Canadian Stacey Nesbitt made international history at the age of 14 when she won the 2011 Honda CBR125R Challenge. On the back of her five out of ten race wins, she became the first woman in the world to win a national road racing championship in a mixed-gender series. This auspicious start to Nesbitt’s racing career has left many to wonder what the young woman will do to reprise her impressive opening act.
It was Honda Canada’s creation of the new CBR250R Challenge Championship that ultimately answered that question. Nesbitt will return this year on a CBR250R in the hope of becoming the new series’ inaugural Champion. And although every race will present her with a considerable challenge, she had to deal with an even greater challenge during the off-season: the procurement of the sponsorship needed to keep a racer on the track.
Fortunately, there have been successes on this front too and several companies have already pitched in. But, as her father Grant Nesbitt cautioned, “We have to continue searching for financial backers and sponsors to help cover costs. We’re hoping that others will take advantage of Stacey being allowed to run the #1 plate on the bike in 2012.”
Nesbitt recently teamed up with Ottawa motorcycle dealer, Powersports Canada. “I am really excited to have Powersports Canada on board this year,” said the young racer. “Greg Brule has been fantastic in helping us put our 2012 program together. My goal is to reward their support with the #1 plate.”
Other key players already involved in Nesbitt’s 2012 campaign include Forensi-Tech Racing (technical support), Arlen Ness Inc. (racing gear), Statoni Racing Team (logistics), and a long-time friend and supporter of the team, Mike Rixon of R&M Electrical.
Other supporters have been named as well: Lucky Stripe, Club Ouest Gym, Agritex, Clarence & Cripps, Groupe DPJL, Beaconsfield Dental Center, VnM Sport Gear, Franklyn Dominguez, Russell Dade and Robert Holt.
The first round of the national 2012 Honda CBR250R Challenge, a support series for the Mopar CSBK Canadian Superbike Championship, will be held June 22 at Shannonville Motorsport Park. Nesbitt’s progress can be followed on the Statoni Racing website, www.statoniracing.com, and all enquiries regarding her efforts can be sent to info@statoniracing.com.
