Image: Jeremy Hammer (Foremost Media).

Junior Lites and Junior 85cc classes within the Australian Supercross Championship have now been granted championship status by Motorcycling Australia (MA) for 2017.

The two affected classes include SX Junior Lites 13 to 16 years 125cc to 150cc two-stroke/200cc to 250cc four-stroke and SX Junior 85 12 to 16 years 85cc two-stroke/150cc four-stroke.

Previously acting as support categories during the past four years, allowing both classes to run at a national championship level will aid in the devlopment of these classes and the future of the sport domestically according to MA CEO Peter Doyle.

“The promotion of Junior Lites and Junior 85cc classes to championship status will help to foster and develop future growth from within supercross itself,” said Doyle.

“We want to encourage as many juniors as possible to become involved with the sport and to provide them with the experience they need to tackle the senior classes as they progress.”

Supercross juniors will continue to compete on the same track as the seniors, with alterations appropriate for the sizing of machines and skill level of riders.

The six-round 2017 Australian Supercross Championship is set to kick off on 23 September at Jimboomba in Queensland.