Sixteen-year-old Cody Matechuk has been riding motorcycles since the age of three, but his recent success on road-racing bikes may be paving his way to the big time.
The Cochrane native spent his Sept. 18 at Race City Motorsport Park entering his two bikes into three different races on a cold, cloudy day.
“It’s the adrenaline rush, the speed, the competition, it’s a lot of fun,” said Matechuk, as his two-man team prepared his 600cc Suzuki GSX-R.
“You live life at 60 km/h and you come out here and live it at 200 km/h.”
Matechuk has gained notoriety in the past three years taking home two national titles in his first attempts in the 650 sportbike series in 2008, and the 600cc amateur series in 2009.
This year was Matechuk’s first as a pro rider, and he competed in the Canadian Superbike Championship, taking a third place finish in Calgary in June, finishing the season sixth overall and best Suzuki rider.
“That was indescribable,” said Matechuk about his June podium. “It was a big moment in my life. I can’t wait for my first win.”
Matechuk found himself in fifth position once riders sorted themselves out during Canadian Superbike round at Race City. He clawed his way past two of the best riders in 22 laps to claim that podium finish.
The Canadian Superbike Championship is the top of motorcycle racing in Canada, but with the success the young two-wheeler has seen on the pavement, he is aiming for a bigger challenge.
The American Motorcyclists Association (AMA) Superbike Series is the premier motorcycle racing series in the U.S.A., travelling to tracks all over the country, with some of the best riders in North America.
“I definitely want to do AMA,” said Matechuk. “Maybe do World Superbike or something. It’s about being at the right place at the right time and meeting the right people.”
Matechuk’s Acceleration Racing team owner, and step-father Clint McBain agreed.
“You really have to keep on that climb,” said McBain, who stepped down from full-time riding last season to allow the team to provide equipment for Matechuk. “We want to find him a well-funded team, it’s really hard to find.”
McBain says that to compete at that level, financial backing of about $100,000 is necessary to be competitive, and the only way to find a team with such backing is to get your name into those races.
Acceleration Racing has the equipment and know-how to compete in the AMA Superbikes, but not the funding.
When Matechuk is not on the road for a round of the Canadian Superbike Championship, he enters the regional events like the one this past weekend, which the team considers practice.
“The regional rounds for us is more practice,” said Matechuk. “There is not a lot of track time on the bike year round, especially in Canada. Nationals is where we really put our heads down.”
That practice makes perfect, as Matechuk, riding his red, white and black Suzuki claimed a win in all three races he entered Sept. 18, finishing his regional series strong.
“He rides both (bikes) extremely well,” said McBain.
“He has gained my respect as a rider, he has stepped it up a lot. It’s been a very memorable season, that’s for sure.”
Matechuk says that Acceleration Racing will attempt to field a bike for him next season in the AMA Superbike Series, hoping to catch the eye of a top tier team in the U.S.A.
