As Close to Dead-Even Racing as Possible – MotoAmerica Junior Cup Announces Class Rules

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by Press Release

MotoAmerica’s new Junior Cup has just announced the class rules and restrictions. The bikes competing will remain pretty much showroom-stock, save for some minor suspension, engine and electronic upgrades. The main parameters include price caps for various components, RPM limits, which vary from bike to bike, and ECU reflashes aimed to eliminate traction and launch control. The Junior Cup’s goal is to promote intense racing that focuses more on rider ability rather than the equipment they’re using. We only wish that we were between the ages of 14-25 again…

Begin Press Release:

January 24, 2018 – The all-new MotoAmerica Junior Cup is designed to promote bar-to-bar racing where young riders can hone their skills and prove themselves, without being on pricey, factory-level machines. This will be the home of the future stars of MotoAmerica.

Technical rules for the class have been based off of the FIM 300 Supersport class, which has already proven itself by delivering some of the most exciting racing across Europe. The bikes competing are essentially showroom-stock, lightweight motorcycles with simple, yet effective suspension, engine, and electronic upgrades. To ensure that the cost of building a bike is kept down, price caps have been set in place for each component.

As close to dead-even racing as possible – that’s what the Junior Cup is designed for. MotoAmerica has put strict RPM limits on each bike by requiring each motorcycle to be fitted with a quickshift/ RPM limiting device built by HM Quickshift. Complementing the RPM restriction will be a short list of approved ECU flashes, which will keep teams from adding any additional strategies like traction control, launch control, or pit-lane limiters. Unlike the FIM 300 Supersport class, data acquisition equipment will be forbidden. The Junior Cup is set to be simple, yet ruthless.

Provisional RPM Limits

• Honda CBR500R: 10,500 rpm

• Kawasaki Ninja 300: 13,000 rpm

• KTM RC390: 10,500 rpm

• Suzuki GSX250R: TBD

• Yamaha YZF-R3: 13,000 rpm

A hungry group of 14-to 25-year-old racers will make up the Junior Cup grid, which can be taken as a promise that the racing will be intense. Each weekend will be a chance for them to prove themselves to the rest of the paddock, in hopes that it could lead to a ride in a higher class like Supersport or Stock 1000. Just look at the 2017 KTM RC Cup Champion Benjamin Smith, who is now set for his Supersport debut with Team Norris Racing.

The Junior Cup is going to be great racing, period. Hungry teenagers, close-to-equal motorcycles, and only one championship winner will bring out some of the best racing in 2018. Stay tuned.

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