IBEW Canada was the title sponsor for the opening round of the 2019 Mopar CSBK Canadian National motorcycle road racing championships, held May 17-19, at Shannonville Motorsport Park’s Pro layout. It was a fun-filled weekend where our members and their families came out to support their union and enjoy some racing. It was also a great opportunity to advertise the IBEW and all of the great work that its members do.
In the days leading up to the race, a contest was run on the IBEW Canada Facebook page for a free pair of tickets to the weekend event. The lucky winner was Jason Hutchinson from Local Union 115. Not only did Jason win tickets for the weekend but he also took a ride in the IBEW Canada car on the track.
Promoting IBEW Canada at CSBK Shannonville
While the focus of the weekend was motorcycles, we were able to show the public that IBEW members are leaders in their communities. Throughout the weekend we sold event t-shirts with all profits going to the MS Society of Canada. We are proud to say we raised over $1600 for a cause that is very close to our hearts. We also offered a cash prize to the TSN Motorcycle Experience Amateur Lightweight Sportbike Top Rookie, Justin Marshall. International Vice-President, Tom Reid and International Representative, Cheryl Paron presented Justin with a $1000 cheque.
International Vice-President, Tom Reid and International Representative, Cheryl Paron present Amateur Lightweight Sportbike Top Rookie, Justin Marshall, with a $1000
We were also proud to support our own IBEW member during the race. Jordan Royds of Local Union 105 raced in the Amateur Superbike category. Jordan held the fastest lap time during the Friday training sessions and posted the second fastest lap time during Saturday’s qualifications. During the finals Jordan had a rough start and ended up in the back of the pack. As the race progressed he battled his way back up to the leaders and finished in sixth.
IBEW Local 105 member Jordan Royds racing in the Amateur Superbike category.
The brotherhood extends far beyond the workplace. Members attending the event, some of whom had never met Jordan before, quickly became his “pit crew” and biggest supporters. IBEW Local 115 members Tyler McIntosh and Peter Reid stepped up to assist Jordan in all aspects of his racing. Tyler and Peter are currently trying to get a NextGen committee chartered at their local and their actions this weekend reflected exactly what the NextGen Initiative is all about. We are very proud of the teamwork all of our members displayed. While it may not have been the finish Jordan was looking for, he showed great determination and finished the race strong.
Thank you to all of our members and their families for coming out and supporting the IBEW. To see how the IBEW is helping to recruit the next generation of electrical workers, check out our video IBEW: Racing for The Next Generation