Post by: twosmoke595 on October 15, 2012, 06:49:43 PM
Honda is pleased to announce together with Youthstream the Honda 150 European championship, which is a new race series for young riders at Grand Prix events for the next three years.
This exciting new series will be running in conjunction with the FIM MX1 and MX2 championship at a maximum of eight European rounds for youngsters aged 11-14. It is a one-make series, and riders will be provided with the proven CRF150R fourstroke machines to battle it out for championship glory with the race ready package Honda is offering.
The concept is a simple one, as riders only have to focus on the races, they will be able to arrive at each event with Honda staff caring for transportation, maintenance and organisation of the machines, including a hospitality area. Honda staff will ensure the riders have the motorcycles set for the best performance, and a coach will follow their progress from a sporting point of view to help them improve in the competition in a professional way.
The goal of this championship is to establish a professional career ladder and a pyramid style plan to discover young talent, as well as help the federations grow up the next generation of champions. With this in mind, Honda will offer the winner of the Honda 150 European championship the opportunity to race in the EMX250 championship the following season with a supported place in a Honda team. So from 2014 a Honda 150 European Champion will join the EMX250 series from the youth series, which is a first in the MX community.
Finally, as if that isn?t enough, a training school will be offered to the youngsters before the start of the season, and at the end of the year the CRF150R machine used in the series will become the rider?s property with no charge.
Roger Harvey: Honda Motor Europe Off-Road Manager
?This is an exciting time for Honda, as we make the next step in our plan after the success of the Honda Xtreme Academy to grow up young talent. This is a great opportunity for youngsters to compete at Grand Prix tracks from a young age, while learning how to race a fourstroke bike, which is in synergy with the MX1 and MX2 series at the highest level. We will be offering mentoring and coaching to the riders, along with an easily accessible chance to race on similar machinery, so competition should be fierce and totally down to the rider ability. We are also looking forward to welcoming the champion of the series into a Honda team the following year on the bigger bike, as well as allowing riders to showcase their talent in front of the World Championship paddock.?
Giuseppe Luongo: Youthstream President
"We are extremely excited to start this new European Championship with Honda, as this partnership is another important stone for the development of motocross and for giving our young riders more possibilities to race."
More details will follow soon about the cost of taking part in the series and the location of the races, but riders who are considering taking part can register their interest by logging on to: www.honda150championship.com/register
Post by: motoman356 on October 15, 2012, 08:00:49 PM
moral of the story= commies are eveil. GO MERICA
Post by: twosmoke595 on October 15, 2012, 08:38:18 PM
sounds like communism. honestly think about it. communism will tell you there is only one choice and will set things up to where you think your getting a good deal when theyre in control.
moral of the story= commies are eveil. GO MERICA
well honestly, in a perfect world, it would be a communist one, its the most efficient, ONLY if power is not abused...which is why all communist countries are terrible, because the power gets abused. Whereas honda, is abusing its power of money to try to rule the mx industry...so ya, its communist lol
Post by: beaner on October 15, 2012, 09:42:58 PM
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More details will follow soon about the cost of taking part in the series
That will be the interesting part.
Post by: _X_ on October 15, 2012, 10:04:03 PM
Post by: dogger315 on October 15, 2012, 10:05:10 PM
Honda and guisuckme can deny that the world economy and four strokes stink all day long, that doesn't
change the facts. This is a page out of the FIA playbook for open wheel auto racing with a twist. There,
the young talent is started in karting, then ushered up the ladder in various formulas where the best can
score a F1 ride and the rich just buy one.
Honda's involvement smacks of desperation to insure the four stroke status quo by any means necessary.
I recently read an article in Dirt Bike where the author was talking about the increasing resurgence of two
stroke. He said the Japanese are watching KTM take a bigger and bigger slice of the market, but aren't
able to respond due to their economy. I believe that as the world economy improves, the Japanese will
reconsider their "four stroke only" approach - all except Honda, which will get left behind due to arrogance,
and deservedly so.
dogger
Post by: _X_ on October 15, 2012, 10:14:35 PM
Post by: gpnewhouse7 on October 15, 2012, 10:35:13 PM
Pathetic.
