Shannonville: Steven Nickerson summary

Nickerson Wins 2009 Honda CBR125R Challenge Championship

Shannonville Ont. - September 10, 2009 - Steven Nickerson of Hamilton, Ont. took home the Honda CBR125R Challenge title thanks to a hard fought second place finish at this past weekend's series finale at Shannonville Motorsport Park.

On Saturday, Nickrson qualified third with a 107.024 and was only .200 off pole which went to Karl Robitaille of Ste-Julie, QC.

Nickerson started the race from the front row with a 26 point lead on his friend and main rival, Bodhi Edie of Warman, SK. Nickerson would only need a top five finish to win the Championship.

The 14 year-old shot off the line to hold third place going into the first corner. Unfortunately, the race was red flagged after only two laps when another rider fell in turn 2. After a brief delay, the grid was set for the restart.

Nickerson once again bolted off the line and began fighting for the lead with Edie in what was one of the most exciting races of the day. The two front runners would eventually break away from the pack leaving a group of four riders fighting hard for third place. On third last lap Nickerson found extra corner speed coming out of corner 4 and used it to challenge Edie for the lead.

In the dying laps of the race Nickerson opted to hold fast in second to secure the Championship. He eventually brought home the #661 Inside Motorcycles / RMP Racing / Turn 2 Honda CBR125R in second place and celebrated his Championship win in front of the crowded Shannonville stands with his elated crew and family. Edie won the race and Ryan Appenrodt of Quesnel, BC finished third.

This season was filled with a number of firsts for the up and coming road racer. 2009 was Nickerson's first year competing at the National level in Canada where he learned to quickly adapt to new tracks, race in front of large crowds and hone his interviewing skills in front of TSN's TV cameras. He was also part of the first ever motorcycle demo race at the Honda Indy Toronto. Additionally Nickerson earned a spot on the podium at each round and achieved RMP Racing's first National Championship.

"This season would not have been possible without Ross' support" said Nickerson, referring to mentor and RMP Racing team owner Ross Millson. "He supplied me with the bike and was there to answer any questions I had. I also have to thank my parents for helping me every step of the way and of course our sponsors."

In addition to being honoured with the Honda CBR125R Challenge Championship Trophy and the Number One plate, Nickerson also earned the opportunity to attend, 1993 Grand Prix World Champion, Kevin Schwantz's School at Barber Motorsport Park in Birmingham, Ala.

-credit: rmpracing.ca