Honda Australia, in conjunction with Honda Motor Co. Pty Ltd, have just upped the ante considerably for junior racers competing in this year’s Motorcycle Road Race Development Association (MRRDA) series. The winner of the on-track component of the 2007 five round series will be invited to participate in the Asean Cup to take place at Motegi, Japan in November.

As the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, Honda is offering an opportunity like no other. The Asean Cup gives young CBR150 riders the chance to further their experience in an international arena, in front of a 30,000 strong crowd. Riders from ASEAN countries who have qualified in their own national championship series gather once a year to compete in the 200 km event, to be held on the famous MotoGP track.

“We are thrilled to be involved with sponsoring the Australian Junior Champion,’ said Honda Australia’s Brand and Planning Manager, Phil Reynolds.“This event is the perfect embodiment of Honda's race spirit and our commitment to mentor young riders, and the ASEAN Cup is certainly considered to be one of the premier events of its kind.”

The MRRDA titles provide a class for riders aged 13 -15 years old who are judged on both their on and off track performance. Honda’s Motor Sports Department will be providing full sponsorship for the MRRDA rider who scores the most racing points, including provision of a race prepared CBR150R, as well as accommodation and other local costs associated with the trip. Honda Australia will assist by providing international airfares for the winner and his or her chaperone.

MRRDA’s Chairman, Paul Edwards said the injection of the new level of support from Honda is exactly what the sport needs.“There will be World GP class riders as well as junior champions from all over the region at Motegi,” said Edwards. “Having Honda behind this brings it up to a whole new level and this new incentive will definitely bring out the best in all of our competitors. We are confident that our Australian representative, whoever that might be, will be right up there with the best of them,”

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Media Contact: Lisa Evans, Public Relations Coordinator, Mb: 0413 542 004; email: levans@hondampe.com.au