For the 2009 season the MRRDA will introduce the "Nippers" class which will be for the 11 to 12 year olds. Although the MA GCR's state that there is an age bracket that starts at 9 years old and goes to 12 years old, the MRRDA committee have decided to take a cautious approach to this age group and limit it to 11 years old as the starting point for 2009. The nippers class will race at all rounds of the MRRDA (MNSW approval pending) except Phillip Island

Paul Edwards, MRRDA Chairman - "We take the role of promoting junior road racing very seriously and the responsibilty that goes with it. We have a responsibility to the kids first and foremost and their safety. We do not have enough experience with this age group to comfortably allow 9 year olds to race with us. Under those circumstances the only responsibile path is to limit the age group to where we do feel comfortable. We also beleive that Phillip island is not a suitbale track for this age group so we will not run them there. Once we have a year under our belt with these little guys and girls, and more information is provided by MA from overseas stats, we'll review all of this."

The specifications for the bikes eligile for this class will be released shortly.