FIM MiniGP Australia arrives in South Australia this weekend

Fusport FIM MiniGP Australia 2024
Round Four – Monarto

Image by RbMotoLens

The fourth round of the 2024 Fusport FIM MiniGP Australia will take place at the Monarto Go-Kart circuit, a few kilometres from Murray Bridge, this weekend (24-25 August). Four young South Australians will compete in both classes, vying for bragging rights and adding some local interest to the event.

The local quartet consists of Judd “Rocket Ronny” Plaisted from Monarto, Archie Schmidt from Mount Barker, Rikki Henry from Port Pirie and Xayvian Amoy from Adelaide.

They will be joined by a number of interstate riders from Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, all vying to be crowned the most promising young road racer of 2024 as they dream of competing on the same track as their MotoGP heroes, such as Casey Stoner, Jack Miller and Valentino Rossi.

Following the success of last year’s event at this venue, it was an easy decision to include the Monarto circuit on the 2024 calendar.

The FIM MiniGP is a global initiative involving 20 countries, aiming to open up a pathway to Grand Prix motorcycle racing stardom for young people around the world.

There are two categories for two different age groups, all competitors ride the same Ohvale motorcycles and the competition is confined to the narrow and challenging confines of the go-kart track – the perfect venue in a controlled and safe environment to hone their racing skills.

The “junior” class is 160cc with 10-inch wheels for those aged 10-14. Bikes larger than 190cc run on 12-inch wheels and are for older riders aged 12-16.

The tournament also doubles as the Australian Junior Road Racing Championship.

The championship has five rounds, with the top two finishers in the 160 cc class and the top three finishers in the 190 cc class being invited to compete in the FIM MiniGP World Championship at the end of the season, which takes place in the same week as the final MotoGP race of the year in Velencia, Spain.

These kids are incredibly talented; their skills are out of line with their age. Most of them are small in stature but have spent years honing their skills on dirt before moving to the road at age 10 or even younger.

In the 160cc class, South Australian Judd “Rocket Ronny” Plaisted is currently dominating, heading into his home round unbeaten, with a 52-point lead over Queensland rookie Chaz Williams. Victorian Cooper Horne is currently third out of 15 riders.

With the top two finishers invited to Spain in November, Judd is almost certain to get another trip abroad. He narrowly missed out last year, the result of a major off-season training crash that almost derailed his dream career. With four races remaining, he is taking nothing for granted and will be doing business as usual, that is, head down and go all out!

In the break between final round in Queensland in JunePlaisted went to Spain to gain international experience, playing in one of the Spanish Championships. There he learned that there is no easy way to the top, but Judd thrived on the challenge.

As for Archie Schmidt and Rikki Henry, they have been busy of late as last weekend they were part of a trio of Australian drivers who will be racing at Monarto this weekend after joining recent Asian Talent Cup round in Malaysia.

They’ll have a couple of interstate drivers ready to upset the locals, including Williams, who is in his first year of road racing, and Victorian Cooper Horne, who is in third place.

At just 10 years old, Austin Attard is proving to be a force to be reckoned with after receiving a special exemption to join the class. He has repaid the faith by proving himself to be a talented athlete who has excelled throughout the year. Due to his age, he was not allowed to score in the first two rounds, although he was allowed to participate to hone his novice skills. In previous lap where he grew up, he won third and fourth place. He will definitely be right in the center of the event this weekend.

Then there’s Isaac Ayad, a regular in the class. The Sydney native has been in the class for a few years, but has really hit the ground running this year. At final round Isaac took second place after passing Williams and Attard, all three were separated by 0.693 seconds at the flag.

It would be no surprise if the likes of Theo Afeaki and Con Lazos also get close to the podium this weekend.

In the 190cc class, Levi Russo from Sydney leads the championship and is the third rider to enter. last weekend in Malaysia. This is Levi’s second year in this class, while Schmidt and Henry are new students in the larger class this year.

In ATC last weekendSchmidt took the points with a 13-14 finish in Malaysia, not far behind 190cc championship leader Russo with a 10-12 finish.

There are a few others who are sure to keep Russo honest, with the Paige brothers, eldest Bodie and younger brother Jake, ready to nudge Russo, along with Hudson Thompson Riley Nauta and Hunter Corney

After winning the 160cc class last year, Rikki Henry has had little racing in Australia while focusing on the Asian Talent Cup, but will be in for a brief appearance this weekend as he makes his debut in the larger 190cc class. The trio will have more international experience from last weekend and will no doubt be able to capitalise on the added speed and confidence of the challenging Monarto terrain.

There is practice and qualifying on Saturday with two races per class on Sunday. A range of support classes are also offered; the Open class for riders too old for the FIM MiniGP classes, as well as the Veteran class for those who are not yet up to the challenge.

Admission is free and track action begins at 9am every day.

FIM MINIGP 160 cc Ranking

FIM MINIGP 190 cc Ranking

Ohvale Open Class Round 3 Results/Standings

Ohvale Veterans Round 3 Results/Standings