Wednesday February 18, 2009 at 12:00am
Co-ordit Performance has set the wheels in motion for an exciting new initiative for the development of Britain’s talented young motorcycle racers.
The Co-ordit Performance Relay Championship will take place at all rounds of two of the UKs leading club racing series’ during the 2009 season.
Co-ordit has enjoyed successful sponsorship of grass-roots club level racing since 2004, prompting team owner Pete Bradshaw to instigate the two new championships.
Running concurrently with the standard 600cc Open Class within EMRA and NGRRC, the idea is simple. The eligible rider with the highest number of points at the end of the season will progress with free entry from EMRA to NGRRC, and from NGRRC into a coveted berth in the National Superstock 600 Championship with full backing from Co-ordit Performance in 2010.
The journey from Novice to National level racer can be a long and arduous affair, sometimes with only a select few ‘financially privileged’ riders able to make the transition. A vast proportion of our young talented riders are forced to retire from the sport due to a lack of funding. Co-ordit Performance, now a permanent fixture on the British Superbike scene after a successful debut year in 2008, has teamed up with EMRA and NGRRC to offer two lucky winners the opportunity of fast-track progression to the next level.
Team Co-ordit utilised the 2008 British Superbike season to great effect, with talented riders competing at National Superstock 1000 and Yamaha R1 Cup levels in front of record crowds to gain a number of podium positions and a race victory. Elevation into the National Superstock 600 class will provide one rider with the fantastic opportunity to display their talent within esteemed company and with a live TV audience.
As part of Team Co-ordit, you will have full access to the team and services at every round. With no hidden catches, entry fees will be paid, the only costs to bear; fuel, tyres and any crash damage.
Pete Bradshaw: ‘This is a fabulous structure within the grass root racing scene, where opportunities are there for a rider to progress from novice at a friendly club at Mallory Park to being able to qualify for national licence and gain experience riding the national circuits with NGRRC. The final leg is the opportunity to compete with the Co-ordit team in the British Superbike paddock.’
Mark Jessop, Secretary, EMRA: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young riders and provides an excellent stepping stone to the top level of racing. I can’t think of a better way for a rider to progress this season, or a better club than NGRRC for EMRA to be linked with in this way. The season is now just three weeks away and early signs are that 2009 is going to be an excellent year for EMRA.”
Steve Bostock, Secretary, NGRRC: “NG Road Racing Club are delighted to be part of this initiative. Any opportunity to provide a route through our clubs onto the BSB scene is tremendous for the young riders, and of course for EMRA and NG Road Racing. This really should be considered a fast track route from club racing to challenging on the BSB stage - all within 2 years. Win the EMRA Co-ordit Relay and get a funded ride within NG's Open 600 series on a variety of top national circuits. Win the NG Relay series and the challengers will find themselves in National Superstock 600 on a funded machine, as part of the impressive Team Co-ordit. This relay system gets our full backing and we look forward to working with Pete and the team, and wish him every success for the coming season.”
Co-ordit Performance Relay Rules of Eligibility The EMRA Co-ordit Performance Relay Championship is open to riders aged 24 and under on 1 March 2009.
The NGRRC Co-ordit Relay championship is open to riders aged 25 and under on 21 March 2009. All Relay championships are run within the 2009 Open Class 600 championships, with the winner being the person within the age restriction who has accumulated the most points at the end of the season.
All riders competing in the Relay championships must display the Co-ordit Relay sticker on the front of the bike.