Image: Supplied.

The popular KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) will be back for it’s second year at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney for 2018, to be staged inside Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday, 10 November.

The KJSC took Sydney by storm in its first-ever Australian appearance at last year’s AUS-X Open, as aspiring supercross stars aged seven and eight years of age received an opportunity of a life-time to experience the thrill of competing on the same circuit as their heroes in front of a 20,000 audience.

There will be 10 spots available for this year’s event and successful applicants will be treated to the full factory VIP experience, supplied with a KTM 50 SX fitted with KTM PowerParts by factory technicians to ride during the event. A full set of riding gear will be inclusive in a KTM gift pack to be provided to each rider, while trophies will be awarded for those finishing 1-2-3 on the podium.

Aside from extensive off-track activities and enjoyment that will include their own KJSC factory pit set-up, a tour of the KTM Motocross Racing Team pit transporter and a rider signing where kids can meet their idols, the KJSC entrants will take a dedicated track walk, two practice sessions and a fun-filled exhibition race during the AUS-X Open program.

“The KTM Junior Supercross Challenge was such a huge success last year, to see the looks on those kids’ faces as they rode and raced within Qudos Bank Arena in front of 20,000 people,” commented AUS-X Open co-founder and director Adam Bailey. “To do so in front of their heroes really is a life-changing experience, which is amazing for them, but also for the spectators because last year it was one of the most popular parts of the whole event.

“It’s an ultimate win-win for us and we’re excited to have the KJSC back again. It really is a once in a lifetime chance, because they get to be factory riders for a weekend, pitting in the truck, wearing their matching gear, working with mechanics in team uniforms and they’re fully catered for as well. There’s not a kid in the world that wouldn’t enjoy that, so it’s an amazing opportunity for them!”

The lucky riders will be chosen through a selection process, which includes all applicants submitting a relevant school report and a snapshot of their recent results to outline their riding experience. Of the 10 riders, seven will be chosen by a random ballot draw and three selected by KTM Australia.

“The future of our sport is with our young riders and what a better way to introduce the next generation to the thrill of supercross than with this experience,” explained KTM Australia general manager Jeff Leisk. “We are very fortunate to bring this program to Australia after many years of success in the United States.

“Seeing it come together last year and receiving outstanding feedback from the riders and their families meant it was a core focus to bring this program back for 2018. The partnership with AUS-X Open and the support we have received from Adam and the team to bring this together means we can offer the experience of a lifetime to 10 more aspiring racers and in turn hopefully inspire many more families to get involved with this fantastic sport.”

A factory experience like no other delivered by KTM Australia, applications for the 2018 KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) will open on Thursday, 6 September, from 9:00am AEST. For full information on the application and selection process, visit www.ridektm.com.au/2018kjsc.