Luca Bernardi and Oli Bayliss hit the track for Barni Ducati Racing Team for the first time during the two day test.
The ‘next generation’ of the Supersport World Championship gets underway with new bikes, returning manufacturers, rookies and familiar faces all taking to the grid. With the unveiling of the provisional entry list, 30 riders will be on the grid this season, including 18 year old Australian, Oli Bayliss, son of three-time World Superbike Champion, Troy.
A new ruleset has brought plenty of changes to the WorldSSP grid for 2022 but 30 riders will battle it out for glory in the upcoming campaign.
The field represents five manufacturers with the return of Ducati and Triumph, as well as a new bike on the grid for MV Agusta. There are also four graduates from WorldSSP300 embarking on their first campaign in WorldSSP including the 2020 and 2021 Champions.
Headlining the entry list for the 2022 campaign is the return of two manufacturers with new bikes following the introduction of the new ruleset, with Ducati and Triumph making welcome returns. The Ducati Panigale V2 will be used by seven riders across six teams as the Bologna manufacturer returns to WorldSSP action.
Australia’s Oli Bayliss will compete for Barni Spark Racing Team in 2022, while Federico Caricasulo will compete for Althea Ducati. Nicolo Bulega will be with the Aruba Racing Supersport Team as he switches from Moto2™ to WorldSSP.
Australia’s Oli Bayliss will compete for Barni Spark Racing Team in 2022.
Raffaele De Rosa sticks with Orelac Racing for 2022 but on Ducati machinery, with the team known as Ducati Orelac Racing VerdNatura while Maximilian Kofler will race with CM Racing with the Ducati Panigale V2. Davide Giugliano is returning to the paddock as a team manager with D34G Racing, with two Ducati bikes, running brothers Filippo and Federico Fuligni in the WorldSSP Challenge.
Triumph are also returning to the Championship with two bikes at Dynavolt Triumph, run by the very successful PTR squad, with Hannes Soomer and Stefano Manzi looking for a title fight using the Triumph Street Triple 765 machine for the 2022 season. Niki Tuuli returns for a second season with MV Agusta Reparto Corse, with the team running the MV Agusta F3 800 RR in 2022 with the new ruleset. He will be joined in a two-rider line-up by Bahattin Sofuoglu, who will run in the WorldSSP Challenge.
Reigning Teams’ Champions Ten Kate Racing Yamaha have stuck with Dominique Aegerter as they look to make it two-in-a-row in 2022, with young Italian rider Leonardo Taccini joining the team. At Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, Turkish star Can Öncü is looking to build on podium finishes in the closing stages of 2021 as 2022 gets underway while Yari Montella joins the team.
Two generations of Bayliss Ducati Superbike riders. Oli will be out to break his Dad’s records!
The Evan Bros. WorldSSP Yamaha Team have retained Hungarian rider Peter Sebestyen for 2022 but will field Lorenzo Baldassarri alongside him after finishing second in the Riders’ Championship in 2021 with Steven Odendaal. Frenchman Jules Cluzel will remain with GMT94 Yamaha once again, and he will race alongside Andy Verdoïa who returns to the Championship full-time. MTM Kawasaki will be competing in WorldSSP in 2022, with 2021 WorldSSP300 Champion Adrian Huertas riding for the team that has had so much success in WorldSSP300 and who he claimed the 2021 title with, while Benjamin Currie will make his debut in WorldSSP in 2022 with Motozoo Racing by Puccetti. German rider Patrick Hobelsberger returns to the Championship on a full-time basis after three outings in 2021, competing with Kallio Racing in 2022.
Kyle Smith returns to the Championship with VFT Racing alongside Marcel Brenner, who will compete in the WorldSSP Challenge while Dutch rider Glenn van Straalen returns with EAB Racing Team after finishing the 2021 campaign with the team. At Yamaha MS Racing, they retain Unai Orradre who made a mid-season step up to WorldSSP in 2021 from WorldSSP300 and he will be alongside Ondrej Vostatek in the Yamaha MS Racing box.
