Thanks to continued support from naming rights sponsor Yamaha Motor Finance, the entry-level R3 Cup race series is expanding for 2018.
R3 Cup racers will now be able to showcase their talent on the world stage at Phillip Island on WSBK weekend for round one starting 22 Feb 2018. The addition of the WSBK round increases the events to five.
The R3 Cup technical rules are now aligned with the Supersport 300 technical rules. This means that entrants will be able to enter more races with their YZF-R3s. Supersport 300 entrants on Yamaha R3s on all levels of riding ability are encouraged to cross enter to the R3 Cup to be in with a chance of winning a range of prize money (see next page).
In addition to the top prizes for winning and placing, the R3 Cup also offers rookie, encouragement and a lady’s cash incentives in order to encourage grass roots participation.
Entrants will continue to be able to purchase a YZF-R3 plus race kit at a discounted price of $7900 RRP inc GST. Customers who already have an R3 can purchase the race kit separately and parts are available from Yamaha dealers and Race Center.
The Race Center support program, as per the previous two years, continues to offer assistance to all 2018 R3 Cup events by providing spares and technical support and to assist in bike setup.
The R3 Cup Prize Pool continues with a total of $22,000 cash incentives. Watch the fiercely contested series at these venues:
Round 1 WSBK, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit VIC February 22 – 25
Round 2 Wakefield Park Raceway Goulburn NSW March 16 – 18
Round 3 Morgan Park Raceway Warwick QLD August 17 – 19
Round 4 Winton Motor Raceway Benalla VIC September 7 – 9
Round 5 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit VIC October 12 – 14
In addition to the R3 Cup, YMA is pleased to announce the continuation of the GP Juniors Australia to be held over three rounds of the ASBK
The YZF-R15 one model class kicks off on March 16-18 at Wakefield Park Raceway (NSW), then heads to Morgan Park Raceway (QLD) on August 17-19 and finishes at Winton Motor Raceway (VIC) on September 7-9
The GP Juniors Cup offers a race prepped Yamaha YZF-R15 race prepared with all the necessary track bits delivered to your door for just $4690. With assistance, the Bridgestone tyres are a further $247, so for under $5000 the bike is ready to race in the GP Juniors Cup
//Editor’s note//
R3 Cup and GP Juniors – YMA’s foundation for bLU cRU road riders
R3 Cup is a one model road race series launched by YMA in 2016 that runs in conjunction with the ASBK series. By offering affordable and level playing field racing, the R3 Cup aims to foster the development of beginner bLU cRU riders and assist their progression through to other classes. For example, top Supersport 300 riders such as Tommy Edwards and Reid Battye have secured rides in the World 300 Supersport series, which is an indicator of the success of the entry-level series.
The GP Juniors Cup is aimed at bringing up the next generation of road racing stars ranging from 11 to under 15 years of age. All competitors race the tried and tested Yamaha YZF-R15 and Bridgestone control tyre, providing an even playing field between the youngsters and a cost-effective form of racing.