Junior race series to support WSBK

While Yamaha is canvassing would-be junior racers to enter its 125cc race series with a relatively affordable $17,000 price tag, those with deeper pockets may have a chance to enter a new series proposed by the FIM and Infront Motorsports to support the World Superbike Championship. Assuming they can fly to places like Germany, Italy, England, and France.

The new 2011 European Junior Cup was announced recently by the FIM as a support series for WSBK, and is open to riders ages 14 to 17 years of age.

The entry fee is a cool €18,950, or around $25,000, and includes a Kawasaki Ninja 250R race bike, all of which will be identically prepared to ensure racing skill, not bike power, reigns supreme on the track.

The price of admission covers the transport of the Ninja race bike to all rounds, plus tyres, fuel, entry fees - basically all logistics. Even riding equipment and team wear are provided as is hospitality within the 'Junior Cup' paddock village and if necessary technical support can be offered, alongside race coaching from "star riders".

Imagine telling other parents your kid was taught to knee-slide by Biaggi?

Six Junior Cup races will take place in the weeks between WSBK races, from April to October, at the race tracks of Assen, Monza, Aragon, Silverstone, Nurburgring, and Mangy-Cours.

There will also be a precursor training camp of sorts, held in Guadix, Spain, to acclimatise the young riders to their bikes and the rigours of racing. Sponsored by Kawasaki and Pirelli, check out EuropeanJuniorCup.com for more details.

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