News 3 Sep 2019

KTM Junior Supercross to feature at Auckland and Melbourne rounds

Image: Supplied.

The KTM Junior Supercross initiative will feature at the S-X Open Auckland and AUS-X Open Melbourne rounds of the 2019 Monster Energy S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship and Australian Supercross Championship.

Globally recognised as a top-level introduction to the sport of supercross for aspiring stars aged between seven and eight years, KTM Junior Supercross will provide the opportunity of a lifetime for an incredibly fortunate group of youthful racers and their families.

There will be 10 positions available for the S-X Open event to be held at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on 16 November, while 20 places will be available for the prestigious AUS-X Open Melbourne event to be held within Marvel Stadium on 30 November for the first time ever. Both world-class events are expected to be contested ahead of record crowds in attendance.

Successful applicants will be treated to a full factory VIP experience, including a KTM 50 SX built by factory technicians to ride during the event. A KTM gift pack provided to each young rider will feature a full set of riding gear to keep, plus trophies will be awarded to podium finishers.

Aside from extensive off-track activities and enjoyment that will include mentorship from KTM’s professional racers and a special rider signing where kids can meet their heroes, the KTM Junior Supercross entrants will take a dedicated track walk, two practice sessions and a fun-filled exhibition event during the S-X Open program.

“To be involved in the sport at this level, young aspiring riders and their parents, will certainly enjoy the KTM Junior Supercross experience,” said KTM Australia general manager Jeff Leisk. “We aim to make them virtually feel like factory riders for the event, to give them that experience on a real supercross track in front of huge crowds.

“It’s an incredible opportunity and inspires riders to go onto bigger things in the sport, much like Ryan Dungey and others who at one stage took part in the challenge. It’s a really inspirational experience and these events are genuinely world-class, so it’s a pleasure to continue our relationship with the event organisers, AME Management, because we really love what they are doing for supercross in the region.

“The fact that they even consider the KTM Junior Supercross to be one of the highlights of their events just goes to show that they have the right vision that’s inclusive of tomorrow’s superstars and, from my own perspective, I know what it was like to be a young kid and an aspiring racer. So, while I never got to do anything like this, I know how impressionable you are at that age and that’s why it’s really special to be involved and to be providing families with this type of opportunity.”

Entry criteria will apply, with both events open to KTM customers only with 12 months of racing results being taken into consideration. Every applicant’s latest school report card, weight and height requirements must also be met.

The S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship will be highlighted by a superstar international rider line-up again in 2019, coinciding with rounds four and five of the upcoming Australian Supercross Championship season. For more information, visit www.ridektm.com.au.