Seven riders will compete for WorldSSP Challenge honours including Filippo and Federico Fuligni and Marcel Brenner, including three riders who have graduated from WorldSSP300. 2020 WorldSSP300 Champion Jeffrey Buis made his debut in the final two rounds of 2021 in WorldSSP and will continue with Motozoo Racing by Puccetti in 2022, while Tom Booth-Amos will make his debut in WorldSSP with the Prodina Racing WorldSSP600 outfit as the team also steps up. The third WorldSSP300 graduate in the WorldSSP Challenge is Turkish star Bahattin Sofuoglu with MV Agusta Reparto Corse. The final WorldSSP Challenge competitor is Alessandro Zetti with Kallio Racing.
The two-day test for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship came to a conclusion with six-time Champion Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) topping the timesheets as the only rider to lap in the 1’38s bracket across both days of the offical test.
Despite only half a day of testing at Jerez, Jonathan Rea topped the timesheets ahead of teammate Alex Lowes as the Jerez test came to an end.
After sitting out of day one of testing, Rea also only took to the track around 13:00 Local Time for a half-day test, but it did not stop him going straight to the top of the timesheets with a 1’38.851s. Rea was able to complete 61 laps in his half-day of testing, lapping faster than teammate Alex Lowes by around 1.4 seconds.
Lowes had spent the first day of action focusing on the front of his Kawasaki ZX-10RR machine before switching his attention to the rear on day two as he looked to focus on corner exit improvements. Lowes completed 59 laps and posted a best lap time of 1’40.266s. Both Rea and Lowes were able to test Pirelli’s new-for-2022 SCQ tyre during their day two action.
“Lowes had spent the firs day of action focusing on the front of his Kawasaki ZX-10RR machine before switching his attention to the rear on day two as he looked to focus on corner exit improvements.”
Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was the third Kawasaki rider on track and the final WorldSBK rider on day two, as the Frenchman continued his comeback from a scaphoid injury that forced him out of the end of the 2021 campaign. Mahias had some new components on his bike, with more to come including updates such as the gearbox and aerodynamics. Mahias also tested a new suspension at Jerez as Kawasaki Puccetti evaluates Öhlins suspension. He completed 64 laps with a best lap time of 1’40.542s.
Finnish rider Niki Tuuli (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) ended the day on top in the WorldSSP category after completing 45 laps. Running the old bike with a new engine in a hybrid, the Finn posted a best lap time of 1’42.341s as the sole full-time MV Agusta tester on track. He had been joined on day one and part of day two by five-time champion Kenan Sofuoglu after his nephew, Bahattin Sofuoglu, tested positive for COVID-19 before the test.
Only three WorldSBK riders took to the track as Team HRC opted to miss day two of action after a “fantastic” test day.
Tuuli was followed by Turkish duo Can Öncü (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Kenan Sofuoglu, with the latter switching his attentions to Kawasaki Puccetti in the afternoon. With a new ruleset coming into force in WorldSSP for 2022, the team drafted in Sofuoglu to test out the new brake systems for the upcoming campaign including a new brake pump and disc. Sofuoglu took to the track on Öncü’s #61 Kawasaki ZX-6R machine, with the #61 bike completing 85 laps, the most of anyone, with a best time of 1’42.361s. Sofuoglu’s best recorded time, when he was with the MV Agusta machine, was a 1’43.774s after putting 30 laps to his name.
Yari Montella, who is making his full-time debut in WorldSSP in 2022 for Kawasaki Puccetti Racing, added 49 laps to his tally across the two-day test despite a few crashes for the Italian. He had a tumble at the final corner on day one but was able to re-mount and continue riding, while he also had two more crashes today including one at Turn 10. Despite this, he posted a best time of 1’43.875ss on an eventful two days for the Italian.
“Tuuli was followed by Turkish duo Can Öncü (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and Kenan Sofuoglu, with the latter switching his attention to Kawasaki Puccetti in the afternoon.”
WorldSSP rookie Ben Currie (Motozoo Racing by Puccetti) and teammate Jeffrey Buis added 44 and 49 laps to their experience respectively on day two, with Australian rider Currie riding on track despite a wrist injury he noticed on day one; he had some physio in the evening to ensure he was able to ride again on the second day. His best time was a 1’44.606s while Buis, who took part in the final two rounds of WorldSSP in 2021, was around one second slower. Ana Carrasco was also on track at Jerez, testing a WorldSSP machine for the first time, completing 52 laps with a best of 1’47.553s.
