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The KTM 790 DUKE is a champion of merging razor-sharp agility and hard-hitting punch while bringing class-leading electronics, components, and sheer ability along for the ride. #GETDUKED

SEE MORE AT KTM.COM forth for the whole race with a fellow I didn’t know and we just happened to match up well. It wasn’t a battle for the championship and we were at the back of the pack, but it was one of the most fun times I’ve had, and one of the first times I felt competitive and that I belonged in the club.

IM: Favourite track to race on and why?

PS: I was most nervous about CTMP (Mosport) as it’s the fastest track we go to with the club, but it has proven to be my favourite. It is so flowing and smooth! My mechanical sensitivity makes me feel guilty about thrashing motors, brakes and chassis so when I brake hard after a straight, I am thinking about the poor steering head bearing. Mosport is less violent and harsh. You can let the bike run rather than fight it. Calabogie is a close second. It can hypnotize you with so many corners, some of which look very similar. I love the forest setting even though it meant I had a scary standoff with a groundhog on a fast straight.

IM: Goals for the 2023 season?

PS: As well as the obvious goal of improving my lap times, I’d like to focus less on keeping my bike alive mechanically, and more on riding. I spend so much time fixing things that I am often less able to focus on the riding itself. Going to the track alone is stressful, pushing yourself is rewarding but too much too often isn’t fun so I’m aiming to keep things on the fun side. I’ve dragged some friends into the sport and am looking forward to sharing the joys of road racing as they start competing this year. I’m also eyeing the Modern Lightweight class as a potential option this year (to complement, not replace my ‘Macchi of course) but summer is coming quickly.

IM: When you are not racing, people will find you...?

IM: What is your most memorable race?

PS: Each race weekend has lots of standout moments. Emergency repairs, feats of endurance, wins, crashes. My first time at Mosport was important to me. Racing on such a historically significant track which was the site of one of my first memories as a three-year-old. I saw my dad’s friend racing his Lotus 7 and seeing an Austin Mini flip over, the driver getting out, flipping it upright, and continuing the race. After fighting all weekend to keep the bike alive, everything began to feel dialled in and right. I remember smiling in my helmet and saying to myself, I’m on track with my heroes Dave Roper, and Gary McCaw (right before a light rain facilitated a gentle low-side at Moss corner which, as my first crash, was also memorable). With the older classes, sometimes the bikes in the same class don’t match up as well, but multiple classes run at the same time, so you can usually find someone around your speed to box with. The next year at Mosport I ended up having a really fun battle back and

PS: I work as a fabricator and on-set technician making props and special effects for film and TV. I get to build robots, and blow things up. I’m fortunate that my employers support my racing and let me clog up the workshop with my bike and engine parts, and occasionally help me CNC machine a paddock starter to replace the temporary plywood one I had made. I’m also fairly active with the vintage bike club as well as hang around with the dual sport, adventure bike crowd. I used to be involved in the art/ design worlds making mechanical sculptures, but lately I find that bikes do everything I wanted to do with art, but better than I’m able to. Aesthetic and functional beauty, mechanism, discovery, travel, challenge, technique, excitement, it’s all there. Motorcycles are most of my world but I also particularly enjoy the woods and canoe camping. I’ve been a Venturer advisor with Scouts Canada for 18 or so years where I try to get teenagers to get off the computer and into nature. I’m probably hanging around in a parking lot somewhere talking bikes.

IM: What advice would you give to anyone who is considering trying out their racing skills in the VRRA?

PS: It is absolutely accessible! I was hesitant entering an unfamiliar world, but it has been so rewarding! Come to the races and meet people. Find an ambassador (everyone’s helpful and supportive). It is the most cost-effective form of racing I’ve come across. I find some older guys are worried there isn’t an interest from young people, but I believe it’s more about exposure and resources. As self-driving cars are arriving, we need circuit racing! Unlike some track days, you are with more consistent mature riders, who stay on their line. Maybe pick a reliable Japanese bike to start. If you want advice on going super-duper fast, maybe there’s someone else you can ask. IM