Source: Supplied.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has announced the introduction of the GP Juniors Cup road racing program that will run in conjunction with select rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) in 2017.

The junior development program is designed to be more accessible and affordable for young, aspiring road racers, in an effort to increase grids and identify Australia’s future national and world champions.

As a single manufacturer production-based road racing class formulated to develop race craft and highlight upcoming talent, MA will be partnering with GP Juniors Australia along with the assistance of Yamaha Motor Australia.

Both MA and Yamaha Motor Australia share the same vision to build a production-based feeder program where talent, rather than budget, determines the outcome.

The category will be open to juniors aged between 12-16 years of age, and will be introduced in two stages. In 2017 the GP Juniors Cup will form part of the GP Juniors Australia Championship, with three rounds to be featured at select events on the ASBK calendar.

Riders will utilise the highly-dynamic Yamaha R15 with an additional race kit, available for a price of $4,499.00, or race prepared for $4,699.00 (excluding race tyres). GP Juniors Australia is also offering a fleet of R15’s available to lease on a round by round basis for those wanting experience road racing before making a fulltime commitment.

MA and Motorcycling Australia have strong plans for new category, where the GP Juniors Cup is slated to become a permanent fixture of MA’s ASBK championship in 2018, showcasing junior talent in front of factory teams and on ASBK TV. The championship victor of the 2018 title will also be awarded a race prepared Yamaha R3.

MA’s operations and events director Martin Port likened the GP Junior Cup to those in Europe that have continually produced successful riders on the world stage, revealing the program is about providing a level field that highlights the talented riders.

“You only need to look to Italy and Spain to see what works,” port explained. “Both countries have been dominating the world stage for the past decade. The success in Europe is a result of a nationally run, highly-contested single-make racing programs – developing the necessary skills to fight for world titles at an age most Australian road races only start on the tarmac.

“MA’s mission is to open the sport of road racing to a younger generation of riders through a platform that teaches race craft and rider development at both state and national levels. It’s not about the haves and have nots, it’s about a level playing field so talent can shine.”

For more information on the GP Junior Cup, visit www.asbk.com.au or www.gpjuniorsaustralia.com.au.