Unofficial WorldSBK times from day two at Jerez:
1 Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing team WorldSBK) 1’38.851s
2 Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1’40.266s
3 Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) 1’40.542s
Unofficial WorldSBK times after day one of testing:
1 Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1’40.316
2 Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) 1’40.342
3 Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) 1’40.496
4 Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) 1’40.921
Metzeler know you’re going to be wearing through those knee sliders when you’re on their tyres, they’re so confident that they’re giving away a free pair of knee sliders with selected tyre purchases. This deal wont last long so if you need new hoops, now’s the time to jump on it!
Need new hoops and new knee sliders? Look no further than Metzeler. They are giving away free pairs of knee sliders when you buy a set of Racetec Slick, Racetec RR or Sportec M9-RR tyres!
Metzeler has something special just for Australian sports and track day riders. They know that using their tyres on your bikes means your knee sliders can wear out faster with all of that grip! So for limited time, when you buy a set of Racetec Slick, Racetec RR or Sportec M9-RR, you can score a set of Metzeler knee sliders free of charge. So, you can get your knee down on the new hoops with plenty of confidence you’ll come out the other side!
Limited time only. Sliders are available to claim for Australian store purchases of a set of Racetec Slick, Racetec RR or Sportec M9-RR tyres through participating, authorised Metzeler dealers only. For further details click here!
GASGAS have taken the awesome MC 450F and installed the very best Technical Accessories to make it even better, the all-new MC 450F Troy Lee Designs motocross bike is loaded with factory team hardware to create a race machine that they say is capable of winning at the very highest level.
“Heavily inspired by Justin Barcia’s AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross race-winning machine, GasGas have fitted many of the very same parts used by Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing.”
Heavily inspired by Justin Barcia’s AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross race-winning machine, GasGas have fitted many of the very same parts used by Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing to create what they say is one hell of a great performing, and cool looking, race replica. Just take a look at the full list of what’s included on the all-new MC 450F Troy Lee Designs motocross bike…
Replica Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing graphics from the 2021 season
A set of #51 decals for those who wish to go full Bam Bam in 2022
Troy Lee Designs Factory Racing Seat
Softer ODI Lock-On Grips
Factory Racing Triple Clamps (anodized red)
Factory Wheels (black)
Dunlop tyres
Black rear sprocket
Gold chain
Factory Start Device
GasGas have taken their popular MC450F…
…and made it into a race ready bike off the showroom floor.
Semi-Floating Front Disc
Front Brake Disc Guard
Composite Skid Plate
Frame Protection Kit (red)
Hourmeter
Map Select Switch
Akrapovic “Slip-On Line” exhaust system
Hinson Outer Clutch Cover
Black Neken Fatbar with GASGAS bar pad
Firmer suspension settings
GasGas have unlocked a little more power from the compact MC 450F motor by adding a lightweight Akrapovič Slip-On Line exhaust system, giving significantly improved torque and an overall performance boost. Quick and easy changes in the power delivery can be made thanks to a handlebar mounted Map Select Switch.
GasGas also bolted a Semi-floating Front Disc to the front wheel to improve braking performance with a Front Brake Disc guard keeping the disc safe and out of harm’s way.
For improved handling, the MC 450F Troy Lee Designs motocross bike features firmer WP XACT suspension settings, with the forks held in place by adjustable, red anodized Factory Racing Triple Clamps. For additional comfort, GasGas have fitted softer ODI Lock-On grips and installed a TLD Factory Racing seat cover, to keep you firmly in place while getting on the gas.
The machine comes fitted with their Factory Wheels, in black. Rock solid and super-cool looking, they’re fitted with Dunlop’s Geomax MX33 tyres. GasGas also bolted a Semi-floating Front Disc to the front wheel to improve braking performance with a Front Brake Disc guard keeping the disc safe and out of harm’s way.
“For improved handling, the MC 450F Troy Lee Designs motocross bike features firmer WP XACT suspension settings.”
