PARTS CANADA SUPERBIKE

Martin Signs with Suzuki Canada Blackfoot Racing

10/14/05 — Suzuki Canada Blackfoot Racing is pleased to announce the signing of current National Superbike Champion Francis Martin to the team for the 2006 season.

"This is great news for us and we're happy that Francis will defend his superbike title aboard a GSX-R1000 next year," said Suzuki Canada's Nathan Naslund.

Martin is no stranger to the Suzuki Canada fold. He raced for the factory team in '01, '02 and '03, winning the Open National Championship in 2002. In '01/'02, Martin was aboard a Fast Company Suzuki; the following year he was at the helm of a Blackfoot Motosports Suzuki. Last season, the 31-year-old Rock Forest, Quebec native clinched the Superbike crown racing a Suzuki GSX-R1000 for the Laval Moto/Snobgirls/Diablo Racing Team.

Martin, who won his first Superbike Championship in 1999, recorded third in the Superbike Championship for Team Suzuki Blackfoot in 2003.

"We're very excited to have Francis back with us," said Blackfoot Racing team owner Pat Chambers. "Francis is the consummate professional and a great athlete. Without a doubt he will be a valuable asset to the team."

Although Martin will rely on Blackfoot Racing's suspension specialist Joe Skidd for all suspension work, and the rest of the technical department for general bike maintenance, he will be bringing his own mechanic, Patrice Goyette, to the team to look after wrenching duties.

"It is definitely a good feeling to come home again to the official Suzuki Canada team," said Martin. "I am happy to be back with Blackfoot, too. I think they are the team to win next season and I am looking forward to a successful season with them."

From a press release issued by Suzuki Canada Blackfoot Racing.