bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup Gets Dorna Support
Oceania Junior Cup 2019 Entry list announced
The pathway to World Championship Grand Prix racing as become a little easier for aspiring young Oceania talent, with Dorna having just announced that the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup has now been afforded Road to MotoGP status alongside the two other main Grand Prix feeder series such as the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. Riders competing in bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup – and in spirit with the ‘Road to MotoGP’ effort now have a direct path to Motorcycle Grand Prix Racing.
Riders from the Oceania Junior Cup will also be given the chance to attend the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event in 2019. This has been made possible by the continued support provided by Motorcycling Australia, the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and FIM Oceania, the regional representatives of the FIM.
Born from the desire to develop exceptional Australian motorcycle road racing talent, this announcement is particularly great news for juniors looking for a structured pathway to Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing. As is the excitement and interest, the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup received many applications from an impressive array of junior competitors from across the country, hailing from nearly every motorcycling discipline including Road Race, Motocross, Dirt Track, Enduro and Speedway. Included in the line-up is a strong representation from four Australian States, two female contenders and a representative from New Zealand also.
Peter Goddard, Motorcycling Australia President:
“For Dorna to endorse the Oceania Junior Cup under the Road to MotoGP program is an exciting opportunity for all involved and adds a substantial level of credibility to what we are trying to achieve. Such an important partnership cements the key criteria of the program, creating a clear progression plan between the Oceania Junior Cup and the world stage. The development of the next World Champion from our region has received a huge boost today.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports:
“We are delighted to welcome another series to our Road to MotoGP program. The Road to MotoGP is going from strength to strength and has an incredibly successful record in finding and promoting talent. The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup will be an asset to the program and perfectly complements our aims for the Oceania region. We’re excited to begin this new collaboration.”
After careful consideration, MA would like to introduce you to the 26 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup finalists, for the class of 2019!
| Rider | First Name | Surname | State |
| 11 | Natalie | Barbati | VIC |
| 12 | Reece | Oughtred | VIC |
| 14 | Jacob | Hatch | QLD |
| 15 | Zak | Pettendy | NSW |
| 17 | Hunter | Diplock | NSW |
| 18 | Tom | Connors | NSW |
| 21 | Carter | Thompson | NSW |
| 22 | Lincoln | Knight | NSW |
| 24 | Jamie | Port | VIC |
| 26 | Dominic | Fletcher | NSW |
| 27 | Toby | James | VIC |
| 28 | Cormac | Buchanan | NZ |
| 31 | Max | Gibbons | QLD |
| 32 | Jai | Russo | NSW |
| 36 | Angus | Grenfell | VIC |
| 37 | Patrick | Bognar | VIC |
| 39 | Glenn | Nelson | QLD |
| 42 | Cros | Francis | NSW |
| 44 | Pyper | Kent | WA |
| 46 | Marianos | Nikolis | NSW |
| 53 | Alex | Kenworthy-Jones | NSW |
| 55 | Varis | Fleming | VIC |
| 58 | Lucas | Quinn | QLD |
| 59 | Tom | Drane | NSW |
| 69 | Archie | McDonald | NSW |
| 74 | Jacob | Roulstone | NSW |
The maiden season kicks off with the Official ASBK Test at Phillip Island in February 2-3, before racing commences for Round 1 at Wakefield Park Raceway in Goulburn, New South Wales, on March 22-24. Running alongside the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) for 5 of the 6 rounds, the program will introduce the finalists to the highest level of Australian road race competition and exemplify the focus and mentality required to become a true champion.
| 2019 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup Calendar | ||
| Official ASBK Test – Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit – Phillip Island, VIC | 2 – 3 Feb | |
| 1 | Wakefield Park Raceway (ASBK) – Goulburn, NSW | 22 – 24 Mar |
| 2 | Broadford State Motorcycle Complex (MotoStars) – Broadford, VIC | 6– 7 Apr |
| 3 | Morgan Park Raceway (ASBK) – Warwick, QLD | 5 – 7 Jul |
| 4 | Winton Motor Raceway (ASBK) – Benalla, VIC | 6 – 8 Sep |
| 5 | Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit (ASBK) – Phillip Island, VIC | 4 – 6 Oct |
| 6 | Round 6 – Sydney Motorsport Park (ASBK) – Eastern Creek, NSW | 1 – 3 Nov |
Source: MCNews.com.au