Moto Academy NZ

[steveyb]

Moto Academy NZ launched

Hi all

Please have a look at the attached flyer for information on a new initiative aimed at developing the second step (after the likes of bucket/Streetstock/Junior MX) of motorcycle roadracing sport.

As of 27 April Moto Academy NZ has 6 RS125 bikes, 1 RS 250 and three riders signed. All bikes are identically prepared (where possible as they are not all the same year).

Alpinestars has agreed to become the supplier of riding equipment to Moto Academy NZ.

A place in the final selection event of Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup 2009 (Nov 2008, Estoril, Portugal) has been agreed for a selected rider (age limits apply).

Thanks for your interest and I hope to hear from you soon.

(Please note that website is not yet live).

Steve Bagshaw

Director
Moto Academy NZ

[Meekey_Mouse]

Wow... Very cool

All the best with the academy Steve!

[quallman1234]

awesome steve, see you at the race track!

[HDTboy]

That's very cool

[henry]

Why 2 strokes?

[Maido]

Hey steve, any chance of upping the age to say 28 so I can apply?

[skidMark]

im too old at nearly 21....gutted.

[Sketchy_Racer]

Why 2 strokes?

Because they'll teach you how to race a real bike. None of this oodles of torque down low to make up for rider short comings!

Can't wait, this is going to be AWESOME!

[Sparky Bills]

Guys, keep up to date with this.
There are going to be some young riders turing into little Rossi's!
Watch this space

[steveyb]

Hi all.
I will add comments as we go to answer questions that come up here.

Age: I have suggested an age limit up to 18 yrs due to the committment to Red Bull Rookies Cup where the age limit is 16yrs. So I am aiming to have the academy have younger and novice riders in it.
However, one needs also to be pragmatic and if a 21 yr old is interested then they should contact me to discuss.

HOWEVER, there will never be a place for washed up tractor riders from the deep south (You got a miiiiighty purdy mouth boy!!).

But seriously, this is an initiative aimed at allowing young and novice riders to take that next step in their career development while concentrating on riding and learning rather than messing with bikes they have no knowledge or experience of and worrying about parts and such like. It is not aimed at providing riders with championship winning equipment.

REMEMBER, Moto Academy NZ is an education/development focussed activity, NOT a performance focussed activity. Of course riders will strive to perform, but bikes are not being provided that are at the pointy end of performance.

2-strokes: My firm belief is that roadracing career development starts with 2-stroke style motorcycles and that the future of roadracing in NZ (as it is everywhere else) is in 125GP class racing (drawing from the huge Streetstock and MX talent pools). Clearly there will come a day when this class changes to 4-stroke bikes, maybe 7, maybe 15 years from now. When this happens Moto Academy will also change, assuming we are still around. So, given that this is my initiative, I am running with 125/250GP bikes. If that suits you then give me a call.

What I am also hoping for in the longer term is that more of the older guys like me (well, sort of old anyway) will decide to put their bikes away, buy a couple of 125's or Pro Twin bikes and set up teams where younger riders buy a seat in that team and race rather than struggle with their own bikes. We all read about team this and team that in the UK and US and Australia, well, that is how it is done.

Cheers

Steve

[henry]

Hi all.
2-strokes: My firm belief is that roadracing career development starts with 2-stroke style motorcycles and that the future of roadracing in NZ (as it is everywhere else) is in 125GP class racing (drawing from the huge Streetstock and MX talent pools). Clearly there will come a day when this class changes to 4-stroke bikes, maybe 7, maybe 15 years from now. When this happens Moto Academy will also change, assuming we are still around.

I thought two strokes were history and will be gone as soon as the FIM can figure out what to replace them with. Aren't the yanks (and poms?) trying to start up a 4 stroke 450 single class based on MX bikes?

So, given that this is my initiative, I am running with 125/250GP bikes.

Well in that case

[k14]

I thought two strokes were history and will be gone as soon as the FIM can figure out what to replace them with. Aren't the yanks (and poms?) trying to start up a 4 stroke 450 single class based on MX bikes?

No far from it. Honda is trying to flood the market with their 250 4 stroke GP machines along with putting up the prices on parts for the RS125 and 250. However the european manufactures are doing the total opposite of this. Aprillia, Derbi and KTM are all for continuing the 125 class. This year is the first time that KTM 125 bikes are available to you or me to buy (if you have a spare $30k). The 125 class will certainly be around in New Zealand for a long time to come. Maybe in 5 years it will start to decline in the world championships, hard to say.

Good stuff Steve. Wish you the best in your endeavors.

[HenryDorsetCase]

What I am also hoping for in the longer term is that more of the older guys like me (well, sort of old anyway) will decide to put their bikes away, buy a couple of 125's or Pro Twin bikes and set up teams where younger riders buy a seat in that team and race rather than struggle with their own bikes. We all read about team this and team that in the UK and US and Australia, well, that is how it is done.

I think the next time I fall off on the track will be the time I seriously consider this...... plus it would be tax deductible!

[ken13]

Another awsome idea Steven!! I know where there is another mint 125 for ya to!!
Whats with the 2-stroke haters??

[Capinure]

omg i'm 16 i want to do this so bad! aaaaa! i'm going apeshit ive seen the trailers for the red bull riders.