Two of our very own bLU cRU SA Junior Cup riders have been selected for the 2024 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC). The 2022 bLU cRU SA Junior Cup winner, Rikki Henry, and the current 2023 bLU cRU SA Junior Cup winner (with 1 round to go), Archie Schmidt, both made their way to Malaysia for a chance to secure a spot in the 2024 IATC roster and take on a life-changing opportunity.
Joining a total of 89 riders, including 14 Australians, the pair travelled to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, to be assessed by experts, including the 2009 250GP world champion Hiroshi Aoyama, all under the leadership of Dorna talent promotion director Alberto Puig.
Throughout each session, with a focus on crucial areas of both on and off the bike skills, riders were selected to progress to the next test, culminating in the final decisions of the 10 riders to line up on the starting grid for the 2024 IATC and 10 reserve riders to supplement the roster.
Archie and Rikki showcased their well-known ability and talent to each progress through the selection rounds, to end up both earning a place on the 2024 Asia Talent Cup grid and taking that next step in their road racing journey.
Since their early days in the bLU cRU SA Junior Cup series, Rikki and Archie have showcased remarkable growth, evolving their skills and success, in our SA State racing development program into national success within the Oceania Junior Cup and beyond. Both riders embody the core values of the SA Junior Cup, demonstrating unwavering commitment, notable growth, and a shared vision for success. Their remarkable journey to the Oceania Junior Cup and onto other opportunities reflects our state program’s ethos and the promising future it offers SA riders. Their dedication and evolution epitomize the very essence of the SA Junior Cup’s goals, setting the stage for exceptional racing careers for South Australian juniors.
Kym Bolto – Team Manager and developer of the bLU cRu SA Junior Cup:
“I am delighted and beyond proud of both Rikki and Archie who have both come through the bLU cRU SA Junior Cup series and then to compete in the Oceania Junior Cup.
To have 2 of our shining stars of the SA racing scene accepted into the 2024 Asia Talent Cup is a dream come true for me, this is exactly the reason I wanted to create a program such as this in our State, with the series only in it’s 2nd year, it is showing results already. I can’t wait to follow the boys in their journey in the 2024 Asia Talent Cup and I wish them all the best”.
Brenton Matters – President of Motorcycling South Australia Board:
“From witnessing their growth and skill development along the pathway of the bLU cRU SA Junior Cup into National racing within the Oceania Junior Cup and subsequently progress toward further successes in their road racing careers, it highlights the exceptional benefits that the SA Junior Cup provides for our South Australian riders. This opportunity fosters aspirations, offering a choice between pursuing a professional career in the sport or advancing personal development journeys, both on and off the bikes”.
With limited time for celebrations, Archie Schmidt, leading by just 1 point, will head into the final round of the 2023 Oceania Junior Cup here at The Bend over the 1st to 3rd of December, while Rikki Henry gears up for the opportunity to race at the MiniGP World Series in Circuit Ricardo Tormo Valencia, competing against the world’s best later in November after becoming the Australian Ohvale 160cc MiniGP Champion. We couldn’t be prouder of both exceptional riders and eagerly await their performances in next year’s Asia Talent Cup.
(Above left) – Archie Schmidt leading the OJC pack at the recent Phillip Island ASBK Round – Picture: Pit Lane Studio.
(Above Right) – Rikki Henry the 2023 Australian Ohvale 160cc MiniGP Series winner. – Picture: Pit Lane Studio.
Applications are currently open for the 2024 bLU cRU SA Junior Cup Season, for more information on the program and how to register check out the press release – HERE.
Make sure you stay tuned to the Motorcycling SA and South Australian Junior Cup social media pages for regular updates –