RACE, the organizers of motorcycle racing at Shannonville Motorsports Park near Belleville, Ontario, have announced a new "beginner" class for the 2010 racing season. Under discussion for months, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 class is intended primarily for riders too inexperienced or young to race on a modern 600 four or 650 twin.
In particular, it will serve as the perfect stepping stone for young racers graduating from the Honda CBR125 class. RACE has run the CBR Cup since 2008 with increasing interest and entries at almost every event, mostly teenagers as young as 12.
Although technical requirements are still under negotiation, it’s intended that like the CBR class, allowed modifications will be minimal in the interests of controlling costs and keeping competition as level as possible. RACE’s Director of Competition Chris Chapelle said, "As part of our young rider development program … the introduction of the Kawasaki 250 Ninja class will give these riders an easy transition to move up in bike size within a reasonable cost-effective budget. We’re looking at making this a stock class with little to no modifications."
Regulations are being negotiated with several interested sponsors, and complete information should be available at the Toronto Motorcycle Show December 11-13 at the Metro Convention Centre, and at Supershow 2010 at the International Centre January 15-17. Interested parties can get in touch with Chapelle at (613) 966-7223 or race@shannonville.com. Series information will be posted at www.shannonville.com as soon as available.
