William Hunt in action during the 2022 bLU cRU OJC Cup. Photo supplied
LOCAL 12-year old junior motorcycle racers William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise) and Elijah Andrew (Marayong) will race with the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) at the legendary Phillip Island Raceway later this year, with their group having been added to the racing program for this year’s ‘Animoca Brands’ Australian Grand Prix in October.
Debuting in 2019, the OJC is endorsed under the official Dorna Road to MotoGP™ program, and supported by FIM Oceania, with the academy aimed at developing the next generation of Aussie riders.
The inclusive program, designed for boys and girls aged between 11 and under 16, will bring some of Australia’s best young riders to the scintillating Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, where they’ll cut their teeth on their respective race-prepared Yamaha YZF-R15s.
In honour of former World Champion Mick Doohan, the overall winner across the three days of the OJC will be awarded the inaugural Mick Doohan Trophy.
Doohan, who won five consecutive 500cc World Championships, is a vocal supporter of junior motorsport development in Australia and this award is in recognition of his continued contribution to the sport.
The OJC joins a National Superbike class to round out the support categories on offer at the Grand Prix, along with Moto2™ and Moto3™ – where Aussie Joel Kelso will make his Phillip Island debut.
Of course, MotoGP™ will mark its big return after a two-year hiatus, with Australian riders, Jack Miller and Remy Gardener set to battle it out in the premier class.
“Motorcycling Australia is happy to be working with AGPC to showcase the OJC program in front of the world’s elite. It’s a great opportunity for the 20 kids involved and they’re sure to put on a good show for those fans’ trackside at the Island,” said Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle.
Both of our local boys Elijah and William are looking forward to being in action at an International event and describe the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit track as fast and flowing, and mostly flat out in 6th gear on the Yamaha YZF-R15 v3 race bike.
“For me to be racing with the MotoGP teams and riders as a support class means everything to me,” said William.
“I feel extremely privileged, not only to be going to Phillip Island for the 3rd time this year but to have the chance to meet my heroes and watch the people that are involved in those teams compete at the highest level. It is a dream come true and hopefully I will get to watch OJC riders in the future, when I’m competing at that level. I also want to say a big thank you to Martin Port, Motorcycling Australia and all of the other people who have organised for the bLU cRU OJC to race in front of all of the Australian motorcycle fans and in front of the rest of the world on TV.
“I would also like to thank Platinum EMS Studio and Platinum Security Systems here in Penrith for their support this year, because without them, we may not have been able to fund the rest of this season.”
William’s father Matthew is also delighted with the decision to race the OJC riders with MotoGP.
“The decision to to have Oceana Junior Cup at the Australian Motogp in October I think is extremely significant,” said Matthew.
“To have the best junior road races showcased in front of the world’s best teams, sponsors, riders and media is huge. If you talk to any of the competitors in OJC, they will all say their goal is to be in MotoGP.
“The effort behind the scenes from Motorcycling Australia and Dona (MotoGP) is incredible and it shows the faith they have in the young talent in this country.
“I can’t begin to imagine what it will be like for those kids to line up on the grid in front of possibly 100,000 people and race – it will be something that they will never forget.
Hospitality packages, grandstand tickets and Island Passes (general admission) are on sale now! Visit www.motogp.com.au for more information.
