ASIA could only watch in envy as the RC Cup, first run in Germany’s ADAC series, became part of road racing championships in North America, the United Kingdom, France, Benelux, Finland, Mexico, and Italy.
But the 2017 RC CUP is finally expanding into Asia, in response to calls for this attractive racing series to join Asia’s vibrant motorsports calendar.
The KTM RC 390 is recognised as a super sport street bike that delivers a big hit of adrenalin from a relatively small engine capacity. KTM is justifiably proud of its “READY TO RACE DNA” but understands the RC’s potential for more. The “Cup” RC 390, complete with a host of race-focused KTM PowerParts and fully adjustable WP Suspension, becomes a fully-fledged track weapon and also an ideal tool for junior riders to begin their trade.
KTM Customer Sport is the special unit staffed by racing and technical experts dedicated to the success of the RC CUP worldwide.
All rounds of the competition are to be held at the Sepang International Circuit. Riders will be drawn from all over Asia.
Former MotoGP hero and established KTM test rider Jeremy McWilliams, who is also KTM ambassador, will serve as the KTM RC CUP Asia’s paddock expert and technical adviser. As the competition’s ambassador, he is an ideal racing personality to advise and guide the young riders who take the next step in their racing careers.
It will also be a showcase for up-and-coming talent, a chance for riders born between 1995 and 2003 to display and further perfect their race craft. All riders must purchase the KTM RC 390 CUP race bike and hold a valid FIM International Road Racing Licence (or valid AAM Licence for Malaysian riders).
Riders will benefit from exclusive advantages, including READY TO RACE KTM PowerParts, KTM trackside technical support and guidance from McWilliams. Above all, the championship offers young riders from Asia the opportunity to compete in a high-level competition at an affordable cost.
It could be an important step in following in the future footsteps of Malaysian riders Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Moto3 and now Supersport World Championship) and Adam Norrodin (Moto3).
There are three categories to the RC Cup.
The main category is the Orange, which requires the purchase of a KTM RC CUP ASIA race bike for ?7,888 (RM37,500) and a full season’s entry fee, race clothing and technical trackside support. It features two separate races for points towards the overall championship.
Requirements are an FIM International Road Racing Licence (or AAM Racing Licence). Importation to the country of residence, tax, value-added tax, etc, are not included in the price. A carefully crafted rental programme with full benefits is available in order to give everyone a chance to experience the affordable racing.
The next two are the Silver and Bronze categories, which are open to racers of all ages. The Silvers run standard KTM RC390 bikes while the Bronzes run standard RC200/250 bikes.
They also feature separate races for points towards the overall championship and require an FIM International Road Racing Licence (or AAM Racing Licence). Entry fees are ?380 (RM1800) for a full season or ?80 (RM380) per round and contingencies and prizes are very attractive.
More information on all the packages can be found at www.ktmrccup.com or the nearest KTM distributor.
The RC Cup is supported by Alpinestars technical wear, Airoh helmets, Metzeler tyres and Motorex Oils. In addition, BMC Air Filters and RK Chain also step in as technical sponsors by bringing their expertise in premium motorcycle components.
