The Victory Motorcycles Project 156 suffered a setback on Saturday June 13th in a practice accident on the Pikes Peak race course. Cycle World Editor and Project 156 rider Don Canet did not suffer any serious injuries, and was immediately up from the crash. However the motorcycle was damaged enough to require a complete strip-down and frame straightening.
“We have been making significant progress on the engine tune of the motorcycle each time it went out, and were able to start focusing on the handling aspects of the bike,” said Canet. “As I was going up the mountain I lost the front end under braking. Asphalt temperature was extremely low and, counterintuitively, I think the tire was getting colder as the run went on.” Canet took third position in his rookie season in his debut at the “Race to the Clouds” last year.
The Falkner-Livingston team transported the race bike back to the Roland Sands Designs headquarters in Southern California for evaluation. “Not going to lie…” says RSD project leader Cameron Brewer, “Project 156 is really beat up. But we are racers at heart and I can promise Victory Motorcycles, Cycle World Magazine, RSD and Pikes Peak fans that we will rebuild the bike. She took one hell of a hit, but we are committed to this program.”
“The first question was if Don is OK – when we heard that he was, that was our biggest relief. Racing is serious business, and it takes commitment, planning, guts and skills to get through these situations,” said Victory Motorcycles General Manager Rod Krois. “Victory Motorcycles took this endeavor on to challenge ourselves and make history by putting a competitive American bike back on Pikes Peak. Commitment is not for the weak, and I know that our team will make the decision that is best for Don and our brand.”
The Victory Motorcycles, Cycle World and Falkner-Livingston teams wish to thank those who recognize the enormity of the challenge, and support us in the Race to the Clouds. For continuing updates on the repair of the race bike and its return to Pikes peak, fans can follow the story on the Victory Motorcycle official Facebook page.
Some people don’t know when to hang it up. ..Z
Glad DC is ok, hope they can rebuild in time to race.
Hey Zipper,
You never, never, never give up! Quitting is for losers!
Over & Out,
Jeff
Pike Peak was king when it was a semi paved route. It demanded far more skill and allowed a broader field to compete. Now its simply about the money (again) and will soon be out of reach for all but multi-national corporate sponsored teams.
All said though – Victory will probably have a tough time beating the Italian and Japanese machines
they should ever give up, even if he had to push it to the top on his knees.
Hay, that’s racing.
If your not Crashing your not trying hard enough…. 🙂
-nicker-
Ive done that before 20 years ago, have a much greater respect for traction when braking hard. Gotta get back on and shake it off,
Better finish last than not finish. If you lead the race and crash on the last lap what did that prove. DC. looks like he is getting long in tooth. Maybe it is the picture. A man has to know when it’s time to move on not Quit. Best of luck to the Victory and everyone on their team. ..Z
If every racer that crashed hung up their leathers we wouldn’t have any good racers left.
As i recall….
When the race was reopens to motorcycles, back when a good part of the road was still dirt, a Triumph entered that inaugural event. It crashed at some point during its run, but still finished in 3rd place.
-nicker-
I wouldn’t expect Canet to ever give up !
These are the kind of people that make us all better as an industry !
If you can’t push it over the line, carry the gnikcuf bike over the line !
Glad no one told Burt Munro to hang it up. Wait, I am sure they did – or tried to.
GO!!! GO!!! GO!!!
AND AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!
never give up, Never Give Up, NEVER GIVE UP !!!!
Good to hear everyone is ok…
get that bike back together & go for it !!!!
Latest update is the bike has been rebuilt and ready for tech. They will be racing.
Good luck, fellas. Gotta keep diggin