Image: Russell Colvin.

Following a successful inaugural season, the FIM MiniGP Australia Series will return for 2023 with a new 190cc category to join the championship alongside the existing 160cc class.

With certain riders having shone in the 160cc category in the FIM MiniGP World Series, but not yet reached the age to compete at the next level on other Road to MotoGP programs, the new 190cc class provides an opportunity for young talent to continue their development.

10-14-year-olds can compete in the 160cc division on Ohvale GP-0s, with 10″ wheels, as the 190cc class will be contested on Ohvale GP-2s with 12″ wheels, allowing 12-16-year-olds to hone their craft and abilities. In addition, the return of popular support categories will feature at each round, including GP-0 / GP-2 – Open (16-65 years), Veterans Open (35-65 years) and Grom / Mini Motard (16-65 years).

Spearheaded by multi-time Mi-Bike Australian Superbike champion and Ohvale Australia director Wayne Maxwell, the 2023 FIM MiniGP Australia Series calendar will span across five rounds and four states between mid-March and September, with coveted opportunities to compete in MiniGP World Series Finals again up for grabs.

“I am personally excited to have to the opportunity to take a group of kids to Valencia again next year to really see how much we have improved against the world’s best in exactly the same programs,” said Maxwell.

“To be introducing a second class in 2023 on the GP-2 190 is going to be a great initiative, we see the best MotoGP riders train on the same bikes, so we know how good an education tool they are, at all levels.

“As we enter the second year of the MiniGP Australia Series, we now have a much better understanding of what is needed to help elevate the level of riding, as well as the off-track preparation. To have Harry [Watts] and Teerin [Fleming] experience racing kids from the same road to MotoGP program at the World Series Final in Valencia this year is a memory that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.”

Harrison Watts was the inaugural winner of the MiniGP Australia Series this year, and alongside runner-up Teerin Fleming was given the opportunity to compete at the MiniGP World Series finals at Valencia. Watts has confirmed that he will step up to the 190cc class for next season.

“Racing the Mini GP series this year was so much fun,” said Watts. “I learned so much and gained heaps of experience, it was great to have Wayne Maxwell helping out throughout the season.

“I think my favourite race of this year would have to be race one of the final round, I had so much pressure to gain points after the brake line burst in the previous race and with tires going off, I was locked in a battle, pulling off the win under that pressure was such a relief.

“The world series final in Valencia was such an eye-opener and so much fun. Seeing how good the competition is from every country. I learned so much and improved my riding skills over the two days. I am pleased to announce my plans for the 2023 season include moving up to the GP-2 series and hopefully get another ride at Valencia and be more prepared for it.”

Expressions of interest for the expanded 2023 series are still open. More information on the series can be accessed at www.ohvale.com.au.

2023 FIM MiniGP Australia Series calendar: 
Rd1 – 11-12 MAR – Port Melbourne, Victoria
Rd2 – 20-21 MAY – TBC, New South Wales
Rd3 – 29-30 JUL – Ipswich, Queensland
Rd4 – 26-27 AUG – Monarto, South Australia
Rd5 – 23-24 SEP – Oakleigh, Victoria