Yamaha to continue as premium OJC partner in 2026
Yamaha Motor Australia’s long-term commitment to the Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) will continue in 2026 as the landmark circuit racing academy develops the next wave of circuit racing stars.
Under Yamaha’s ‘BLU CRU’ banner – a wide-ranging community which brings together Yamaha customers from recreational right through to professional – 2026 will mark the eighth consecutive season the Japanese manufacturer has been the naming rights partner for the OJC, providing long-term stability for the grassroots program and a fertile environment Australia’s emerging stars to shine.
Of course, Yamaha’s dedication to the OJC goes much further than naming rights, thanks to the race-prepped YZF-R15s that have been on the grid since the inaugural season in 2019. Light and nimble, the YZF-R15s continue as the backbone of the program, placing a premium on race craft, corner speed and braking.
The 2026 BLU CRU Oceania Junior Cup – which has Australian Junior Road Race Championship status – will be held over four rounds alongside the Penrite Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), starting at Sydney Motorsport Park (March 27-28) followed by The Bend (May 1-3), Morgan Park (May 29-31) and Queensland Raceway (June 26-28).
Since 2019, nearly 100 riders have passed through the OJC program, providing young riders with everything they need to take to the track including high-level coaching from the likes of former MotoGP race winner Garry McCoy. In addition, off-track activities include media and PR development and a focus on developing the true value of good sportsmanship.
The OJC has been a phenomenal success story, with over 40 riders going on to race internationally – recent Moto3 rider Jacob Roulstone a shining light – as well as making an enormous impact in local Supersport 300, Supersport and Superbike competition.
Scott Bishop, Motorsport Manager, Land Mobility, Yamaha Australia:
“The Yamaha BLU CRU Oceania Cup continues to grow from strength to strength and with every passing year, we seen another talented group of riders join the program with stars in their eyes and a will to learn.
“Beyond that, one of the most pleasing aspects is seeing families enjoy their passion together and celebrate the milestones and achievements as young riders develop and goals are ticked off.
“Yamaha Australia is proud to be a major player in such an important aspect of the ASBK and the partnership with Motorcycling Australia has led the OJC to set a benchmark for attracting young riders and bringing them into the sport and providing them a unique experience into racing.”
Peter Doyle, CEO Motorcycling Australia:
“The Oceania Junior Cup and Yamaha are intrinsically linked, and over the last seven years that’s provided the foundation for nurturing Australian talent and helping them take their careers to the next level.
“Seeing the improvement in riders from the first time they ride the YZF-R15s at training camps to the end of their tenure in OJC is mind-boggling: not only in terms of raw speed, but also maturity and racing instincts.
“The OJC partnership with Yamaha will see that continue in 2026, in what we already know will be another hard-fought championship where fine margins will be the order of the day.”
Images: RbMotoLens