Finally, finishing the bike off in style is an extended list of parts from the Technical Accessories range. From front to back, there’s a Factory Start Device, Neken handlebars, a Composite Skid Plate, Hinson Clutch Cover, a red Frame Protection Kit, a black Rear Sprocket, and a gold chain. Plus, to keep on top of service intervals, they have installed an Hour Meter, so you’ll never lose track of just how many hours you’ve spent on this awesome bike.
The MC 450F Troy Lee Designs will be available in limited numbers in Australia and New Zealand from March 2022. For more information and to check out the full spec of the MC 450F Troy Lee Designs motocross bike, head here.
Team HRC will have an all-rookie line-up in 2022 after bringing in Iker Lecuona and Xavi Vierge from MotoGP and Moto2.
Day on the of 2022 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship kicked off overnight as Team HRC, Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK and others hit Spain’s Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto for the first of two days testing.
Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) topped day one with Jonathan Rea sitting the day out – ahead of rookie Spaniards Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) and teammate Iker Lecuona.
Despite Jonathan Rea (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) deciding not to come out and play – he opted to sit-out day one and doesn’t know whether he’ll be riding a full day or a half day on day two – it was still a good day for Kawasaki. Alex Lowes was back on track and said that he feels much better, having had a couple of surgeries as well as working hard with the physios. He had things to try from Showa and also for the rear of the bike and the British rider ended day one as the fastest. Commenting on the new items, he said it’s “nothing massive but in our game, small changes can make a big difference.”
Honda continued to progress throughout the day as Xavi Vierge completed the day in second. The rookie Spaniard enjoyed the whole day inside the top two positions and was a regular fixture at the top for most of that. After a good first test for both he and fellow rookie teammate Iker Lecuona back in December, both were looking at more electronic and traction control settings, improving grip, turning and handling.
“Honda continued to progress throughout the day as Xavi Vierge completed the day in second.”
Team manager Leon Camier commented that there’s a “few aspects to help optimise what we’ve got” so there’ll be plenty more to come on day two. Also spotted on day one was that Honda have changed to Nissin brakes and Showa suspension; they previously ran Brembo and Ohlins respectively. Kawasaki’s factory team also use Showa, whilst BMW are the only other factory team that use Nissin.
Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) was another rider who, having been injured at the end of 2021, was back on a motorcycle. Having had a broken wrist four months ago, and it has healed for only a month, he was on track to get some crucial lap time and to adapt to the electronics. Although he doesn’t have pain in his scaphoid, he has some pain with the ligament and the muscle and has lost some power. However, he did say it was getting better, but slowly. He was fourth at the end of the day.
The SCQ tyre will now be used primarily for the Tissot Superpole Race, as the SCX – previously used with the 10-lap dash in mind – has been used more for the full races
The big news away from the on-track action was that Pirelli confirmed that a new tyre will be introduced for the 2022 season: The SCQ tyre will be used primarily for the Tissot Superpole Race, as the SCX – previously used with the 10-lap dash in mind – has been used more for the full races. For more information and quotes from Pirelli’s Motorsport Director about the new tyre.
Xavi’s teammate Iker Lecuona was also out setting impressive times while tweaking all the new technology on his Honda.
WorldSSP: Öncü remains fastest ahead of new recruits Finland’s Niki Tuuli headed out towards the end of the day, completing some laps to get dialled in and finished the day on top. On the MV Agusta, there was new engine, clutch, gearbox and electronics, so plenty of items to get through. Turkish star Can Öncü’s (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) 2022 season preparation got off to a solid start as he finished second in the WorldSSP testing standings.
His new teammate and 2021 WorldSSP one-event rider Yari Montella was next up, second in the class, whilst Kenan Sofuoglu (MV Agusta Reparto Corse) was third. Sofuoglu is deputising for his nephew, Bahattin, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday before the flight. Ben Currie (G.A.P Motozoo by Puccetti Racing) and teammate Jeffrey Buis adapted to life in WorldSSP, with less than a second separating them.
