Honda announces European CRF150R series at Grand Prix races

This exciting new series will be running in conjunction with the FIM MX1 and MX2 championship at a maximum of eight European rounds for youngsters aged 11-14. It is a one-make series, and riders will be provided with the proven CRF150R fourstroke machines to battle it out for championship glory with the race ready package Honda is offering.

The concept is a simple one, as riders only have to focus on the races, they will be able to arrive at each event with Honda staff caring for transportation, maintenance and organisation of the machines, including a hospitality area. Honda staff will ensure the riders have the motorcycles set for the best performance, and a coach will follow their progress from a sporting point of view to help them improve in the competition in a professional way.

The goal of this championship is to establish a professional career ladder and a pyramid style plan to discover young talent, as well as help the federations grow up the next generation of champions. With this in mind, Honda will offer the winner of the Honda 150 European championship the opportunity to race in the EMX250 championship the following season with a supported place in a Honda team. So from 2014 a Honda 150 European Champion will join the EMX250 series from the youth series, which is a first in the MX community.

Finally, as if that isn’t enough, a training school will be offered to the youngsters before the start of the season, and at the end of the year the CRF150R machine used in the series will become the rider’s property with no charge.

Roger Harvey: Honda Motor Europe Off-Road Manager
“This is an exciting time for Honda, as we make the next step in our plan after the success of the Honda Xtreme Academy to grow up young talent. This is a great opportunity for youngsters to compete at Grand Prix tracks from a young age, while learning how to race a fourstroke bike, which is in synergy with the MX1 and MX2 series at the highest level. We will be offering mentoring and coaching to the riders, along with an easily accessible chance to race on similar machinery, so competition should be fierce and totally down to the rider ability. We are also looking forward to welcoming the champion of the series into a Honda team the following year on the bigger bike, as well as allowing riders to showcase their talent in front of the World Championship paddock.”

Giuseppe Luongo: Youthstream President

"We are extremely excited to start this new European Championship with Honda, as this partnership is another important stone for the development of motocross and for giving our young riders more possibilities to race."