Australia’s QBE round of the 2014 Superbike World Championship will feature the Motorcycle Road Race Development Association (MRRDA) as a support category for the first time.

A grid of 12-15 year olds will line-up in front of the world’s top Superbike teams at Phillip Island on 21-23 February, combining the 85cc two-strokes and 160cc four-strokes on track in two separate categories.

As well as the addition of juniors, the WSBK meeting will also host the popular Historic bikes and the opening round of the ‘Phillip Island Championship’ (click here for details).

Around 30 juniors are expected to front the Phillip Island grid, including the two riders who stamped their authority on the 2013 MRRDA titles; Jacob Whitehouse and Nick Liminton.

Other strong competitors to strut their stuff on the world championship stage will be Lachlan Epis and, making it a family affair, Tayla and Jacob Street.

Adelaide’s Olly Simpson, who will compete in the European Red Bull Rookies Cup again in 2014, supporting MotoGP rounds, will almost certainly be tempted to compete in front of his friends and family in a local cameo appearance hopefully joined by his younger brothers, Mitch and Jordy on the grid.

In all, there will be three world championship and 10 national races at the Phillip Island WSBK round from Friday to Sunday, with the action starting no later than 8:30am on all three days.

The world championship events will be held on Sunday afternoon; midday and 2:40pm for the 22-lap World Superbike races, and 1:10pm for the 21-lap World Supersport race.

Entries are open for the MRRDA Juniors and close mid January, with entry forms and supplementary regulations at www.worldsbk.com.au and Motorcycling Australia’s website www.ma.org.au.

Tickets for the 2014 ein FIM Superbike World Championship, QBE Round, Phillip Island, are on sale now.

Advance ticket buyers can take advantage of a super deal – $99 (plus processing) for a three-day general admission pass – a massive $51 cheaper than the gate price. For further information go to www.worldsbk.com.au.