2016 KTM RC CUP KICKS OFF APRIL 15-17 ALONGSIDE MOTOAMERICA ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP

KTM RC Cup Series gears up for its second season of racing in the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship.

MURRIETA, Calif. – KTM North America, Inc. continues its quest to strengthen youth road racing in the U.S. as the 2016 KTM RC Cup is set to kick off April 15-17 in Braselton, Georgia, alongside the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship. Beginning at the popular Road Atlanta circuit and running at seven other premier facilities in the nation, the unique youth-focused RC Cup Series showcases the nation’s top youth road racing talent, ages 14 to 22, aboard KTM RC 390 Cup Racebikes.

With a high level of competition in its inaugural season, many RC Cup participants are returning to the roster for 2016, while many of the top finishers will welcome new beginnings in the higher ranks. Reigning RC Cup Champion, Gage McAllister, will not defend his title this season as the twenty-year-old California native has since graduated into the Supersport 600 class to compete aboard an all-new team. However, in the absence of the champion, many of last season’s top competitors will return to vie for the prestigious title, including 2015 runner-up Anthony Mazziotto III. At 15-years-old, Mazziotto finished second in the highly competitive series, claiming two victories along the way. With plenty of experience under his belt, including a trip to the world-famous Silverstone Race Circuit to represent KTM North America and MotoAmerica, Mazziotto is a strong contender for this year’s championship.

Other riders returning to the RC Cup in 2016 include: Brandon Altmeyer, Josh Serne, Christopher Kosan, Jaret Nassaney, Ezra Beaubier, Jake Fell, Benjamin Smith, Jackson Blackmon, John Knowles, Nolan Lamkin, Trevor Standish, Nicholas Swensgard, Setin West, Gray Pham and Valentine Welch.

Canadian Braeden Ortt made a strong impression on the U.S.-based National Championship in 2015, where he battled with McAllister down to the final round. Ortt ultimately incurred a hand injury that held him back, where he finished third overall in the championship standings before capturing a podium finish at the RC Cup World Final in the UK. For 2016, Ortt has inked a deal to compete in the FIM Supersport World Championship. Additionally, 2015 front-runner Hayden Schultz, who finished fourth overall in the RC Cup standings, will make the jump into Superstock 1000 this season, following an impressive podium finish at the World Final.

The KTM RC Cup Series showcases riders between the ages of 14 and 22-years-old holding an AMA Superstock Limited license. All riders must race aboard 2015 or 2016 KTM RC 390 Cup Racebikes. These motorcycles are designed as racing competition bikes (not street-legal) and have been prepared by KTM with over 40 PowerParts and other enhancements to increase racing performance.

To maintain competitive parity, the engine is sealed and may only be serviced by KTM’s trackside partner HMC Racing. Modified street-legal RC 390’s will not qualify for participation in the MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Series but will be allowed in regional racing.

MotoAmerica Series participants that purchase an RC Cup Racebike before March 31, 2016 will receive one 10×10 EZ-Up from Synchrony Financial, an exclusive sponsorship package from RC Cup program supporters Motion Pro and Motorex, as well as over a 40% discount on a semi-customizable GiMoto suit.

Additionally, as a bonus to racers who purchase an RC Cup Racebike before March 31, 2016 and participate in the nationally-recognized MotoAmerica Championship, KTM will pay for the rider to race up to five select regional races on the RC Cup bike. The regional race series participating include: Championship Cup Series (CCS), Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association (CMRA), Chuckwalla Valley Raceway (CVR) and American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM).

The RC Cup Racebike will be priced at $9,999 (USD) MSRP and bikes will be available in limited quantities for pre-order until March 31. To request a KTM RC Cup Racebike, a rider will need to visit a participating KTM dealership and provide a copy of their AMA Road Racing Superstock Limited license or license application. RC Cup Racebikes will be available on a first come, first serve basis with limited availability.

For more detail on the license eligibility, please visit the AMA’s official website.