Junior riders eager to join legends at Phillip Island with just 50 days to go

The Qatar Airways Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2024 is just 50 days away, and Australia’s next generation of superstar riders are counting down for their Phillip Island appearance.

The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC), managed by Motorcycling Australia and supported by FIM Oceania, is an official Road to MotoGP™ program where the riders, aged between 11 and under 16, compete on identical Yamaha YZF-R15 bikes.

bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup riders (L to R): Nikolas Lazos, Henry Hynd, Phoenix O’Brien and Ethan Johnson pictured by Melbourne’s Yarra River

OJC is endorsed by Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holders of MotoGP™, and is aimed at developing young riders with on-track coaching and media training.

The current group of OJC riders is coached by Garry McCoy, a five-time Grand Prix winner – including three in the premier class – during a spectacular career in the world championship paddock.

The endorsement by Dorna Sports provides opportunities for past and present OJC riders to be selected to compete in international competitions such as the Asia Talent Cup and Red Bull Rookies Cup.

An impressive percentage of riders across MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™ classes have developed their race craft through various Road to MotoGP™ programs, with every permanent rider in the Moto3™ World Championship now having raced in a series on the Road to MotoGP™. This includes current Moto3™ rider Jacob Roulstone, who is in his debut season with the Red Bull Tech3 team and competed in the inaugural OJC season in 2019.

bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup riders at the 2023 Australian MotoGP. Image: PitLaneStudio

From 18-20 October, OJC will join the MotoGP™, Moto2™ and Moto3™ categories, which will feature Australians Jack Miller, Senna Agius, Roulstone and Joel Kelso, for three days of thrilling motorsport at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.motogp.com.au/tickets

Expressions of interest are also now open for the 2025 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup. For more information, click here.

Quotes attributable to Australian Grand Prix Corporation Division Manager – Motorsport, David Corrigan
“Grassroots sports are where future champions are made, and OJC has already been the starting point for so many talented riders in its first six years.

“It’s so exciting for us to see the OJC riders return to Phillip Island, they are always a great addition to the on-track line-up. We’re counting the days until we can see them back on the grid.”

Quotes attributable to Motorcycling Australia CEO, Peter Doyle
“The OJC has been a spectacular addition to the Australian circuit racing landscape, not only in terms of the spectacular action but the opportunities it has provided for riders to continue to make their mark internationally.

“In 2024, we have OJC alumni competing in both the Asia Talent Cup and Red Bull Rookies Cup, and to see Jacob Roulstone become a full-time Moto3 rider was another nod to the success of the academy.

“The OJC action at Phillip Island will be as intense as ever, with the battle for the chequered flag to go down to the wire.”