motoDNA launches motoCHAMPION challenge

Australian motorcycle training organisation motoDNA has come up with a clever initiative to encourage young riders to embark on a racing career, despite the present challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The organisation’s new motoCHAMPION challenge lets kids aged between 11 and 15 flex their budding racing skills by recording themselves riding their bike around a figure-eight circuit and uploading their efforts to the motoDNA Digital Academy. 

Each rider utilises their own motorcycle and track, the latter laid out to motoDNA’s specific measurements on a sufficiently spacious and safe section of tarmac, before recording their run with a handlebar-mounted GoPro Hero 7+ camera. 

Once the run is uploaded, motoDNA’s Digital Academy then leverages over a decade’s worth of previous rider data to analyse individual aspects like braking, steering and more, using algorithms to grade each participant’s skills and place them on a digital motoCHAMPION leaderboard. 

The ultimate winner of motoCHAMPION will receive a sponsored place in the 2022 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) worth over $10,000, while the top five riders will earn an automatic place in the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup selection event, giving them a chance of qualifying for the 2022 season. 

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Stepping stone 

According to motoDNA CEO, Mark McVeigh, the competition gives youngsters a shot at further developing their racing skills despite the pandemic, potentially putting them on track for national and perhaps even international success. 

“The development of young Aussie motorcycling talent has been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions so we’re happy to be able to facilitate a return to competition in the safest way possible,” he said. 

“motoCHAMPION is launched in partnership with Motorcycling Australia, who are committed to developing riders through the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup and the Australian Superbike Championship. 

“The OJC Academy is designed to open a pathway into junior road racing and, through its development academy format, lift our youngest motorcycling talent through national competition and set them on a path to international success.” 

Nurturing the next generation 

Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle said MA was thrilled to throw its support behind the initiative. 

“Developing and facilitating our next generation of riders is a key focus for Motorcycling Australia,” he said. 

“We’re excited to be a part of motoCHAMPION in partnership with motoDNA, which provides riders with an additional tool in their tool kit to further develop their riding technique and skills.” 

To take part in motoDNA’s motoCHAMPION challenge, riders must sign up to the motoDNA Digital Academy with a Basic subscription ($10 per month) and then join the motoCHAMPION challenge group. 

Parental permission is required to sign up, and motoDNA says the total cost of taking part in motoCHAMPION is $US295 (approximately $A400). 

Click here for more information.