Honda and guisuckme can deny that the world economy and four strokes stink all day long, that doesn't
change the facts. This is a page out of the FIA playbook for open wheel auto racing with a twist. There,
the young talent is started in karting, then ushered up the ladder in various formulas where the best can
score a F1 ride and the rich just buy one.
Honda's involvement smacks of desperation to insure the four stroke status quo by any means necessary.
I recently read an article in Dirt Bike where the author was talking about the increasing resurgence of two
stroke. He said the Japanese are watching KTM take a bigger and bigger slice of the market, but aren't
able to respond due to their economy. I believe that as the world economy improves, the Japanese will
reconsider their "four stroke only" approach - all except Honda, which will get left behind due to arrogance,
and deservedly so.
dogger
When I raced 85s it was 90% KTM 5% Honda CR85 4% other 85s and then like 1% 150f's. All the fast guys rode KTM's (I rode Suzuki lol). Its been three years since I moved up to the big boys class so I might be a bit out of date by now.
Post by: Suzuki TS250/185 on October 15, 2012, 10:38:26 PM
Does anyone recall what the story was?
Post by: Suzuki TS250/185 on October 15, 2012, 10:53:58 PM
In that lame-assed series, people who had paid to see the races got to watch 2 full-length practice sessions and like 2 20 minute motos, during which the 4 or 5 bikes who showed up would putt around lethargically in true 4 stroke fashion... All while a special announcer whom Fonda had hired to be the "Hype Man" on the mic during the crappola would go on and on about "The future of MX!" and "Cooper Webb!"....
It was really stupid, and boring. MX Sports came off looking like total mooks - shuffling up to the counter and letting Fonda put that turd in their collective cap.... Haha! Just another sore orafice for another bunch of MX Creatins... They got what they deserved bending over for Fonda and their money load!
Post by: _X_ on October 15, 2012, 11:45:38 PM
Post by: TMKIWI on October 16, 2012, 09:00:32 AM
Whats gunna hapen to the EMX 125 champs that have been racing at certain events.
That has been a success.
Post by: VintageBlueSmoke on October 16, 2012, 11:51:01 AM
Yes, it is a page right out of the FIA playbook but it one I have said was necessary for years - and it is not new to motocross or even kids motocross. Several years ago, KTM had a series of 50cc and/or 65cc races for kids at many of the Supercross events in America. They raced on identically prepared bikes (by KTM) and the Champion got some kind of future support (I don't remember what it was).
This is good because if you have a kid that shows talent, and the time and money to travel, you (as a parent) don't need to be a pro tuner, trainer, or Super Dad with no job and a motorhome (i.e. the Alessi's). You just write your check and show up with your kid ready to race. He gets an excellent education with coaches, trainers, and pro mechanics to assist in bike prep and setup.
This is good because having it be a one make series ensures equality between riders. There are no Haves and Have Nots. Rider talent and work ethic will prevail. Also, it is not done by "Approved Teams". It will be Honda. A Honda team of mechanics and engineers in a Honda Rig and hospitality area. It doesn't really matter that it is Honda. It could easily be any brand. Honda just has the power and a purpose built bike that sales are flagging in. From a business standpoint, this is GOOD marketing! (As opposed to telling lies and hiring ex-pros (2-stroke riders at that!) to shill "The power of these new 4-strokes...")
This is good because it will bring more people into our once mighty sport, one that is dwindling in popularity due to all the competition of all the other "Adventure Sports" and the high cost of competing. It will groom kids to race at the highest levels and possibly give opportunity to kids who might not have had a chance before.
Sure, I'd prefer it to be 2-strokes, but you have to look at the greater good. I wish they did it for Vets.
Post by: factoryX on October 16, 2012, 12:22:38 PM
Post by: Jeram on October 16, 2012, 01:08:46 PM
America has alot in common with Honda... Both are Capitalists!
What are they hoping to do with this race series? they are hoping to CAPITALIZE !!!!
sorry, I couldnt help myself!
Post by: factoryX on October 16, 2012, 01:15:02 PM
Post by: SachsGS on October 16, 2012, 05:50:20 PM
Post by: Lolerbabop on October 16, 2012, 09:21:29 PM
Honda never gives up!Why would they?
Post by: TMKIWI on October 17, 2012, 05:52:51 AM
Sorry to be on the other side of the coin for this one guys. I know you (we) want to bash everything 4-stroke, but this is a good idea on many levels.
