Dempsey has been campaigning his 2002 Honda RS125 motorcycles this season with an eye on the championship, and after a disappointing end to last year finishing 2nd, Dempsey put his head down to Win this year. A summer of consistent top three finishes, including two wins, secured him of this at Mosport International Raceway Aug 21, 2005 with 1 race still to go. He has finally been able to prop the number one plate next to the rest of his trophies earned this season; and you can bet that that square piece of plastic with the vinyl #1 on it is worth more to the New Brunswick native then any of the shiny metal cups decorating his living room. A childhood dream comes true.

Dempsey frequented the podium this season with His Pro 6 Cycle built machines, He took all mechanical maintenance into his own hands, preparing his purebred racing motorcycles before each race weekend with the TLC that these high- strung bikes require in order to run in peak condition. Having some great help along the way; Pro 6 Cycle, RIPP Racing, Bridgestone Tires, Dunlop Tires, Bickle Racing, Quality Custom, Meri-Mac Inc., Sign-a-rama, Bain Machine, Dave Hughes and of course friends & family.

This has been a challenging year, remarks Dempsey Having all these kids chasing you around all day is a lot of hard work. I have had a great year due to my friends at the track and I want them to know it, THANKS GUYS!! Joe Melchionda thanks for keeping it FUN. John Ross hope the wrist heals quick, you have the talent kid! All I can say about Alex, (17) Ryan, (14) and Brett (14) is look out America these kids can ride. I didn't plan on crashing in the last race but I was going for the lead I had nothing to lose and tucked the front didn't even know I was down till I felt myself sliding. Got the bike started, but it was ailing, still finished every race. I really would like to thank my wife; Tammy who is the organizer of the series the hard work she and Michelle put in is unbelievable for us GP guys and she puts up with me even in the off season.

John has also wrapped up the RACE regional Pro 125 Championship in July and is 3 points away from securing the RACE regional Pro 250 Championship. Having reached his goal, what does Dempsey have planned next? Both his main bike and his backup are being put on the market, but he won't be hanging up his leathers in retirement from competition yet. Along with continuing to race in one respect or another, Dempsey would truly like to act as a mentor and coach to aspiring young riders coming into the Can-Am organization, which is a part of the series' mission: to create a series in which young riders, beginning from as young as 13 or 14, can begin to hone their road racing skills in preparation for possible careers in this exhilarating form or motor sport racing. Please visit John's website at www.iratherberacing.com for more of the season's reports and pictures. Please visit www.canamchallengeseries.com for more information on the Can-Am Challenge Series.