its continuity and growth.
IM: 2024 was your first full season of operating the Bridgestone CSBK series since the acquisition was announced part way through 2023. What do know now that you didn’t know 12 months ago?
RM: The sheer complexity of running a professional racing series has been eye-opening. There’s a passionate community of Canadians dedicated to seeing motorcycle road racing thrive in our country. While the learning curve has been steep, the enthusiasm and commitment of the supporters and fans have been incredibly inspiring.
IM: There has been a lot of effort by people like Toni Sharpless in creating programs targeted at younger racers. How does CSBK support these programs?
RM: The mini racing is massively important to the growth of motorcycle road racing in Canada, we’re very happy to support Toni and her efforts. It’s been great to watch the youngsters get to ride in Spain against the world’s best. CSBK sponsors a ’scholarship’ bike that allows young riders the chance to ride the Ohvale machine used in the FIM MiniG. It would be great to see the mini groups grow regionally and nationally, I hope CSBK can find creating and exciting ways to continue to grow the sport across Canada.
IM: The 2024 season saw some new names jumping onto the podium in numerous CSBK classes. What do the grids look like moving forward?
RM: A few years ago, there was concern about a lack of young talent entering the series. Today, that concern has shifted to how CSBK can best support the influx of young riders. All classes have seen promising talent emerge, and I’m excited to watch them grow. A core mission of CSBK is to nurture this talent and help them compete on the global stage. With growing support, we’re already seeing more Canadians making their mark internationally.
IM: CSBK put on some amazing races in 2024. If you could watch just one race from 2024, which one would it be and why?
RM: That’s a tough choice! We had so many incredible races this season, with numerous first-time winners and unforgettable moments. Personally, I love a good rain race. It’s always exciting to see which riders excel in challenging conditions. Watching the teams and families celebrate those first national victories is always very special.
IM: CSBK was back in the west in 2024 with a return to Edmonton’s Rad Torque raceway. What are the logistics involved with taking the CSBK series to a new track (or in the case of Edmonton a track the series hasn’t been to in a few years)?
RM: Logistically, traveling across the country is always a significant undertaking, with substantial costs for the series and teams. However, being a national championship means embracing this challenge. The warm reception and cooperation from the venues and regional series out west were, and are, key to making it a success.
IM: CSBK is coming to Alberta’s Rocky Mountain Motorsports in 2025. How does this circuit compare to other tracks on the current schedule? Are there other tracks that you would like to add to the schedule in the future?
RM: Rocky Mountain Motorsports is a fantastic venue, we received very positive feedback from our riders after our 2024 test there. As with any new facility, there are challenges, but the plans for the facility are very impressive, we look forward to the future.
While we’re somewhat limited in number of tracks compared to other countries, our focus remains on working to delivering great events and encouraging venues to continue to invest in their facilities.
IM: At the same time that you are running a race series you are also creating content for TSN, Youtube and other outlets? What is the process behind the scenes and how many people are involved?
RM: CSBK (Professional Motorsports Productions) are responsible for the production of all the content for TSN, RDS, Youtube and more.
This involves a dedicated and talented team, we’re very happy to have the show in French language on RDS and look to expand that for 2025.
We have a very qualified staff, working hard behind the scenes to make this all happen, without their commitment, and skills, creating the high-quality content for fans wouldn’t be possible. There are more than 40 individuals working during the season to capture the magic and share it via the many outlets.
IM: Looking forward five years, where do you see the CSBK series?
RM: Our goal is to establish CSBK as a national series that Canadians can take pride in. This requires continued support from venues, industry, and the racing community. I hope to see more robust support for the series, riders and teams, along with more Canadians competing internationally.
IM: Your world revolves around motorcycles. What is in your garage today and what would your dream bike be and why?
RM: Currently, my garage includes a CBR1000RR and SV650, both track bikes, along with a Honda CBF1000 for the street. We also have a good selection of small dirt bikes at the farm for off-season fun.
I don’t necessarily have a dream bike, it’s more about the experience of riding than the machine itself for me. I do plan to make more time for riding next season…
IM: Sponsorship and support from industry are critical to running a series. Who are the companies and organizations you would like to thank and how can others become involved?
RM: We’re fortunate to have amazing support from partners like Bridgestone and Gulf Race Fuels. Their multi-year agreements provide stability for the series and teams.
Major manufacturers also play a key role, supporting riders, teams, and CSBK itself.
I encourage fans and enthusiasts to visit the CSBK website and support the companies that invest in our sport. I must also thank the CSBK staff, their hard work and commitment keeps the series going year after year.
For those companies interested in partnership with CSBK, or those individuals wanting getting involved at the events, please reach out via our website at www.csbk.ca.
