MotoGP: British Talent Cup competitors revealed

22 riders will line-up on the grid for the inaugural British Talent Cup next year after an intense selection event at Silverstone ahead of the 2017 British Grand Prix.

Out of around 200 applicants, 90 riders between the ages of 11 and 16 were invited to try out in front of BTC judges including Jeremy McWilliams, Alberto Puig and ex-Honda boss Shuhei Nakamoto.

Each rider had 15 minutes on track to impress the judges before lunch, when twenty were sent home ahead of the afternoon’s action. After another ten minutes on track, the list was whittled down to 50 and then just 35 ahead of the judges making their final call about who would be on the grid.

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Riders from a range of experiences were here to try out, including racers from the British Moto3 series, KTM RC390 Cup and Aprilia Superteens series as well as riders who had little to no tarmac experience but have excelled off-road, whether it be motocross, grass-track or similar. 

The inaugural British Talent Cup is set to get underway alongside the 2018 season with rounds expected at international venues on the MCE British Superbike calendar as well as selected World Superbike and MotoGP events. 

As well as the confirmed grid of 22 riders, six reserve riders were also selected in case of drop-outs. Organisers were keen to point out to those unsuccessful this time around that they’re welcome back next year. 

BRITISH TALENT CUP RIDERS 2018

Charlie Atkins – GBR – Age 14 
Franco Bourne – GBR – Age 13 
Jonathan Campbell – GBR – Age 14 
Harvey Claridge – GBR – Age 12
Adon Davie – GBR- Age 12 
Charlie Farrer – GBR – Age 15 
Brian Hart – GBR – Age 15 
Jack Hart – GBR – Age 15 
Cameron Horsman – GBR – Age 16
Rhys Irwin – IRL – Age 15 
Sam Laffins – GBR – Age 15 
Scott Ogden – GBR – Age 13 
Lewis Paterson – GBR – Age 16 
Fenton Seabright – GBR – Age 15 
Storm Stacey – GBR – Age 14
Thomas Strudwick – GBR – Age 15 
Scott Swann – GBR – Age 14 
Ross Turner – GBR – Age 13 
Joshua Whatley – GBR – Age 11 
Max Cook – GBR – Age 14 
Jack Nixon – GBR – Age 16 
Jamie David – GBR – Age 12 

Reserve Riders 

Mathew Bower – GBR – Age 15 
Jacob Clark – GBR – Age 14 
Elliot Pinson – GBR – Age 14
Annabel Thomas – GBR – Age 13
Eddie Wayde – GBR – Age 14 
George WHopper – GBR – Age 13

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