Honda Racing Xtreme Academy News
By TMX Archives on 9th Jul 10
150cc 4-strokes to compete in Italian minicross series in 2011
The Federazione Motociclistica Italiana (FMI) has passed a ruling allowing 150cc 4-strokes to continue to compete alongside 85cc two-strokes in the Italian Minicross series for 2011, as they have done throughout 2010. Therefore, young riders can continue to race machinery with similar characteristics to the 250cc and 450cc 4-stroke machines used predominantly by the top riders at World Championship level in MX1 and MX2.
Honda has developed the CRF150R 4-stroke machine to suit young riders developing their skills in preparation for stepping up to larger capacity 4-stoke machines used in MX1 and MX2. To support this, Honda has created the Honda Racing Xtreme Academy. The Xtreme Academy offers the chance for young riders to compete at National Championship level in a variety of countries across Europe and even further a-field. Dependent on each country, the Xtreme Academy Championship runs either as a stand-alone series or as part of an existing national series and offers riders of the CRF150R intense motocross competition as well as a range of other benefits, including technical support, training and individual career mentoring.
The Honda Racing Xtreme Academy was launched in 2010 and is currently running successfully in the UK, Sweden, Finland, Italy and South Africa. The FMI's decision to allow 150cc 4-strokes to continue to compete alongside 85cc two-strokes in the Italian Minicross series means that the Honda Racing Xtreme Academy can continue to operate in Italy – as it has done successfully throughout 2010 – and offer riders of the CRF150R all the benefits associated with being a Honda affiliated rider.
Roger Harvey, Off-road Manager, Honda Motor Europe
"This is definitely a step in the right direction and we are really pleased that the Federazione Motociclistica Italiana (FMI) has recognised the benefits of allowing 150cc 4-strokes to continue to compete against 85cc 2-strokes. All the quick kids want to be on 150cc 4-strokes as these are the bikes that will set them up for MX1 and MX2. The CRF150R is the perfect bike on which to learn the skills and techniques required to compete at the highest level of the sport.”