bLu cRU Oceania Junior Cup

Since its inception in 2019, the FIM Oceania and Dorna Sports- supported bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) has become firmly established as a stepping-stone to the international racing arena.

The OJC concept was created by Motorcycling Australia as a method of setting up a junior race academy that would produce a nurturing environment for young riders to experience road racing at a national level, to learn, improve and showcase their talents.

Even before the inaugural OJC season commenced in 2019, Dorna Sports officially recognised it as a Road to MotoGP category. As a result, a formal pathway was created for the most outstanding OJC riders to progress to other international categories, such as the Asia Talent Cup and Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. The Dorna commitment provided five guaranteed positions in the 2019 Asia Talent Cup Selection Event for riders from the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, and cements MA’s objective to develop clear pathways for junior road racers in the Oceania region.

Even though it has only in its fourth season, OJC has already earned a formidable reputation as a breeding ground for stars of the future with 60 individual kids earning the road racing craft in that time.

The 2022 season will see nine new riders debut with the return of 11 riders from the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup 2021 year. Further, some 19 OJC graduates and current riders will race overseas in 2022.

The OJC formula is simple, but effective. Competitors aged from 11 up to under 16 (as of January 1, 2022) compete against each other on identical Yamaha YZF-R15 raceprepped motorcycles, equipped with control Dunlop tyres, Öhlins suspension, Yamahalube and DID chains.

In the interests of making the entry-level pathway into motorcycle road racing as hassle-free as possible, the OJC package includes transport of the motorcycle to and from each round of the series, along with professional preparation and maintenance during and between events. This removes barriers to entry for competitors and families who may not have the logistics or technical expertise to prepare their own motorcycles.

OJC riders also receive (and keep!) Shark branded helmets, Ricondi leathers, boots, gloves and a team uniform as part of the deal. SHARK helmets join the OJC in 2022 and of course safety is their focus, with many elements learned from racing incorporated into the road helmet range. One of the benefits of the OJC is the emphasis on young rider education through the year as well as specialised training camps. In 2022, OJC competitors will be treated to an intensive training program as part of the junior road racing academy program and conducted by former 500cc Motorcycle and World Superbike winner, Garry McCoy.

Competitors will receive tuition on racing and riding techniques as well as undergoing gruelling fitness training. They will also be educated on off-track aspects of the sport, such as career planning, media and sponsorship. The OJC season includes one official two day test, a two day coaching academy and six televised rounds of the championship.

The OJC has a massive learning curve for rookie riders and thanks to Mototrack Accessories, every rider will have use of a SpeedAngle GPS Lap Timer. For Steve Thibou at Mototrack Accessories, it’s an opportunity to help OJC riders be their best.

Future hopefuls can register their interest to receive further details regarding the 2023 Season. To register your interest in the program head to https://www.asbk.

com.au/about-asbk/oceania-junior-cup/

# FIRST SURNAME STATE MAKE MODEL CAPACITY SPONSOR

7 Sam DRANE NSW Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

13 Marcus HAMOD NSW Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

14 Harrison WATTS QLD Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

18 Elijah ANDREW NSW Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

27 Toby JAMES VIC Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

34 Teerin FLEMING VIC Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

37 Alexander CODEY NSW Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

40 Hunter CORNEY QLD Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

41 Hudson THOMPSON NSW Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

43 John PELGRAVE QLD Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

46 William HUNT

NSW Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

48 Valentino KNEZOVIC NSW Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

66 Lachlan MOODY QLD Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

68 Ryan LARKIN VIC Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

71 James WEAVER NSW Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

72 Levi RUSSO NSW Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

74 Bodie PAIGE

80 Cameron RENDE

QLD Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

SA Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

88 Abbie CAMERON WA Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets

99 Nixon FROST

NZ Yamaha YZF-R15 150 bLU cRU Yamaha, FIM Oceania, Motorcycling Australia, Ricondi, Yamalube, Dunlop, Shark Helmets