European Junior Cup switches to KTM 690 Duke for 2012

For 19,950 Euros (around £16,700) young riders will again get their chance to race in front of big crowds and WSB bosses, in this year’s single-make European Cup.

Supporting eight of the European World Superbike rounds, the series, which is open to riders aged 14-19 year’s old, is in its second year and will use a modified version of KTM’s brand new 690 Duke.

The 70bhp, 150kg single-cylinder KTM 690 Duke (the most powerful single-cylinder in production) will be a big step-up in performance over the Kawasaki 250 R Ninja used in last year’s series, by riders from all over the world.

Each race will take place just before the second WSB race of the day, so it’s a perfect opportunity for the riders to showcase their talents.

The championship entry fee includes race entries, a race-prepared KTM690 Duke Cup machine, which you get to keep, paddock stands, a tool set, tyres, a pit board and numbers, fuel, consumables and team wear.

You also get technical support, work stations in the European Junior Cup village, an introduction training camp at Cartegena, Spain in March and WSB season and guest passes. Riders will receive coaching by the likes of ex-GP riders Jeremy McWilliams and Simon Crafar, as well as racers from the WSB paddock.

All you have to do is get yourself to each race, turn up with your riding kit and race the bike. Travel and hotels aren’t included in the cost, but accommodation and flights to Europe can be had cheaply.

There’s prize money for the first three finishers at each race and pole position and a 7000 Euro prize (around £5900) for the championship winner, among other prizes.

European Junior Cup director, Gerry Bryce, (who also runs the successful Racedays trackday/race events in Spain) said: “We are very pleased with the new partnership with KTM. The new 690 Duke has unbelievable performance data and is in a league of its own in this segment.

“We are confident that the 690 Duke is the perfect motorcycle for the young EJC riders in terms of both the action on the racing.”

For more information and eligibility, visit www.europeanjuniorcup.com,  www.ktm.com or www.racedays.net

KTM 690 Duke Cup motorcycle specification

• Power increase by 10hp
• Weight reduction by 10kg
• Standard light mask with carbon headlight cover
• No lighting, mirrors or number plate holder
• Monoseat cover
• KTM PowerParts (PP) seat: more rigid and with a larger area suitable for active riding
• PP Foot Peg Kit for higher positioning or for positioning feet more to the rear of the bike
• Rigid foot pegs in international racing standard
• Lower handlebar and handlebar clamps
• PP Crash Bars
• PP Akrapovic titanium exhaust system with titanium/carbon silencer
• PP Camshaft
• PP Airbox
• Fully adjustable WP suspension
• Modified braking system
• International racing standard oil drip tray

2012 KTM European Junior Cup Racing Calendar

April 22 – Assen (NL)
May 6 – Monza (I)
June 10 – Misano Adriatico (I)
July 1 – Motorland Aragon (E)
July 22 – Brno (CZ)
August 5 – Silverstone (GB)
September 9 – Nürburgring (D)
October 7 – Magny Cours (F)