FOCUS – U.S. Mini GP Group Offers Road Racing Program for Kids

An organization comprised of several companies and motorcycle enthusiasts, US Mini GP is a new spec racing program designed to create future motorcycle road race champions in North America.
Spec racing is a format where all equipment and machines are identical in every respect.
Mini GP machines are purpose built competition motorcycles of reduced dimensions (12-inch wheels) and weight (120lbs), designed for children between 7 and 16 years of age. With a variety of engine/tuning options for the older kids’ classes, these bikes are capable of speeds in excess of 100mph.
Mini GP machines, as well as their components, have been designed with characteristics and features found only on full size Grand Prix bikes.
The principals of US Mini GP are involved in many aspects of the motorcycle industry. Ozzie Saez, president of OzBike USA, Inc. and Cycle Imports, Inc. is the founder and director of the group. Other contributors include Infinity GP Racing, Sava Tires, WERA and Metrakit SA of Spain. Metrakit is responsible for the engine development of the machines, and is also responsible for the organization of the Spanish program already in place.
“It is our intention to make the sport of road racing accessible to kids for the first time ever in the United States,” Ozzie Saez told Powersports Business. “It’s surprising, but there have been a number of (companies) who’ve told me something like this wouldn’t work in the U.S. I think they want to see how it works out before really stepping up to take part and back it.
“The main goal is to develop road racers in the U.S. as early and young as they do in Europe. We have over 64 kids around the U.S. now and expect to finish the year with 80 to 100 kids.”
Saez says novice riders ages 8-15 will run a 50cc 12-inch-wheel bike. Experienced racers from 8-15 can run a Spec 72cc engine kit on the same bike.
“Plus, we believe we have enough kids taking part to run an 80cc 17-inch Spec class this year, and we’re scheduled to have a 125cc class in the U.S. sometime later in the season,” he said. Experienced riders 12 years of age or older will be able to run the 80cc 17-inch wheel platform, and riders ages 13 and older will be eligible for the 125cc Spec bike.
The 12-inch-wheel Mini GP comes as an 11hp 50cc machine delivering a top speed of 70mph. The 72cc bike features 20 hp and is capable of more than 90mph. The race ready 50cc Mini GP retails for $3,900, and $700 more will obtain a 72cc kit. The race ready 72cc spec bike sells for $4,500.

WERA partnership
US MINI GP has partnered with WERA to produce 40 scheduled events nationwide in 2005. The series will run five separate regional championships in the U.S.: Southeast (WERA), Northeast (WERA), North Central (WERA), West Coast (WERA), and Central (CMRA). Each region runs different schedules, all of which are posted on the WERA Web site (www.wera.com) and CMRA Web site (www.cmraracing.com).
Each club and region rides different full-sized road courses around the country. Although the program is tailored for kids aged eight to 15, with CMRA, no one under 10 can ride. With WERA, eight- and nine-year olds can ride with an existing flat track, motocross or other license. Beginners can get a practice-only license at age 8. At age 10, they can get a full racing WERA license.
Each region will hold an average of 10 races per year, and the series will culminate in a national invitational with $6,000 in prize money and the chance to qualify for the World Mini GP Invitational in Spain on bikes provided by the organization.
The second World Mini GP Invitational took place December 17-19, 2004, in Almeria, Spain. Hosted by Metrakit, the weekend included competition in three classes: 12” wheel 72cc spec; 17” wheel 80cc spec; and a 125cc time trial for the fastest four kids from the 80cc spec class.
Representing 12 countries, 72 riders ages seven to 15 took to the grid. Four of the racers came from the U.S. and participated on new, loaner bikes arranged by Cycle Imports, Inc.
The U.S. racers finished 17th, 28th, 33rd and 36th of 47.
For more information regarding US Mini GP, visit www.minigp50cc.com or call 305/889-1800.