The late Kirk McCarthy was a versatile racer. Image: Kirk McCarthy.com.au.

Applications for the 2014 Kirk McCarthy Memorial Award are now open, with up and coming riders within the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) paddock encouraged to apply.

The program was established by the family of the late McCarthy, who passed away in 2004. Kirk was an established and successful rider, with experience in 500cc Grand Prix and World Superbike competition. He was also the 1995 Australian Superbike Champion.

In conjunction with Motorcycling Australia (MA) and a number of industry partners, the award offers both financial support and product to its recipient.

MA is now accepting submissions for the award, with applications to close on Monday, 14 October.

The award will announced at the ASBK end-of-year presentation, where a trophy will be presented to its recipient.

The first Kirk McCarthy Memorial Award was presented in 2005, to Shannon Etheridge. Past winners include Mitchell Carr, Chas Hern, Cru Halliday, Kris McLaren and Nick Waters. The 2012 recipient was Nathan Houtermann.

Click here to view full details and download the application.