KTM European Junior Cup 2012 |
 |
| Friday, 27 January 2012 12:28 | |||
 690 Duke race series to support Superbike World ChampionshipA single-bike racing championship utilising the all-new KTM 690 Duke will support the FIM Superbike World Championship in 2012. Similar to the successful talent springboard Red Bull Rookies Cup, the series represents a fantastic opportunity into a bike racing world series for promising young riders aged from 14 to 19 years and will allow them to display their talents in a prime time position on the track by racing immediately before the second Superbike heat of the day. Prospective riders must have at least one year’s experience in a licensed FIM series to ensure the level of competition is high. Applications for selection into the series are open now and it is expected that 36 young riders from 10 nations will be on the start line on April 22 in Assen, Holland, for the beginning of eight races in Europe. A slightly modified version of the brand new 690 Duke will be used as the competition bike in the KTM European Junior Cup 2012, using many components available from the KTM PowerParts catalogue. Launched in December 2011, the new 690 Duke is 90% different to its predecessor and is aimed to deliver big smiles for the demands of all types of riders. Along with boasting the most powerful production single cylinder engine at 70hp, the Duke also represents the most technically advanced road bike from the Mattighofen factory; boasting features like full ride-by-wire throttle, a twin spark plug cylinder head with individual ignition maps, three switchable power modes. KTM Motorsport Manager, Pit Beirer, said: “We have been successfully involved in the Motorcycle World Championship for some years, either in the Red Bull Rookies Cup or also from this season in the new Moto3 class. With the KTM European Junior Cup we will also be supporting new talent in the Superbike World Championship from 2012!” KTM ambassador and ex-MotoGP rider, Jeremy McWilliams, said: “I had the chance to ride the 690 Duke in Spain when we were doing an amazing photo shoot for the factory. The bike felt incredibly light and the motor is so flexible. The 690 Duke will make an ideal race bike for the European Junior Cup riders, coupled with PowerParts and adjustable suspension it's ready to race!” History has shown us that these single-bike concepts can work extremely well, with young Red Bull Rookies riders having gone into battle for five years now on identical KTM RC 125 two-stroke bikes to fight for points, victories and attention. Former Red Bull Rookies Danny Kent (GB) and Arthur Sissis (AUS) are just two of many who have succeeded in advancing to professional level. Both these riders will race for the Red Bull KTM Ajo Team on KTM’s new Moto3 bike in the 2012 season. European Junior Cup director, Gerry Bryce, said: “We are very pleased with the new partnership with KTM. The new 690 Duke has unbelievable performance data and is in a league of its own in this segment. We are confident that the 690 Duke is the perfect motorcycle for the young EJC riders in terms of both the action on the racing circuit and improvement of the youngsters’ riding ability!” For more information, visit www.europeanjuniorcup.com or www.ktm.com KTM 690 Duke Cup motorcycle specification • Power increase by 10hp • Weight reduction by 10kg • Standard light mask with carbon headlight cover • No lighting, mirrors or number plate holder • Monoseat cover • KTM PowerParts (PP) seat: more rigid and with a larger area suitable for active riding • PP Foot Peg Kit for higher positioning or for positioning feet more to the rear of the bike • Rigid foot pegs in international racing standard • Lower handlebar and handlebar clamps • PP Crash Bars • PP Akrapovic titanium exhaust system with titanium/carbon silencer • PP Camshaft • PP Airbox • Fully adjustable WP suspension • Modified braking system • International racing standard oil drip tray 2012 KTM European Junior Cup Racing Calendar April 22 – Assen (NL) May 6 – Monza (I) June 10 – Misano Adriatico (I) July 1 – Motorland Aragon (E) July 22 – Brno (CZ) August 5 – Silverstone (GB) September 9 – Nürburgring (D) October 7 – Magny Cours (F) www.europeanjuniorcup.com www.ktm.com www.ktmimages.com Article source: KTM Press
|
