The Honda 150 European Championship will start at the Lausitzring World Motocross Championship round in Germany this weekend, July 27-28, following a training camp at which competitors got to grips with the Honda CRF150R machines for the first time.
With pivotal support from the FIM Europe, Honda has been determined to help develop the next generation of talent. The manufacturer has consequently offered a free ride to riders aged 11-14 on CRF150Rs in a bid to get youngsters on the racing ladder with an opportunity to race in front of a Grand Prix paddock.
The three-round Honda 150 European championship will be run by Racedays Promotions, with a race-ready Honda CRF150R provided for the riders. The series forms part of the MXGP weekend and enables riders simply to arrive with their riding gear and a helper-mechanic, and then go racing.
The young riders underwent a series of physical, psychological and medical checks with the FIM Europe at the two-day training camp this week. Those taking part will battle it out for the ultimate prize of a ride in the Gariboldi Honda squad in 2014*, as they progress to the EMX250 championship.
Roger Harvey, Honda Europe’s off-road manager, said: “We had the training days earlier in the week when all the riders familiarised themselves with the new bikes and went through quite a rigorous test regime with the FIM Europe. The riders come from a number of different countries and were provided with comprehensive information regarding nutrition, fitness, balance and agility, along with a psychological assessment by the FIM Europe staff.”
“We’re really looking forward to seeing the CRF150Rs being raced around a Grand Prix track,” added Harvey, “in an event that represents a huge opportunity for many of the youngsters taking part.”
Opened in 2000, Lausitzring is perhaps more famous as a road racing circuit, but will host the German round of the World Motocross Championship this season, with a purpose-built off-road facility to welcome the MXGP paddock.
