Yamaha OJC Scholarship opens new international pathway
Motorcycling Australia, in partnership with Yamaha Motor Australia, has launched the Yamaha OJC Scholarship to create an exciting new international pathway for Junior Australian Road Race Championship riders in the landmark junior academy.
Starting in 2025, the winner of this year’s six-round BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) – which is beginning at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 28-29 alongside the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul (ASBK) – will receive a fully supported ride in the 2026 Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship.
What the Yamaha OJC Scholarship provides:
• Use of fully race-prepared Yamaha YZF-R3;
• Riding gear, excluding helmet;
• Uniform;
• Tyres;
• Fuel;
• Service;
• Entry fee to each round;
• Rider lunch at the track; and
• Testing included within the calendar.
The OJC riders in the heat of battle at Phillip Island in 2024. Image: RbMotoLens
Who can win the Yamaha OJC Scholarship?
The Yamaha Scholarship will be awarded to the OJC winner provided they meet eligibility criteria, including age, off-track factors such as attitude, professionalism and presentation. Should the OJC winner not meet these requirements, the scholarship will be offered to the next highest-placed eligible competitor.
Furthermore, riders must be 12 years old by round one of the 2026 Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship to participate.
In 2025, two rounds of the Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship will be held in Australia in conjunction with the ASBK Championship.
The rounds will be at Philip Island (September 6-7) and One Raceway (October 3-5), featuring a plethora of past and current OJC riders.
And now with the creation of a direct connection between the OJC and Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship, the previously announced ‘to be advised’ round of the 2025 OJC will also be held at Phillip Island on September 6-7.
Sharing the Phillip Island paddock with the international program will allow the OJC riders to get a first-hand appreciation of the Asia-Pacific Championship, as well as seeking counsel from the Australian and New Zealand riders competing in the 2025 instalment.
A month later, it’ll all happen again at One Raceway as the Asia-Pacific Championship completes part two of its Aussie swing before heading to Thailand for the final round.
Epic 2025 Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship round one action from Thailand, with Aussies Valentino Knezovic (#48) and Hunter Corney (#40) in the thick of it.
Peter Doyle, CEO Motorcycling Australia:
“The Yamaha OJC Scholarship represents a fantastic new opportunity for our Oceania Junior Cup graduates to take their careers to the next level.
“This partnership with Yamaha strengthens our commitment to developing world-class Australian racing talent.”
Scott Bishop, Motorsport Manager, Land Mobility, Yamaha Australia:
“Over the last 12 months Yamaha has made a concerted push to step up pathways on an international basis, and now with the Yamaha OJC Scholarship there’s a pathway into Asia.
“And the winner of the R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship then goes into the FIM R3 BLU CRU World Cup.
“It’s a great initiative from Yamaha and one that we are really happy to support.”