This is good because it will bring more people into our once mighty sport, one that is dwindling in popularity due to all the competition of all the other "Adventure Sports" and the high cost of competing. It will groom kids to race at the highest levels and possibly give opportunity to kids who might not have had a chance before.
Sure, I'd prefer it to be 2-strokes, but you have to look at the greater good.
While I agree with your point about making it more about the talent then the cheque book, talent still shine through too the people who are looking.
I watched a kid on sunday on a stock small wheel yz85 thrash all the big wheel 85's and 150F's on the main track. And there were some trick bikes.
The thing that pisses me off is they have done it ( This new series ) with a class of bike only 1 manufactor makes. And all the others are not interested in making.
You can buy any colour 85 here you want, as long as it is not red.
Post by: VintageBlueSmoke on October 17, 2012, 10:55:43 AM
If they pay for it fine, but in the long run why bother with failed 150 4 strokes? There is a reason why the kx85/100 and the yz85 still exist. And imagine that, a European 85 class for the youth, not only can Honda help support it but so can every god damn obscure company that are currently hiding in some shed across Europe..
I think we are missing something here. This class isn't replacing the EMX 85 class. It is in addition to it. Those kids with MONEY will probably run both classes.
And here's something else: It doesn't matter if the Honda explodes (and it won't). It's covered. These are essentially Rental Bikes, and you don't get to take it home until the end of the season. You don't get to tinker on it or add performance parts. It is really not like a one-make series like the FIA Renault Cup. It is more like the Barber Dodge series; Arrive and Drive. Being that way, it doesn't matter if Honda - the program owner - uses XR's or XL's, CRF's or CR's. Everyone will eat the same turd.
TMKIWI, I agree with you that there must be a place for riders to race all brands against each other - and there is; EMX85. No benefit is given to color (unless it is red and thumps, then it can be 150cc). I also have no love for The Evil Empire (Honda). I think the point that is getting everyone riled up but no one as mentioned is that it is getting top billing even though it is a bottom rung class. The opportunity to run on a GP weekend, on a GP track, in front of GP sponsors and scouts would be worth the entry fee.
For you American's that don't follow the sport across the pond, each country in Europe has a "National Series". It is kind of like a "State Championship" in America. Places like California, Texas and Florida have a meaningful State Championship but most of the other states have a "Regional Championship". In Europe, even a small country like Portugal or Belgium will have a National Championship. The next level up in America is the " AMA National Amateur Championship" (i.e. Loretta Lynn's). Europe however, has a UEM European championship series called EMX. EMX classes include the 65, 85, 125, 250, Open, Women's and Veteran's. The 125 class has an age limit (I think 17) while the 250 and open classes are open to both 2 and 4 strokes. The top of the wrung in America is the AMA (FIM) Pro Series while the rest of the World has the FIM World Championship.
Having this "Support Class" run with the big dogs diminishes the importance of the European UEM Series.
Finally, this has nothing to do with Communism. It is just a marketing ploy (Capitalist) that uses a Monopoly (Capitalist) to showcase their product that just so happens to provide Opportunity (Capitalist) to young riders and uses their massive Influence (Capitalist) in the sport to get a top level venue.
Post by: SachsGS on October 17, 2012, 03:48:14 PM
Post by: VintageBlueSmoke on October 17, 2012, 04:34:39 PM
Capitalism is supposed to foster diversity and innovation. This sounds like an old East Bloc staged event full of air hammer CZ's.
It would be communist if we were all assigned an old CZ to race (I wouldn't complain - I would love a new old Zedca to add to my collection). Capitalism only fosters diversity when properly regulated. Capitalism left unchecked or over regulated and Monopolies are created. Monopolies are only communism when it is the government who supplies you.
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Having this "Support Class" run with the big dogs diminishes the importance of the European UEM Series.
What this will look like to the casual observer is not that it is a support class but that this is part of the World Championship. After the individual graphics are applied, no one but those in the know will know that that are ALL Hondas or misinterpet that Honda is better than everyone else. And Honda can't open it up to other manufacturers or kids will show up wit BBR Yamaha's and hand them their ass.
Post by: Dirtsaw on October 18, 2012, 04:29:02 AM
Post by: SachsGS on October 18, 2012, 08:01:41 PM
The old CZs are beautiful bikes, I've got a couple.