It’s been a long time coming but Canadian Kawasaki has just released the final details for its upcoming 2016 Ninja 300 series.
It’s a ten-race spec series (two per weekend) for lightly-modified 300 cc Ninja street-based bikes and will be held in conjunction with the 2016 Mopar CSBK Canadian National motorcycle road racing championships. However, in order to get it going a little earlier, the series will commence at the opening round of the RACE Regional at Shannonville Motorsport Park on the May 13-15 weekend.
This weekend also offers the option of a race school on the Friday, specifically for racers in this series. You’ll need to pre-book and show up with your own 300 Ninja, but if that sounds like the bee’s knees to you, then contact Chris Chapelle at 613-966-7223.
The overall champion will be crowned at the final round at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Ontario, August 19-21. There’s even a per-race purse for each round of the ten race series of $1,500 in total.
But what about that race-prepped fleet of Ninja 300s that you read about last year, I hear you say? Good question, they are now available for purchase from your local Kawasaki dealer for the low price of $7,500 – one careful owner, never raced (well, maybe once). If you’re interested contact Canadian Kawasaki directly at racing@kawasaki.ca. But … you’re going to have to justify why you want one, so add a few lines about what a great racer you are/will be and that you are actually planning to ride in the series and not just to your local Tim Hortons to impress the local teenagers.
Talking of teenagers, you don’t need to be one to compete, as the class is open to all ages so long as you have a valid 2016 Canadian Club Racing licence and are at least 15 at the start of the first race. Oh, and if you have competed as a Pro recently (five years regionally, ten years nationally) and think you can take candy from kids, then sorry, you’re not invited to the party. Older pros who fit the criteria are welcome though, but you won’t get any of the championship points or prize money, as they’re assuming you’re rich enough already.
Event staff from series organizers Professional Motorsport Productions, opening Shannonville round host RACE and spec tire supplier Pro 6 will be on-hand at this weekend’s Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show to chat with any interested parties,
Is that all clear enough? Good. I’m going to leave you with a heartwarming quote from Canadian Kawasaki Motors National Sales and Marketing Manager Bob Calwell …
“The goal for all spec racing is straightforward, the Ninja 300 is a popular, inexpensive, sporty bike, and the modifications are limited so that the racers can control costs. This way, you get closer racing that offers a showcase for up-and-coming competitors. We are very confident that our new Championship will be good for both Kawasaki and Canadian road racing.”
And finish off with a quick lazy journalist method of cutting and pasting the series rules and requirements straight from the press release. I would just like to add at this point, if you do decide to do this series and fancy yourself as a bit of a writer, then please feel free to contact us as we’re pondering the idea of having someone document their Ninja 300 racing experience.
Good, get to it then.
Rules and Requirements
Bikes are required to be stock Kawasaki 300 models, model year 2013 or newer, and ABS equipped bikes are permitted. Maximum power permitted post-race on the Official Series Dynojet rear wheel Dynamometer, operated by Brooklin Cycle Racing, is 38 horsepower.
The bikes must remain in showroom condition, except for the following changes:
1. Dunlop Sportmax Alpha 13 race spec tires must be utilized;
2. A fluid-retaining, sealed, aftermarket race fairing with number panels must be used;
3. A brake guard protector must be installed;
4. All typical race spec fitting and fasteners must be lock wired or contained.
Optional changes allowed include:
1. Hindle Racing aftermarket racing slip on pipe can be fitted;
2. Hindle set-back plates can be used with the stock pegs and brackets;
3. Dynojet V Power Commander and Quick Shifter can be fitted;
4. Elka racing rear shock can be utilized;
5. Restricted Front fork modification carried out by Accelerated Technologies, up to and including a K-Tech kit, are permitted;
6. Crash guards or frame sliders can be fitted. All other items must remain as delivered with the original, OE model.
I think they’re open to allowing other companies partake down the line, but all credit where credit’s due, Kawasaki have put the legwork in so I think it’s fair for them to hog the limelight for a year or two.
At the R.A.C.E. series at Shannonville there is a growing contingent of bikes and Riders in the 300 production class. So all of these bikes should be eligible for that class as well.
Alan –
True, IF they are Kawasakis and IF they fit within the technical parameters of the new series then, as I read it, they would be welcome.
Just as the Honda CBR125s and 250s were run as a spec class at CSBK events only, they were welcome at SOAR and RACE events in whatever current classes they fit into.
BTW, having had a cold, hard look at the bikes that are being offered up for sale, I think they are a smokin’ deal. You would be hard pressed to build one for that price.
Fun fun!!
This is very cool! Would be cooler if they let Honda and Yamaha come play.
I just wish I lived closer… It is a 2.5 hour drive for me, preceded by a 5 hour flight.