European Junior Cup Developing New Talent Competing on identical Kawasaki Ninja 250 R machines the European Junior Cup riders have now reached the midpoint of their six round season, with the Silverstone round next up this coming weekend. The initiative is designed to bring fresh talent to the fore at selected WSBK race meetings and is open to riders from 14 -17 years of age. It runs at six rounds of the WSBK championship in 2011, with the view to expansion in the future. Full support is given in terms of equipment and advice, with a section of the overall paddock village dedicated to this exciting new class. All the race-prepped machines feature an identical specification, including the adoption of Leo Vince exhausts, which add much to the overall experience for riders and spectators alike. The Cup is an ideal opportunity for young riders to learn the necessary steps to help them move onto competition in Superstock, then Supersport and Superbike classes in the future. Competition has been particularly close in the most recent round, at Motorland Aragon in June. At the new Spanish track the top four riders were covered by only 0.4 seconds, making it one of the most exciting races of the day. Aussie Matt Davies won at Aragon and also at the preceding Monza round, with German Tom Busch the victor at the opening event of the year, way back in April at Assen. Busch’s podium consistency has placed him on top of the table with half the season completed, sitting on 65 points to Davies’ 58. American Brandon Kyee, Kiwi Daniel Mettam, South African Sylvan di Aguiar and most recently Spain’s Ruben Fenoll at his home round at Aragon, have all stood on the podium at one point or other. That makes it six different riders, from six different countries, on the podium after only three races. With three rounds gone there are still three rounds to go, at Silverstone (29-31 July), Nürburgring (2-4 September) and Magny Cours (30 September to 02 October).