8 • November 2023 • Powersports Business

Moto Canada recently launched during a special event to celebrate the united association for motorcycle , powersport and off-road fanatics . The association was born out of a merger of the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council ( MMIC ), the Canadian Off Highway Vehicle Distributors Council ( COHV ) and Power Sport Services ( PSS ).

Powersport enthusiasts who enjoy a ride on two , three or four wheels , the thrill of off-road adventure or urban travels , and the companies that make them , now have Moto Canada as an advocate for a new era in Canadian powersports .

“ We are launching Moto Canada today as a reset and rebrand for the voice of manufacturers and riders of motorcycles , ATVs , side-by-sides and scooters ,” says Landon French , president and chief executive officer of Moto Canada .

“ We will be the primary stakeholder for governments of all levels regarding rules and regulations for powersport vehicles . We will represent the best brands in the world and welcome emerging brands in Canada . And when riders are looking for information to learn about safety , routes , licenses or equipment , we ’ ll be there for them with answers .”

The MMIC represents the interests of onroad vehicle manufacturers , distributors and consumers . The COHV represents the same interests for off-road vehicles and the two organizations have been working together in various ways since the early 1970s .

With the industry riding the cusp of significant change , such as Canada ’ s commitment to reduce emissions , demographic growth and the desire to increase membership , the time is right for a formal merger .

“ The future we anticipate managing requires a strong voice to help everybody in the industry — stakeholders , manufacturers , dealers , and riders — figure out how to contribute and thrive in this changing ecosystem ,” French says . “ As the world works to de-carbonize the way we live and move , our vehicles will evolve to reflect that change . Canada ’ s powersport manufacturers are

Moto Canada was born out of a merger of the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council , the Canadian

Off Highway Vehicle Distributors Council , and Power Sport Services . Photo courtesy of Moto Canada

embracing this evolution to push the edges of innovation . To introduce new products and new methods of propulsion to complement their current line-up of vehicles .”

A key part of the new organization is Moto Canada Connect , its new in-house marketing and media company that will develop new digital channels for powersport content while delivering the five Motorcycle and Powersport Shows in Canada in early 2024 .

As Canada ’ s premier powersports events , the shows in Vancouver , Edmonton , Calgary , Toronto and Montreal are wholly owned and supported by the world ’ s best powersport brands and major manufacturers — including Arctic Cat , Argo , Aprilia , BMW Motorrad , BRP , Can-AM , Ducati , GasGas , Harley-Davidson , Honda , Husqvarna , Indian Motorcycles , Kawasaki , KTM , MV Agusta , Moto Guzzi , Piaggio , Polaris , Royal Enfield , Suzuki , Triumph , Vespa , and Yamaha .

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 racers in the Midwest during the mid−1960s . He also competed in road racing for Ducati .

He purchased the dealership from Gregory in 1969 , and the two continued to chase championships together by building 750cc drag racing bikes .

From 1970−1972 , Christenson and Gregory developed a trio of twin-engine Nortons dubbed the Hogslayer , named for its ability to upset the dominant Harley-Davidson drag racers of the time .

The Hogslayer gained international fame following its construction . The Hogslayer is now housed in the British National Motorcycle Museum in Bickenhill , England . In 2004 , the Hogslayer was part of the NHRA ’ s “ Golden 50 ” display at the U . S . Nationals in Indianapolis .

Aboard the Hogslayer , Christenson grew into one of the fastest drag racers , earning the NHRA U . S . Nationals title during the 1972 season — the first campaign that included Fuel Bikes in the program . One year later , he set the then-A / Fuel Bike elapsed time record with a 7.83−second run , which propelled him to the win at the NHRA National Motorcycle Record Championships .

Despite Norton ceasing production in 1975 , Christenson claimed the official NHRA Fuel Bike National Championship in 1976 .

After his racing career , Christenson continued to run the Sunset Motors Dealership in Kenosha .