The inaugural JuniorMotoX championship goes off this weekend, May 12-14. Backed by the biggest names in the sport, including Jeremy McGrath and Travis Pastrana, the event was created specifically for the little guys: 18 and under, no bikes over 250cc. Featuring some of the best dirt in the world, the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, will showcase the nation’s top amateur racers. ProTaper is proudly sponsoring JuniorMotoX.
“Our goal is to display, educate, support and recruit mini riders to the ProTaper cause,” explains says Brand Manager Paul Perebijnos. “ProTaper’s innovative Micro handlebars make it possible for younger racers to compete on a level playing field in terms of control, fit and function as the reduced diameter handlebar and grips that allow youth riders a better grasp.”
“ProTaper has long proven to be an innovator in the market,” adds the unique event’s co-creator Eric Peronnard. “Their new youth-focused Micro Handlebar is further evidence of that… and the perfect thing to present at this event. We are gratified that Paul and the ProTaper team are so enthusiastic about supporting JuniorMotoX.”
One of the innovations that ProTaper brings to this unique event is sponsoring the “ProTaper Practice” sessions. All bikes must go through tech inspection before taking to the track for practice and once they pass, the certification sticker goes on the bike. No sticker, no track time! “We want the kids to be safe, first and foremost so this safety inspection seemed like a good way for ProTaper to actively participate.”
ProTaper practice is just one of the special features of the indoor track. Nearly 2,000 feet long, the track is a modified SX course and includes a separate lane featuring more challenging obstacles for the more experienced riders/classes. “The goal is to provide a Supercross-style experience for young racers,” explains Peronnard. “We want to give them the opportunity to grow and learn about the most visible form of off-road racing on a safe, fun and challenging track.”
There are a total of 21 classes, starting with kids as young as 4-6 years old on 50cc 2-strokes. “These kids are trying to ride 50cc bikes with bars and grips better fit for adults, which makes it the perfect place to showcase our Micro handlebars. By utilizing a two-piece design, the Micro Throttle Tube can be fitted to any 2-stroke model off-road bike of 85cc and smaller,” Paul adds. Five bends are available as well. “These are the same five bends we offer in our full size bars… that way a rider can keep the same style bars they are comfortable with for their entire riding careers.”
The event will include a live webcast for the Friday qualifiers and Saturday night main events:
Qualifiers start at 4:00 pm EST (1:00 PST) on Friday, May 13, 2016.
Main Events start at 7:00 pm EST (4:00 PST) on Saturday, May 14, 2016.
