Cycle News Staff | March 20, 2023
In what will be a blow to junior road racing in the USA, the North American Talent Cup will not continue in 2023.
The series, part of the FIM Road to MotoGP Program that has spawned championships across the globe, was unable to fulfil the grid number requirements to meet the minimum standard of an FIM-affiliated grid and thus will not take place in 2023.
The North American Talent Cup only ran for a single season in 2022 and enjoyed strong grid support from young racers across America and unearthed some promising young talent in the form of race winners Jesse Shedden and champion Alessandro Di Mario, with Alex Enriquez accepted to race in the Red Bull Rookies series in Europe.
“Unfortunately, the entry numbers prior to the deadline were not enough to ensure FIM funding for the series to go ahead,” said promoting company Rise Moto’s Brandon Cretu. “It’s a massive shame as the 2022 season provided some great racing and showed America’s juniors have the speed to match the Europeans. But without the numbers, funding and industry support, the series simply can’t go ahead.”
KYT Youth Sponsorship Program
The demise of the North American Talent Cup does not mean young racers will miss out on sponsorship opportunities. Rise Moto, the company that imports KYT into North America, will offer sponsorship deals to any racer who was pre-selected into the NATC for any series they wish to compete in 2023.
“KYT Americas is proud to invest in young racers. We know that the future of the sport relies on developing riders,” commented Nathan Fitzgerald, KYT Americas National Sales Manager.
“As a company and a brand, we have to choose what we value more than the bottom line. Offering sponsorship to young racers who are giving 110 percent on and off track is the least we can do for them and their families. Youth development is something we highly value. Without a growing class of young racers, our industry will age out.”
Riders who qualify for the KYT sponsorship will be offered the FIM homologated NZ Race, which uses a lightweight tri-fiber composite shell, premium interior quality, the latest ECE certification and leading aerodynamics. Qualifying riders should reach out to KYT Americas for full information at info@kytamericas.com. CN