Source: Supplied.

The 65cc division at the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship will be granted world cup status in 2017, building upon its previous European open status.

To be contested at Lange Motokeskus in Estonia on 30 July, the 65cc World Cup points will be tallied towards the national teams world championship (combined 65cc, 85cc and 125cc results).

Australia has a rich history in the junior worlds, with Caleb Grothues (2012) and Jett Lawrence (2014) both capturing 65cc world championships when in existence, while Jay Wilson was 85cc champion in 2009 – all three now based in Europe for the 2017 season.

Since 2015 the FIM has featured a European Open 65cc Cup at the event, rather than a world championship, which has now been elevated to world cup status alongside the 125cc and 85cc world championships. Rider applications are now available for download.

Australia is set to host the 2018 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship at Horsham in Victoria, an announcement from Youthstream almost two years ago confirmed.

Locally, minutes from Motorcycling Australia’s (MA) motocross commission meeting in March 2016 detailed a proposal not to award championship status for racers under 12 years – the 50cc Division 2, 65cc or 85cc 9 to Under 12 years classes – in line with the FIM’s decision from the year prior.

Further discussion and feedback saw the commission withdraw the proposal, however consideration regarding rider development is understood to be ongoing. No change will be made to the classes prior to the Australian Junior Motocross Championship at Horsham from 30 September-7 October.