Image: Supplied by Little Mountain Media / Chilliwack teenager Andrew (AJ) Van Winkle (pictured) became the youngest rider ever to win the Pro Sport Bike class of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike (CSBK) Championship on Sunday, June 23, in Alberta. 

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Andrew Van Winkle

Chilliwack teen becomes youngest rider to win Pro Sport class of Bridgestone Canadian championship

Jun 28, 2024 | 10:17 AM

EDMONTON, ALBERTA— Making history and shattering records comes naturally to Chilliwack teenager Andrew (AJ) Van Winkle, a 17-year-old motorcycle rider.

Van Winkle outdid himself on Sunday, June 23, when he became the youngest rider ever to win the Pro Sport Bike class of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike (CSBK) Championship.

Not only did he capture the championship title, Van Winkle tied another record and became one of only two Sport Bike riders to ever win a race in this championship class on only their second attempt. Despite coming into this season and new racing class as the reigning champion of the Pro Twins Class – in which his 2023 win also earned him the title of the youngest pro champion in CSBK history – Van Winkle entered this series with tempered expectations but the same enthusiasm he brings every time he hits the track.

Image: Supplied by Little Mountain Media / Chilliwack motorcycle rider Andrew Van Winkle (centre) hoists the goods after winning the Pro Sport Bike class of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike (CSBK) Championship.

“Last year’s experience riding in a professional class for the first time taught me a lot, and that things on the track can change quite quickly, so I just came to this race ready to do to my best, to keep pushing myself and to be grateful for this incredible opportunity,” said Van Winkle, following Sunday’s win at the RAD Torque Raceway near Edmonton.

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Making his Pro Sport Bike class debut on Saturday, June 22, at just 17 years old, Van Winkle had never previously ridden the track, or a Suzuki GSXR600 before. Being on a 110-horsepower bike in a 125-horsepower class, he could’ve been counted out as a bit of an underdog, but proved once again that his skills as a rider only rival his tenacity, as he moved from fifth place to the top spot on the podium by the second race of the series.

The impressive start to his professional career comes just three years after being the youngest person to receive a racing license from the Westwood Motorcycle Racing Club, and earned his expert-level racing license from the club the following year. Never content to simply coast, Van Winkle is already gearing up for the next CSBK race, which has him returning to Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia in July.

“I’m pumped,” said Van Winkle. “Every time I get on the track with these other great riders I learn and grow, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings!”