The way to go for young riders seeking cost effective and fair competition
The National Junior Cup moves into its second season with support again from BSB and Kawasaki. The Series will feature at two of the BSB rounds and seven at BMCRC taking in some of the best circuits in the Uk – Brands, Cadwell, Donington, Oulton and Snetterton 300 amongst them.
The Series is based on last season’s Kawasaki Ninja 250 running alongside the new Ninja 300 machines - reliable four-stroke technology that’s here – available now - and has a proven race pedigree. The 250’s have undergone a full engine refresh and rebuild to incorporate components from the new 300 engine.
The power output of the 250’s now perfectly matches the dyno runs of the 300. This has given riders from 2012 an easy decision to continue in the Championship, which many are doing. Some of the 2102 bikes have been sold onto new entrants and some are choosing to go for the new 300. So the bikes have achieved a good re-sale value, despite some suggesting these were a one-season machine. Importantly, these are four-strokes, so the technology is what we are seeing and will be seeing in the National and International Championships going forward. Otherwise the choice is two-stroke technology that has little future and little resale value for parents at the grass-roots of racing – where the Champions of the future will come from.
At £3999+vat, race-ready, and probably more importantly, race-competitive (no engine tuning required) the new 300 machine is a bargain for new entrants to racing. This coupled with exposure at BSB, a full spares facility available at every meeting and technical guidance and advice on-hand at all times, makes the Series a perfect package for riders and parents alike.
The ACU approved these bikes to be rated to 37bhp (our rules cap them at 35) and they can be ridden by Novice Licence holders from 13 years onwards (18 years is the upper age limit in this Series).
In 2012 the Series delivered great racing with some thrills and a few spills. We found the bikes coped well with all that was thrown at them, they crash well and repairs were easy and affordable. Despite suggestions that these bikes are inappropriate there are many in the NJC paddock who would disagree…..
A Series of this type has to be built on some key elements, all of which have been proven in 2012 –
• Affordability – The basic price of the machines has delivered an ideal race spec bike that has held a good resale value for teams who have chosen to sell their bikes and move to other classes. Entry fees and tyres have been the only extra elements, all of which have been competitive.
• Reliability – The engines are bullet-proof, there’s been no engine failures in 2012, all parents have needed to do is change the oil and replace the odd lever or fairing panel.
• Fairness – BMCRC has reacted to any issues raised by parents quickly & positively. The quality of policing of the Series has been exemplary, both at BMCRC and BSB. The fairness of the Series is grounded by each race engine being sealed before supply, including the refurbished units from 2012, along with a seal on the electrical IC units on each bike. There are no modifications that can be done on these bikes that can evade detection.
• Competition – the performance of each bike is the same as the next. It’s the rider that will make the difference in this Series and the best of them will win out.
• Advocacy- we invite parents to ask to speak about any aspect of the Series to our existing customers, don’t just take our word for it, don’t just listen to others – ask those who really know – those who have experienced the NJC for themselves. Just ask, we will put you in touch with other riders and parents.
• Mentoring & Training –BMCRC meetings have Friday testdays, we offer a cohort of experienced ACU Club Coaches who are available for mentoring and coaching of our younger riders. This is all part of an extensive Rookie rider package offered at the Club.
To find out more about the National Junior Cup for 2013, how to find a second hand bike, how to get hold of the new race 300 – email: mikedommett@hotmail.com and request an info pack for the 2013 Series.
Both the rebuilt 250 and the new 300 will be available for “Try Before You Buy” rides at the BMCRC Race School at Brands Hatch on 24th February, you just need to have your ACU Race Licence for 2013 sorted, or in process and you can get that trial ride for free! Again contact us for further details and to book that opportunity.
Both bikes will also be on show at the Kawasaki Stand at the London Motorcycle Show, Excel 15-17 February.
The National Junior Cup 2013 – Fair, affordable, reliable & competitive – come and join the youth racing scene of the future – that’s here now.