WorldSBK unofficial times after day one of testing:
1 Alex Lowes (Kawasaki Racing Team WorldSBK) 1’40.316 2 Xavi Vierge (Team HRC) 1’40.342 3 Iker Lecuona (Team HRC) 1’40.496 4 Lucas Mahias (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) 1’40.921
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) say they are pleased to announce that Alpinestars has announced their continuing support of the Superbike class for the 2022 season.
Alpinestars has announced their continuing support of the Superbike class for the 2022 season.
Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) bikes are fast, spectacular and sound incredible. The category is a big drawcard for fans as ASBK machinery is very similar to the ones that the public can purchase off the showroom floor.
Alpinestars – Scott Runciman: “Alpinestars are proud to be continuing their association with the Australian Superbike Championship. Over our journey, Alpinestars has outfitted countless world champions and we hope to continue in that tradition.
Alpinestars are not only an important part of the safety sector, the continued support of racing helps the sport grow further.
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “Alpinestars have been a terrific supporter of the Australian Superbike Championship and it is extremely gratifying to see their continued involvement in our premier racing class in 2022. We’re pleased to once again see the Alpinestars Superbike Championship on our race calendar. With Alpinestars support, we will once again be able to serve up some of the best Superbike racing anywhere in the world. It’s a Championship that we can all be very proud of.”
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK) say they are pleased to announce that Michelin has signed on as the title sponsor of the Supersport Championship for the 2022 season.
The Supersport 600 category has rules in place to help keep costs down, allowing riders to join the series without breaking the bank.
Often affectionately described in the paddock as the “600s”, Supersport’s enduring appeal has been its ability to maintain costs at a manageable level, with bikes predominantly production-spec with limited modifications.
For Michelin, racing has been an integral and critical aspect of the company’s activities, serving not only as a marketing channel but also offering proof-of-concept for the company’s extensive R&D process. Founded in 1889, the Michelin Group provides tyres to over 170 countries. The Michelin Group makes tyres locally for customers’ specific needs and road conditions in one of their 69 production facilities around the world.
“For Michelin, racing has been an integral and critical aspect of the company’s activities, serving not only as a marketing channel but also offering proof-of-concept for the company’s extensive R&D process. “
Doug Sharp, Michelin Australia: “Michelin Australia is proud to support the Supersport Championship, a category which always puts on a great show and has also become a launching pad for riders to create overseas opportunities in WorldSBK, WorldSS and BSB. In recent years, we’ve seen the likes of Oli Bayliss, Tom Toparis, Max Stauffer and Broc Pearson show their talent in the Supersport category. We’re sure that 2022 will again deliver great racing and we are all looking forward to the first round of the 2022 ASBK Championship and the Michelin Supersport Championship.”
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “Motorcycling Australia are excited to see Michelin throw their support behind Supersport. Supersport is well established as one of the jewel in the crown categories of ASBK, with many riders honing their craft and showing their potential in this fantastic category.”
2022 ASBK Calendar
Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 25 – 27 February SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, SBK Masters
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK) say they are pleased to announce that Dunlop has re-affirmed their support of the Supersport 300 class by once again signing on as the class sponsor for the 2022 season.
The Dunlop Supersport 300 Championship is rightly considered as both an important step in the development of young riders and fantastic and exciting class in its own right.
Dunlop National Motorcycle & Motorsport Manager Robbie Bugden: “The closeness and excitement of the racing in the Dunlop Supersport 300 Championship is well known. Racing plays a big part in the development of our tyre technology for the public, but more than that, we believe in the spirit of competition, and nothing embodies that quite like motorcycle racing.”
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “It’s extremely gratifying to see Dunlop’s continued support of ASBK. The Dunlop Supersport 300 Championship has become renowned for producing some of the closest and most exciting racing on the ASBK program. The emphasis on race craft, combined with its accessibility to junior competitors, has made Supersport 300 a very attractive category for young, up-and-coming riders.”
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “It’s extremely gratifying to see Dunlop’s continued support of ASBK.
Yamaha Finance have buoyed their association with the R3 Cup by announcing their continued support of the fiercely competitive series in 2022. Regardless if your passion is land or marine based, Yamaha’s broad range of products is all about the experience. Yamaha Financial Services share this passion!
The R3 Cup has been a great success since its introduction back in 2016. The category offers a great level playing field for riders looking to move up in the racing world.
