OJC Champion Steps Up In 2021

2020 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup Champion, Marianos Nikolas, will carry out triple racing duties in 2021 racing in two classes in the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul, as well as competing internationally in the Asia Talent Cup.

Nikolas is no stranger to fierce close racing. He will be hoping to kick off 2021 where he left 2020, winning at the first round of ASBK – The Australian All Wheels Race Fest, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, February 19-21.

This year, the Champion will ride a Yamaha R3 in the Supersport 300 and R3 Cup with plenty of sponsorship backing including Alibaba, Le Wrap, Diverse Concreting, Nitto Peformance, Freestyle Tattoo, Michael Phillips from SnapOn Canberra, NF Moto leathers, Gow Moto, Notaras Motorsport, Billetta Imports, and CRD.

“Due to my commitment to Asia Talent Cup, I probably won’t be able to complete all the rounds so the Championship might be a bit difficult,” said Nikolas. “But if I give it 100% commitment, a championship wouldn’t be out of the question.

“I love racing at Phillip Island because it is a world class track. I really enjoy the nature of the fast-flowing layout but I also enjoy the challenges it throws at you.

“During the racing weekend with the weather and wind changing all the time it really keeps you thinking and analysing your race strategy.”

The talented 13-year-old from Royalla, NSW, had a phenomenal 2020 finishing second overall at round 1, at Phillip Island, and at the Grand Finale at Wakefield Park Raceway took three victories at round 2, and scored a 3rd and 2nd in round 3 to be crowned bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup Champion by 13 points.

Following the victory, Nikolas was selected to race in this year’s Asia Talent Cup alongside fellow OJC rider Tom Drane. And he is still smiling today about the victory.

“Winning the Oceania Junior Cup Championship is great, what more could I ask for,” said Nikolas.

“It took a while to sink in, but now I’m so happy.  Winning couldn’t have made my year any better.”

Nikolas is a strong supporter of the Oceania Junior Cup and believes junior riders should use OJC as a stepping-stone in their racing careers.

“I’d definitely recommend the Oceania Junior Cup for any juniors looking to come up. It’s the best thing for junior riders, you learn so much about race craft and how to work on the bike and it’s been invaluable for my career.

“It feels like home when you are there and its fun being with the Oceania family.

“Damian Cudlin’s coaching is second to none, and it’s just great to be there.”

“I wouldn’t be able to do the Asia Talent Cup if it wasn’t for the Oceania Junior Cup and I can’t thank the OJC and all the staff enough for how they have helped me.”

Tickets for Round 1 ASBK – The Australian All Wheels Race Fest, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, February 19-21, are now available at www.asbk.com.au

Keep up to date with the latest news on the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul via www.asbk.com.au and following ASBK on Facebook and Instagram. You can also join our ASBK mailing list at www.asbk.com.au

Photos by Russell Colvin