Image: Foremost Media.

The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) will once again feature at the Australian MotoGP this year at Phillip Island, returning to the iconic 4.445km circuit this 20-22 October.

The OJC is endorsed under the Road To MotoGP Program, with 2023 marking its fifth year of operation providing riders aged 11 to under 16 the platform to hone their racecraft onboard Yamaha YZF-R15s and launch into a successful career.

Last year marked the first time the OJC was included as a MotoGP support class, and in honour of Australian MotoGP legend and five-time world champion Mick Doohan, the overall winner across the event at Phillip Island this year will again receive the second-annual Mick Doohan trophy.

“We’re thrilled to have OJC returning after a successful Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix debut in 2022,” said Australian grand prix corporation division manager, David Corrigan. “The program is a fantastic opportunity for young riders to get their start, and we know that grassroots programs like this are vital to the future of the sport.”

Mick Doohan added: “The OJC class was one of the highlights of the 2022 event, they are such a talented group and I can’t wait to see how they’ve progressed in the past year. Supporting our young riders is so important to the future of the sport and I am honoured to have my name on a trophy for the next generation.”

Three rounds of the 2023 Oceania Junior Cup have been completed this year alongside Mi-Bike Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) events, with Bodie Paige currently leading the standings.

Additionally, expressions of interest for the 2024 Oceania Junior Cup are being accepted at www.asbk.com.au.