Image: Jake Skate.

Plans to construct an Australian Junior Cup category in 2015 have been aborted, with the Motorcycle Road Race Development Association (MRRDA) this afternoon confirming that its standalone Sumer Series will not go ahead.

With 20 entries required by the MRRDA to get the Junior Cup off the ground in association with Team Honda Racing operator Motologic, just eight confirmed entries were received at the deadline point.

“There has been a lot of damage done to the sport over the past couple of years by other parties, which has left the riders and teams in a position of questioning everything and a lot of negativity in the paddock,” said MRRDA chairman Paul Edwards.

“There is no doubt that the Australian Junior Cup would produce the fairest and most professional racing in Australia, but it seems that the sport in Australia is not ready for it under the current climate.

“We sent out over 60 application forms to interested parties and even up to a week ago there were enough people who were ‘supposed’ to be sending in their applications, which included riders from overseas.

“Unfortunately the deadline to order the bikes and get everything underway has now passed and the minimum number of applications has not been received. As a result we cannot commit to the required $1.2 million budget and we have to put the plans on hold for a standalone series with the Australian Junior Cup as the centre piece.”

The MRRDA committee will convene shortly to consider options for 2015 and beyond.