The Yamaha Finance R3 Cup (YMF R3 Cup) was introduced to the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) in 2016 as a one-make series featuring the Yamaha R3 motorcycle. Modifications are limited and because all the bikes are similar, with race results are determined by a rider’s ability to race and set the bike up specifically to their needs.
Yamaha Finance representative Matt Ferry: “The evenness of the machinery in the Yamaha Finance R3 Cup places a premium on race-craft, which is why this category is such so exciting. It’s that kind of passion that we understand at Yamaha Finance.”
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle: “Motorcycling Australia are extremely pleased to see Yamaha Finance once again come on board in support of the YMF R3 Cup. Since its introduction, the R3 Cup has provided a fun and affordable class platform for riders wishing to get into racing, as well as those hoping to progress their career.”
All categories from the OJC to the main event Superbike class will be at Philip Island battling it out for the first points of the season.
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) presented by Motul 2022 season gets underway this week with the official ASBK two-day test at Phillip Island. The OJC field are ready to start the season…
For the Yamaha Oceania Junior Cup (OJC), the class of 2022 will have their first official hit out on the fantastic Yamaha R15 on the world-class Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.
Yamaha returns for their fourth year supporting the OJC, and for Matt Ferry, Division Manager Sales & Marketing, Yamaha Motor Australia, the OJC answers the need for a development series that just works.
“Yamaha Motor Australia is proud to be involved in the OJC- R15 Cup as it has proven to be a successful and needed introduction to road racing at an affordable level. We’ve seen riders progress from their first on-track experience through to racing professional classes both here in Australia and on the world stage. We at Yamaha Motor Australia are passionate around racing and we think the OJC represents the perfect entry-level racing into the ASBK, provides a friendly and safe environment for riders and families as well as develop and nurture future national and international champions.”
“There’s a lot of things I’ve got to give, so I’m looking forward to it,” says Garry McCoy.
Riders in the OJC will benefit from a wealth of experience this season, with former 500cc, MotoGP and World Superbike racer Garry McCoy set to come on board as the series coach for 2022. McCoy has already been keeping in the development game by coaching junior competitors at Morgan Park and even had the opportunity to coach young gun, Joel Kelso, who will make his debut in the Moto3 class in 2022.
The OJC allows competitors to learn fundamental technical aspects such as suspension set-up and tyre settings. On this front, McCoy is confident the series with provide an ideal grounding for riders wishing to progress through the ranks.
With the OJC now in its fourth season, McCoy says he will be approaching his role as coach as an open book.
“It’s great to have a focus on suspension, a bit of data and working with your tyres. Riders will have to learn to ride on worn tyres for Friday sessions. You don’t learn much by throwing new tyres on the bike every session.” said McCoy.
McCoy also believes he will have some sage-like advice to offer young riders on off-track necessities, such as dealing with the media and other competitors.
Coaching the OJC has always included more than just the riding side. It covers all aspects of being a professional athlete.
“It’s not about how to win them over, but how to put them out of your mind, keep to yourself and do your own thing,” he said. “I really enjoy working with kids. They’re all very different in that some want to listen and some don’t, but that’s all part of growing up. At the end of the day, you want to put a smile on their faces.”
Notwithstanding the youth of the field, for many newcomers to the OJC, it has been a long path to the 12 corners of the Phillip Island circuit. Without help from parents, and supporters, this would not be possible.
The mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) presented by Motul 2022 season gets underway this week with the official ASBK two-day test at Phillip Island.
The Oceania Junior Cup would not be possible without the outstanding support of the series sponsors, rider supporters (mum and dad!) and on-the-ground volunteers and staff making this terrific and important development series take place.
Andrew Smart from Ricondi, whose company supplies the riders with leathers, gloves, boots, compression wear and uniforms, continuing the Australian company’s support into a fourth year was an easy decision.
“It’s humbling to have an Aussie brand involved in this important series. We want to thank all those who have supported us just as we have supported the riders. Not only have we sponsored the riders and taught them about what our products can do to protect them, so too have they taught us and helped develop our products- particularly our suits- to better suit the young riders as they mature.”
Dunlop have offered their support for the series in 2022. Supplying the tyres for the whole field!
