The KTM Junior Supercross Challenge will make its highly-anticipated New Zealand debut during the 2018 S-X Open Auckland next month, set to take centre-stage at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday, 24 November.
Just two weeks following its second AUS-X Open Sydney appearance alongside the S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship series opener, there will be a total of 10 aspiring supercross stars aged between seven and eight years old who will take to the track on supplied KTM 50 SX machinery at round two.
Tickets to the inaugural S-X Open Auckland event are in high demand and fans will witness the KTM-mounted kids in action alongside a host of the world’s best supercross racers. Each successful KJSC applicant will be treated to a full factory VIP experience, including a KTM 50 SX fitted with KTM PowerParts by factory technicians to ride during the event.
KTM’s gift pack provided to each young rider will feature a full set of riding gear to keep, plus trophies will be awarded to podium finishers in the 1-2-3 positions. Extensive off-track activities planned will include a guided tour of the KTM Motocross Racing Team pit area, a special rider signing where kids can meet their KTM heroes including New Zealand’s very own world champion Ben Townley.
Following a dedicated track walk to learn the ins and outs of riding supercross, the KJSC will feature two practice sessions and an excitement-packed exhibition race during the S-X Open Auckland program. It will be an experience of a lifetime for each of the youthful riders taking part ahead of what’s expected to be a capacity crowd of over 20,000.
Selection will be determined via a ballot, with applicants required to submit a relevant school report and a snapshot of their recent results to outline their riding experience, ensuring each successful applicant will be capable of completing the first-ever KJSC event in New Zealand.
Operated by KTM New Zealand, the KJSC at S-X Open Auckland will offer a factory experience like no other! Registrations for the 2018 KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) in New Zealand are now closed.
Patrick Stafford – Manager, KTM New Zealand: “We’re very excited to introduce the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) in New Zealand. It’s been a long time coming, to have an international supercross event here in New Zealand, and it’s awesome to be a part of it. The KJSC has been extremely successful in the United States, as well as Australia, so we are looking forward to seeing the successful applicants take part in S-X Open Auckland at Mt Smart Stadium. This will be an incredible experience for KJSC riders and we are certain they will remember it for a lifetime to come!”
Adam Bailey – Co-Founder and Director, S-X Open: “Taking part in the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) is a great opportunity for the riders in front of 20,000-plus people and it will be an experience they will never forget, that’s for sure. As far as the event goes, it’s one of the most popular aspects of entertainment on the schedule, so to have the KJSC as part of the event is a real win-win. Following the response in Sydney, it was only natural to include the KJSC in Auckland and it truly is an awesome initiative that KTM have come up with around the world. To have these kids become factory riders for the day, be mentored by their heroes and to ride in front of so many people, this is their way to experience supercross at its absolute best! It’s something that we’re definitely excited and proud to be a part of both in Australia and New Zealand.”