Victory Motorcycles Project 156 Rebounds From Practice Crash

Preparing to attack Pike’s Peak on June 28th.
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 skill 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.”


       A video of the crash and interviews with Don and the RSD team are here: 
       
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 at www.CycleWorld.com, www.RolandSandsDesigns.com and through the Victory Motorcycle official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/victorymotorcycles.