KTM Australian Junior MX Championship to host international talent
This year’s KTM backed Australian Junior Motocross (AJMX) Championship is set to host not only the best young riders in the country, but also the world.
Throughout next week (27 September to 4 October) Appin will roar in to life with riders aged from seven to 16 will all race to the best of their ability to claim an Australian Championship.
The timing of this year’s AJMX Championship couldn’t be more appropriate. As three of Australia’s best MX athletes in Chad Reed, Matt Moss and Luke Clout kick off the MX of Nations in Latvia, the future stars of Aussie MX begin their campaigns to reach perhaps the very same stage.
One of Australia’s recent World Champions will be in action throughout the week at the Junior MX Nationals in Jett Lawrence. Jett recently claimed the 65cc World Championship in Belgium aboard a KTM 65 SX while Caleb Grothues, who will also take to the Appin track, was runner up in the 85cc class riding a KTM 85 SX. Both boys will undoubtedly be tough to beat.
There will also be an international flavour competing throughout the championship with riders from across the ditch in New Zealand and as far as the United States making the trip to compete against the best up and coming Australian MX’ers.
KTM continues to back the AJMX in 2014 after a successful maiden sponsorship in 2013.
Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO Dale Gilson expressed his thanks to KTM for their second year of sponsorship.
“On behalf of MA, I’d like to thank KTM for their continued support of the biggest junior motocross event in the country.” Mr Gilson said.
“Their generosity, together with the fantastic Macarthur Motorcycle Club, allows us to showcase the future stars of Australian motocross at Appin this year.”
KTM Australia’s General Manager Jeff Leisk said the manufacturer is happy to once again support the AJMX.
“KTM Australia is honoured to be the major sponsor of this most important event that brings together the best young riders from Australia and New Zealand to compete together at the highest level and further develop their skills as riders of the future.”
He also expressed his gratitude to Macarthur Motorcycle Club who have worked tirelessly in preparation of the event.
“The Macarthur Motorcycle Club is renowned for running great National level events with several rounds of the Australian Motocross Nationals conducted in recent years.
“Hosting the KTM AJMX Championship is a massive task given the length of the event and the volume of races run each day.
“KTM Australia would like to express its sincere appreciation towards the committee and all club members who have made significant contributions to bring this important event to life.”
As well as providing mechanical support, KTM will also send some of the biggest names in the dirt bike game, including MX riders Ford Dale, Kirk Gibbs and current Australian Off-Road Champion Toby Price to check out the action.
KTM Motocross Racing Team Manager and Technical Services Manager for Australia and New Zealand Rob Twyerould will also attend, ready to share his vast and impressive wealth of knowledge and experience with KTM owners.
Throughout the week KTM will have a massive supporting presence on the ground, starting with the KTM Technical Service which will be there for the duration of the event as a support centre for KTM owners requiring setup advice and support for any mechanical emergencies.
The KTM Spare Parts Service will be there with the backing of Wollongong dealership Dirt Bike Factory, owned by Mister Motocross legend Anthony Gunter. They’ll carry general consumables like brakes, sprockets and chains, as well as breakables. It’s even possible to order certain major parts if required.
“A level of involvement like this is quite unique,” said KTM’s Marketing Manager Greg Chambers, “we do it for our customers because we believe they deserve that support at nationals to ensure they give themselves the best chance of a strong finish.
“However, competitors of every brand have already been sent the KTM Event Preparation Guide, which had specific information from Rob on bike setup, and from KTM race team physiologist Tim Cole on physical preparation.
“It adds value to the event and KTM is proud to be the naming rights sponsor for this and next year’s events. Junior racing is a huge part of our business, since we have models from 50cc and we can support kids all the way through their progression to seniors.
“KTM looks forward to some great results, not just from our junior team but also a bunch of other top KTM kids performing well.”
