Image: Foremost Media.

The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) has been awarded Australian championship status next year, to be formally recognised in the 2024 season.

It marks a boost in prestige for the OJC, which began in 2019 and is part of the FIM-backed and Dorna Sports-endorsed Road To MotoGP program.

The series boasts an alumni of riders who have gone on to achieve further success at both a national and international level, including Jacob Roulstone who is set to debut in the 2024 Moto3 World Championship with the Red Bull KTM Tech3 team.

“Developing junior talent is a core pillar of any sport, and the Oceania Junior Cup has been a massive shot in the arm for road racing in our region, underpinned by an all-inclusive program and coaching from some of the biggest names in the sport such as former 500 GP winner Garry McCoy,” said Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle.

“The OJC is an invaluable grassroots class for juniors to develop race craft and professionalism, both on and off-track, which they can then utilise as they transition into the senior ranks.

“We look forward to seeing a new batch of riders progress through the OJC ranks in 2024, complete with Australian championship status.”

Expressions of interest for the 2024 OJC close on 26 October 2023, with further information and the link to submit the EOI found here.

The next outing for the 2023 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup takes place this weekend at Phillip Island alongside the Australian MotoGP, with practice and qualifying on Friday, races two and three on Saturday before the category’s final outing of the weekend on Sunday.