BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup class of 2026 and race calendar
With the eighth season of BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) competition just around the corner, 17 riders have locked in places for 2026 as the quest to unearth the next wave of aspiring circuit racing stars begins in earnest.
The 2026 OJC roster – from all parts of Australia and New Zealand – includes 12 rookies, while the balance is returning to the academy which provides young riders with everything they need to develop skills, race craft, confidence and professionalism: identical Yamaha YZF-R15s, LS2 helmets, Ricondi riding gear and bespoke coaching led by former 500 GP race winner Garry McCoy.
The developmental credentials of the OJC have consistently been highlighted since the category’s inception in 2019, providing a rock-solid platform for riders to embrace the challenge – and turn heads – in other circuit racing series across the globe.
The 2026 OJC season will commence under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park on March 27-28 before visiting The Bend (May 1-3), Morgan Park Raceway (May 29-31) and Queensland Raceway (June 26-28) – all in conjunction with the 2026 Penrite Australian Superbike Championship presented by Pirelli (ASBK).
The OJC also has official Australian Junior Road Race Championship status.
Related: Yamaha to continue as premium OJC partner in 2026
Related: LS2 Helmets and XAM Chains join Oceania Junior Cup for 2026-2027
The 2026 OJC line-up is as follows:
New riders:
- Kael Brien, Qld (competed as a wildcard in 2025)
- Xavier Dellow, SA (competed as a wildcard in 2025)
- Charli Stephens, SA (competed as a wildcard in 2025)
- Jordan Lazar, NSW
- Lewis Birkle, WA
- Patrick Lucchitti, NSW
- Ryder Plumb, Vic
- Sam Harrison, NSW
- Max Harrison, NSW
- Jordan Fletcher, NSW
- Austin Attard, Qld
- Ryder McKenna, SA
Returning riders:
- Callum Campbell, NSW
- Liam Fookes, NT
- Leo Darling, WA
- Thomas Cameron, NSW
- Charlie Nichols, NSW
- Lucas Hyslop, NZ
The 2026 OJC riders will complete a two-day training camp at Winton Motor Raceway on March 2-3 as a final pre-season shakedown, where McCoy will be joined by fellow coaches Ty Lynch and Archie McDonald.
Lynch (ASBK Superbike) and McDonald (Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup) are both active circuit racers, while McDonald will also take on a broader ambassadorial role.
As well as building a rapport with their YZF-R15s at Winton, the 17 OJC riders will also take part in media training and other off-track activities such as data evaluation and physical and mental preparation.
