Juniors on track with world’s best at Phillip Island
The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) has officially joined the national line-up at this year’s Australian MotoGP round in October at Phillip Island.
Starting in 2019, the OJC has been developing the talents of young Australian riders between the age of 11 and 16, and this year they will be cutting some laps in a support category on race-prepped Yamaha YZF-R15 machinery.
The winner of this category will be awarded the inaugural Mick Doohan Trophy, in honour of the five-time 500cc World Champion who is keen supporter of the junior motorsport development program in Australia.
“It’s an honour to be recognised in this way and I hope this trophy acts as inspiration for the next generation of Australian riders,” Doohan said.
The OJC joins the national Superbike class to round out the support categories.
Motorcycling Australia’s CEO Peter Doyle says the announcement poses a great opportunity for the next generation of Aussie road racers and he says he’s confident the racing will add to the spectacle.
“Motorcycling Australia is happy to be working with AGPC to showcase the OJC program in front of the world’s elite,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for the 20 kids involved and they’re sure to put on a good show for those fans’ trackside at the island.”
David Corrigan, Australian Grand Prix Corporation’s manager of the motorsport division said the inclusion of young talent is critical to the success of the future of the sport.
“This trophy is in recognition of his ongoing contribution to help further strengthen the category, both now and into the future,” he said. “We’re always looking for ways to nurture and inspire the next generation of Australian riders and grassroots programs such as the Oceania Junior Cup are critical to our continued success in the sport.”
“The Oceania Junior Cup’s addition to what is already a stacked on-track line-up is great news for both motorsport fans and our homegrown youth riders, who’ll now get to cut their teeth on the world stage.”
It has been two long years since the MotoGP class visited the island and the Australian fans will be keen to cheer on Australian world championship riders, Jack Miller, Remy Gardner and Joel Kelso.
For tickets and more information on attending visit motogp.com.au