Yamaha VR46 Master Camp graduates Tomas Casas and Jake LeClair will lead the charge for Yamaha’s bLU cRU in the 2022 Canadian Superbike Championship. Both riders are anxious to return to competition after the past 2 years of COVID-impacted CSBK programs.
Casas, who finished seventh in his 2021 Superbike season, is hungry for redemption after finishing last year with a DNF at Calabogie Motorsports Park. The Peterborough, ON-based rider unfortunately sustained a broken wrist back in April but hopes to line up for the 1st round!
“I’m excited for the return of a full schedule and to be representing Yamaha Canada once again onboard my YZF-R1” said Casas, the defending two-time CSBK Pro Sport Bike Champion. “With now a season and a half under my belt onboard a Superbike, we will continue to learn and fight for race wins!”
While Casas battles it out in Pro Superbike, LeClair will return for his second year in the Pro Sport Bike class on his YZF-R6. The 20-year-old from Blackstock, ON won the first bLU cRU Factory Ride Award presented in road racing in 2018 and finished second in Amateur Sport Bike as a rookie in 2019. Despite the pause in his career momentum during the pandemic, LeClair is ready to suit up.
“I have been training hard this winter for the upcoming 2022 National Series and have gotten out on my R6 a couple times this spring to do some testing. I am looking forward to the first round!” Said the youngster.
Casas and LeClair are the only two Canadians to ever attend the Yamaha VR46 Master Camp in Italy (Casas in 2017 and LeClair in 2019). Both riders had the chance to meet and speak with MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, learn from his VR46 Riding Academy instructors, train in the gym with MotoGP star Franco Morbidelli and ride the legendary Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
The Canadian Superbike Championship kicks off its 2022 season at Grand Bend Motorplex June 10th!