KTM Junoir Supercross Challenge program bids farewell.

[KawiDave]

KTM Junior Supercross Challenge Program Bids Farewell

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Chris Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 | 1,782 views |


Murrieta, CA – The most popular AMA Supercross exhibition race, the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC), will come to an end after twelve illustrious years.
The conclusion of the highly-successful twelve-year program was appropriately celebrated at the US Open in Las Vegas, NV October 10-11, 2008. The US Open served as a battleground for the KJSC Champions from each of the 2008 Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, events to match-up for a final round aboard the KTM 50 SX machines. “There was no better way to say farewell to this program than by letting this year’s champions give the fans one more race in the two-day Vegas finale,” commented KJSC Coordinator Devin Mitchell.
The KJSC Program was started in 1997 as a collaboration between KTM Motorsports and Feld Motor Sports. Starting out with one box van and two mechanics, the program has grown in popularity and size to help over 230 boys and girls live their dream under the KTM Factory semi each season.
Over 3,000 young boys and girls have participated in the KJSC Program since its start at the LA Coliseum in 1997. Many of today’s professional riders have participated in the famous program, including: Mike and Jeff Alessi, Blake and Tyler Wharton, Zach Osborne, Ryan Dungey, Drew Gosselaar, Jacqueline Strong, Michael Hall and many more.
The KJSC drew record attention in 2003 when Caden Hadley became the first KJSC rider to jump a double at the Salt Lake City AMA Supercross event. Its popularity continued to grow each year, proven by the exponential growth in applicants that applied from all over the world in hopes of being selected for one of the AMA Supercross rounds.
“The KJSC Program helped spread happiness in the lives of many motocross families. KTM was proud to have hosted this program and provide an unforgettable experience to these families and hopes that the memories made were everlasting for those that have been fortunate enough to be involved,” commented KTM Vice President of Event Promotions Selvaraj Narayana.
“KTM would like to thank Feld Motor Sports, which without, the program would not have been made possible. Its hard work and contributions to the success of this program are unmatched. KTM is grateful for its relationship with Feld Motor Sports which will continue in a professional racing capacity as well as a sponsor of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship,” commented Kurt Nicoll, KTM Director of Racing.
The KJSC Program has had many loyal and generous sponsors that have contributed to the success of the program during its twelve-year run. KTM sincerely thanks: Scott USA, Michelin, Thor, MSF Dirtbike Schools, OGIO, M2R, FMF, Powersport Grafx and Leatt Brace.
Lastly, as this program comes to an end, KTM would like to acknowledge Selvaraj Narayana for his commitment to the success of this program and his passion and commitment to the future of the sport

[KawiDave]

I think that stinks, Its totally cool to see those youngsters out there on the SX track!

[mxnut23]

I would have loved to get my kids out there. That sux.

[POLCAT]

I agree... this sucks... wish there was a way to keep it going... seeing the kids out there is trully awesome.

[MotoXChick]

Mr. Narayana and KTM have done a superb job <insert> applause</insert> managing a motocross boys and girls program for over 10 years. It has had a large following of youth riders and MX families which without them we wouldn't have many of the Pro riders we have today. Privateers have such a hard time with the last step into full sponsorship and having these youth programs gives riders a start in the right direction.

I would like to see one of the other big four (Honda, Kawi, Suzuki and Yami) STEP UP and commit to the next youth program; that gets as much national coverage like this program did. It shouldn't have to just fall upon one companies shoulders.

"Thanks KTM"

[MLOC79]

This is really sad because we were hoping ot get our 7 year old daughter into the seattle or SF race. What an amazing program it was and hopefully it will come back in the future if KTM ever gets back into supercross. Maybe they can do a motorcross version??