From a press release issued by Honda Australia: HONDA GIVE JUNIORS A FREE GO Places are still available for the Honda sponsored MRRDA Junior’s track day at Broadford Raceway, 40 minutes north of Melbourne on January 26, 2008 Honda will be providing a number of their 4-stroke CBR150’s to try out on the day which is open to juniors between the ages of 13 and 15 years who are interested in entering the world of road racing. Off road riders who would like to find out what its like to race on the tarmac are also welcome to come along and try one of the Hondas. To assist juniors of various riding abilities, staff from the California Superbike School will be putting on two sessions, including a free “Kickstart program” for newer riders who wish to clock up their five hours of Motorcycling Australia sanctioned basic training on Honda provided CBR150’s. The second session will be aimed at juniors who already have their own bike. For those participants, Superbike School staff will conduct a training program for the significantly reduced price of just $100. Many participants will want to go on to compete in this year’s MRRDA (Motorcycle Road Race Development Association) series where winners are given the chance to ride in the Red Bull Rookies Cup in Europe, race at Motegi in Japan with Honda in 2009 and/or go training with Casey Stoner. According to MRRDA Chairman, Paul Edwards, the previous training day held at Newcastle was a huge success and they are expecting the same at Broadford. “We could have filled the places two or three times over in Newcastle,” he said. “The young riders were fantastic with two of the lucky lads getting an invite to go and train with Casey Stoner. This is a great opportunity for riders to get a feel for the Honda’s and start their journey in road racing, and we are expecting a big turn out for Broadford.” Honda’s Brand Manager Phil Reynolds said the manufacturer continues to back the program to actively show their commitment to developing the junior class of racing. “Our commitment to the MRRDA and the class goes beyond financial support or the provision of the bikes,” he said. “We hope that this Junior Promotion Program will bring new faces into the sport who may not have had an opportunity otherwise.” The day will also see support from St George and Hartwell Motorcycle Clubs, along with Draggin Jeans. For booking forms and more information, please go to the MRRDA website www.mrrda.comor email: [email protected] More, from another press release issued by Honda Australia: HONDA SWEETENS THE POT FOR JUNIOR ROAD RACERS Honda Australia is further commiting to junior road racing in 2008 by announcing another huge prize incentive for competitors in this year’s MRRDA (Motorcycle Road Racing Development Association) series. In its inaugural year (2007), Honda provided the on-track winner of the 13-15 year old junior class with a trip to compete in the ASEAN Cup in Motegi, Japan. Honda will once again provide the trip to Japan to the highest placed on-track competitor who is not moving to the senior ranks in 2009. In addition for 2008, Honda will also provide a factory supported ride on an MD250H “GP Mono” Moriwaki for the highest placed on-track competitor of the junior class who is looking to move up to seniors in 2009. The selected 15 year old will not only be provided a motorcycle to compete on, but will also be given a parts budget as well as support from Honda’s road team operator, Motologic, directed by Paul Free. The GP Mono 250 has now been approved to race in the 125GP class at club, state and national events under the same modification rules as other bikes used in this class. Powered by a 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, electric start, single cylinder engine, the GP Mono is designed specifically for those who are looking to develop their professional racing skills. “We wanted to add yet another dimension to the competition to provide even more opportunity for young riders in Australia,” said Honda’s Brand and Product Planning Manager, Phil Reynolds. “With the release of the Moriwaki, it made perfect sense to offer a supported ride into the senior ranks for a young talent to show how competitive this new bike is.” The MD250H is now available from selected Dealers for $14990 including Brisbane Motorcycles, Sydney City Motorcycles (Lane Cove), Redwing (VIC), Honda World (SA), Honda Shop (WA) and Motologic (VIC). For a Dealer locator, please visit: www.hondamotorcycles.com.au. For more information on the MRRDA series, please visit: www.mrrda.com