Unfortunately due to a lack of completed applications the much anticipated Australian Junior Cup to be run by the MRRDA has been shelved for 2015, along with the MRRDA standalone Summer Series.
Paul Edwards Chairman of the MRRDA – “There has been a lot of damage done to the sport over the past couple of years by other parties, which has left the riders and teams in a position of questioning everything and a lot of negativity in the paddock.
“There is no doubt that the Australian Junior Cup would produce the fairest and most professional racing in Australia, but it seems that the sport in Australia is not ready for it under the current climate.
“We sent out over 60 application forms to interested parties and even up to a week ago there were enough people who were ‘supposed’ to be sending in their applications, which included riders from overseas.
“Unfortunately the deadline to order the bikes and get everything underway has now passed and the minimum number of applications has not been received.
“As a result we cannot commit to the required $1.2million budget and we have to put the plans on hold for a stand-alone series with the Australian Junior Cup as the centre piece.”
With many new initiatives in place for the MRRDA Summer series, as well as confirmed opportunities for riders both locally and overseas, the plans had everything lined up and ready to go, but have now been shelved.
Paul Edwards – “It’s actually gut wrenching to have to do this, as the team have put a year of blood sweat and tears into creating unprecedented opportunities for the Australian racing community, but at the end of the day you have to be realistic.
“To be able to deliver what we said we would, requires the Australian Junior Cup to be a strong class for the riders, spectators, TV and the sport.
“We only do what we do for others and if they are not at the point where they can commit, then unfortunately, we have to put everything on hold.
“For sure taking this action hurts. I’ve personally called all the applicants and offered thanks for their support and apologies for this action as well as all the tracks.
“The team are talking to our Partners and prospective Partners. It seems we are not the only disappointed people.”
The MRRDA committee will convene shortly to consider options for 2015 and beyond. We will release information in the coming weeks.
We cannot thank the following people enough who were all instrumental in putting this project together:
- Paul Free of Motologic,
- Glyn Griffiths at Honda,
- Steve Brouggy at the California Superbike School,
- Stephen Mion,
- Lukey Luke,
- Justin Grover,
- The team at Draggin Jeans,
- Richard Liminton of Liminton Design Australia,
- Geoff Pearson of RB Racing,
- Cary Murphy of Reevu Helmets Australia,
- Sean Cambridge of CEVA Logistics,
- Andrew Smart of Ricondi Leathers,
- the Team at AMCN,
- the Team at SPEED TV,
- the Team at Worldwide Online Print in Crows Nest,
- Hartwell,
- St George and
- Motorcycle Sportsmen Motorcycle clubs.
