The premiere season of the new Austrian junior motorcycle racing series by KTM, AMF and Projekt Spielberg has started. In April, 20 starters of the 2021 Austrian Junior Cup experienced two exciting days at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg and an Official Test Day in Rechnitz in the best weather conditions and with a sophisticated COVID safety concept.
First, the teams were handed the brand new KTM RC4Rs in the unique Austrian Junior Cup design. The standardized bikes were either borrowed, leased or purchased by the participants from an authorized KTM dealer. The 250 cc 4-stroke machines produce 46 hp and reach top speeds of around 200 km/h. On the career ladder of the youngsters, the KTM RC4R's handling is the perfect preparation for the possible steps ahead.
The two girls and 16 boys are guided on their way by experienced coaches. With a comprehensive program, the participants were trained in the areas of regulations, racing medicine, media relations and technique during the roll-out. In addition, Riding Coach Andy Meklau and the instructors from Projekt Spielberg worked with the pilots to improve their driving skliss, first at the Red Bull Ring Driving Center and then in extensive sessions on the 4.3-kilometer MotoGP track. AJC participants will also be offered numerous training opportunities in the upcoming months. On a total of five race weekends this year, the youngsters will have an unprecedented opportunity in Austria to prove that they have what it takes to become MotoGP drivers.
Florian Kecht, Member of the Executive Board KTM AG: "The idea of the AJC was born in the packed KTM grandstand during the 2019 MotoGP event. Home-grown talents need a junior championship to present their talent. Now we have established a platform for this, so that the fastest among them can also become upcoming MotoGP rookies. Whether Brad Binder, Miguel Oliveira or recently Pedro Acosta – all of them made it to the top via a junior program."
Michael Fehlmann, General Secretary Austrian Motorsport Federation: "It is impressive to see how professionally the Austrian Junior Cup is organized right from the start. Here you can see what is possible when all partners work together to achieve a goal. The performance level of the competitors is also high, which we already saw at the Roll Out. We would be even more pleased if one or the other were to succeed in climbing the ladder."
Rene Binna, Organizer BG Sportpromotion GmbH: "The two days at the Red Bull Ring were very important for us as series promoters, because it was the first opportunity to get to know our competitors, their families and the teams. In addition to a professional implementation of the series, the permanent and personal exchange with all participants during the season is also very important to us. With the roll out, we have made a good start to the season!"