racing

Marcel Irnie still ready to race despite losing superbikes to thieves

KELOWNA – A Canadian superbike champion is going to have to race with a backup bike after his two BMW race bikes were stolen out of a Kelowna parking lot in broad daylight. Kelowna’s own Marcel Irnie, who taught himself to ride on Westside Road, was working out at Worlds Gym in Kelowna two weeks...

Young gear-heads say they are being unfairly targeted by police

KELOWNA – Several young car enthusiasts in Kelowna say police are forcing them to get vehicle inspections despite passing roadside inspections. Recently, RCMP in the Okanagan have stepped up their enforcement of traffic laws, but Owen Kuipers, 17, is a first year automotive technician apprentice who says he was unfairly targeted by police because he...

There’s a first Challenge for everyone

PENTICTON - Tara Ivanitz sits at the back of the room with a smile on her face as she watches her boyfriend, Nathan Champness sit on a panel at the front of the room filled with professional triathletes who will be participating in Challenge Penticton this weekend. While her beau is a seasoned athlete, finishing...

Challenge home-stay program a rewarding experience

PENTICTON - Chris Hawkins is no stranger to triathlon races — being a four-time Ironman participant he knows the importance of pre-race preparation, such as rest, good diet and peace and quiet. That’s why last year, Hawkins, his wife (also a triathlete) and their two young daughters hosted professional athlete Chris Bagg and his wife...

National sport bike racer got his start on Westside Road

KELOWNA – A local rider tearing up the tracks on the American Superbike race scene taught himself to ride on the infamous Westside Road in Kelowna. Marcel Irnie of Irnie Racing is a professional Superbike racer who trains and races out of Las Vegas. A fourth place finish in a recent national event combined with...