Dunlop Australia – New Zealand are supporting the OJC in 2022 in a multitude of ways. Typically, tyre sponsorship extends as far as product supply and support, but for Dunlop Motorsport Manager Robbie Bugden, his racing experience will be put to great use: “I’m looking forward to not only supporting the category but also focussing helping these rookie racers make the most of our products. For me, that means passing on my knowledge about tyres; choices, construction, temperature, pressures and so on.”
The Winton Circuit in Northeast Victoria will be the “Home of the OJC” in 2022 with the circuit once again providing the riders with a training event and track time as well as logistic and storage support in 2022. Rowan Harmon, events Manager at Winton Motor Raceway: “The OJC is a terrific program for the Junior Rider looking to progress their career, be it domestically or overseas, and Winton Motor Raceway is proud to be chosen to support this program”.
“SHARK helmets join the OJC in 2022 and of course safety is their focus, with many elements learned from racing incorporated into the road helmet range.”
SHARK helmets join the OJC in 2022 and of course safety is their focus, with many elements learned from racing incorporated into the road helmet range. For SHARK Australia representative Joel Ryan, “We’re proud to be providing the OJC field with helmets that are the same FIM approved helmet in use in all GP classes. The safety of the riders is the highest priority to everyone involved, and SHARK Helmets are pleased to be doing what we can to contribute to this series and it’s genuinely exciting to be involved with the next generation of Australian racing stars.”
One of the goals of the OJC is to produce MotoGP stars of the future and having Öhlins Racing advanced suspension technology on board in 2022 will see this major supplier of MotoGP suspension products and expertise support the OJC paddock with the best possible suspension package for the Yamaha R15s.
Riders competing in the OJC are provided with a race-prepped Yamaha R15, leathers, helmets, boots and glove, transportation of bikes, pre-event service of bikes, technical support, spare parts budget, and OJC team uniform.
The ideal way to ensure the racing Yamaha R15 bikes are getting the ideal lubricants is to use the products “Made for Yamaha, by Yamaha” and the OJC welcomes Yamalube as the official lubricant supplier for the series in 2022.
The OJC has a massive learning curve for rookie riders and thanks to Mototrack Accessories, every rider will have use of a SpeedAngle GPS Lap Timer with Lean Angle Measurement and Data Logging. For Steve Thibou at Mototrack Accessories, it’s an opportunity to help OJC riders be their best: “It’s important to my business to show that Speed Angle is more than a lap timer- it’s a device that can help riders of all standards improve. Personally, it’s important to support the youth of the sport as they progress.”
Plenty of brands have joined forces to support this stepping stone in creating the next generation of champions!
Darren Webb, whose company Webb Plastics supplies both the race screens for the bikes and the trophies for the winners, supporting the OJC is a personal decision: “Essentially we are involved in the OJC to invest in the future of Australian Motorcycle racing. From a commercial standpoint, making both the race screens and the trophies for the series shows the versatility and capabilities of our company.”
D.I.D brand drive chains are all manufactured in Kaga, Ishikawa prefecture, Japan, and supplied through motorcycle dealers worldwide. In 2022 D.I.D. will join the OJC paddock, offering outstanding performance for all riders.
The series continues to grow more each year, not only as a cost effective option but as a fair option for all riders.
Without this extensive list of supporters and sponsors, the OJC would not be the cost-effective and competitive category it is today. With an oversubscribed entry list and a number of riders progressing to other classes, it’s a series that Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Peter Doyle is proud of: “The OJC is an important development class for Motorcycling in Australia. In just four years of existence, some 19 riders have progressed to overseas racing, with many others continuing their careers in Australia.”
“In this short time, we’ve been pleasantly surprised at just how good the series is in terms of training and developing riders and I can personally say I have been very, very pleased to see how good the racing is as well! As a cost-effective and valuable series, we cannot thank the sponsors enough. Their help makes the OJC affordable to most every race family in Australia and I want to thank all involved for their efforts and am really looking forward to this coming season.”
2022 ASBK Calendar
Round 1 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, VIC 25 – 27 February SBK, SSPT, SS300, R3 Cup, OJC, SBK Masters
