MotoAmerica Adds KTM RC390 Spec Racing Series!

MotoAmerica and KTM North America announced a new spec racing series built around theRC390 that will compete at select rounds of the 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship.

The new KTM RC Cup will pit riders aged 18 to 22 on identical RC390 race bikes for a shot at an AMA National Championship and contingency money. The series fits into MotoAmerica’s plans for developing homegrown racing talent for the international stage.

“One of our main goals in creating MotoAmerica was to find new talent and this is the start of that,” says Wayne Rainey,  three-time 500cc world champion and a member of the MotoAmerica leadership. “This is going to give a lot of young riders the opportunity to feel the excitement of racing at a professional event on top-level KTM RC390 motorcycles while competing for a National Championship. The KTM RC Cup is also going to give the teams a chance to see new talent in a competitive environment. Our goal is to give these riders the opportunity to move up through our championship classes in MotoAmerica with a goal of making it to the World Championships.”

HMC Racing, the Wisconsin-based race team that also operates KTM’s Superbike racing program, will provide trackside service including pit areas and hospitality sections for racers as well a technical and parts support for RC Cup racers. KTM factory rider Chris Fillmore will also serve as a mentor for the young racers.

RC Cup race bikes will be sold as race-prepared models to dealers and customers; regular production RC390 models are ineligible for the series. Engines will be sealed to maintain quality. HMC technicians will perform any required engine teardowns, engine rebuilds and ECU checks.

“We are really excited for KTM to partner with MotoAmerica on this project with a clear goal to help bring youth back into American road racing,” says Jon-Erik Burleson, president of KTM North America. “We are proud of the effort MotoAmerica is putting toward reviving road racing in this country and look forward to a season of exciting racing from our RC Cup to the premier Superbike class.”

[Source: MotoAmerica, KTM]