The way to go for young riders seeking cost effective and fair competition
The National Junior Cup moves into its third season with support again from Kawasaki. The Series will feature all nine of the 2014 BMCRC dates taking in some of the best circuits in the UK – Brands Hatch, Cadwell, Donington, Oulton, Snetterton 300 and Silverstone International amongst them.
The Series is based on the Kawasaki Ninja 300 machine - reliable four-stroke technology that’s here – available now - and has a proven race pedigree. We’ve still not seen any major engine failures in the two seasons that the series has run. All of the original 250 machines were upgraded to 300 and were all snapped up by 2013 riders. 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.
The bike is quick, nimble and safe and a responsive easy ride….here’s Ivan, Father of Ryan Folkes who joined the Series in 2013 jumping from his 80cc Metrakit bike:
“I was concerned at first that the move would be too big a jump for Ryan, he’s not the biggest of lads! I needn’t have worried – he took to the 300 straight away and praised its handling and smooth power delivery when compared to any of the 2-strokes he’d been riding. Can’t get him off it now and for me, well I just change the oil now as that’s all you have to do with these bikes, giving me more time to make sure he’s confident and enjoying himself. Along with the friendship and camaraderie in the paddock at Bemsee it’s the best thing we’ve ever done together by far”.
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 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 under this) 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 and 13 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 over the last couple of seasons –
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 2012/3, 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 a real focus. The fairness of the Series is grounded by each race engine being sealed before supply, 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 2014, 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 2014 Series.
The bike will also be featured on the Kawasaki stand at the NEC Motorcycle Show, stand 3D30, 23
rd November – 1
st December and at the BMCRC Open Day at Brands Hatch on 8
th December.
The National Junior Cup 2014 – Fair, affordable, reliable & competitive – come and join the youth racing scene of the future – that’s here now.