The bLU cRU Oceania Cup begins in 2019 and the first on-track task of the season was two days of testing at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit alongside the Official Australian Superbike Test. Two days and eight sessions saw the grid of Yamaha YZF-R15s impress, with the top ten covered by a second and the top 16 within two seconds. A mix of riders led the timesheets after each session, setting the Cup up for an exciting first season.
During the weekend the riders were also introduced to the Oceania Junior Cup team, from Yamaha to the technical team and their coach Damian Cudlin, as well as representatives of every partner involved. They then took to the track and in almost every session, a group of 10 to 14 riders was learning the art of slipstreaming and racecraft.
The action was akin to a mini Moto3™ race, with bunches of 10 and 12 riders having five-lap long drafting chains exciting enough to draw a good few onlookers. By the time the weekend came to a close it was Queensland’s Max Gibbons who came out on top, setting a impressive 2:14.735 to take fastest of the day, followed by Carter Thompson (2:14.835), Archie McDonald (2:14.897), New Zealand’s Cormac Buchanan (2:14.957), and Angus Grenfell (2:15.082).
Rider coach Damien Cudlin was thrilled with the performance of the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup riders.
“It’s been a really positive test, I think the kids have all really enjoyed themselves, they’ve learnt a whole lot. They've really surprised me and I think a lot of people in the pitlane with how professional they've been and how well they're riding already, so I’m even more excited to see them in their first race.”
The young racers’ next outing is at Wakefield Park, where they’ll go racing for real with the first-ever Oceania Junior Cup round alongside Round 2 of ASBK.
Overall Fastest Top 10 Results:
1 Max GIBBONS - 2:14.735
2 Carter THOMPSON - 2:14.835
3 Archie McDONALD - 2:14.897
4 Cormac BUCHANAN - 2:14.957
5 Angus GRENFELL - 2:15.082
6 Cros FRANCIS - 2:15.202
7 Glenn NELSON - 2:15.486
8 Lucas QUINN - 2:15.668
9 Jamie PORT - 2:15.681
10 Alex KENWORTHY-JONES - 2:15.890