BIG KIDS TO JOIN SUZUKI GIXXER CUP
S
uzuki’s popular GIXXER Cup competition
is set to go ‘next level’. The competition,
hatched in late 2017 as a nursery ground
for motorcycle road-racing – and with the catch-
phrase ‘Growing Future Champions’ – has truly
been an outstanding success.
Numerous young riders, many of whom would
perhaps previously not even have considered
tackling the sport, have now embraced racing
and are showing signs that they indeed could be
superbike champions in years to come.
Now, as the motorcycling community warms up
for the start of the 2019-20 season, the GIXXER
Cup competition has received a massive boost.
The GIXXER Cup concept was created in 2017
to encourage young riders to go into battle on
identical Suzuki GSX150F bikes, a level playing
field being an ideal environment for the stars of
tomorrow to learn their craft and spread their
wings... and none of that is changed, although a
minor tweak for December 2019 will potentially
bring an even greater level of excitement.
Instead of limiting the contest to riders aged
between 14 and 21 years, the GIXXER Cup will now
be opened up to individuals of all ages.
“We have arranged for some of New Zealand’s
top Superbike riders to enter the series, and act
as guides and mentors for the young racers,
and this is very much in keeping with our aim
of growing future champions” said Suzuki New
Zealand’s Simon Meade, the general manager of
motorcycle, ATV and marine marketing.
“At the same time, removing the age restriction
for the GIXXER Cup opens the door to older
riders, many of whom have hounded us for the
opportunity to compete in this low cost, ultra-
competitive class.
“The younger or novice riders should not be put
off by seeing senior former champions on their
GIXXER Cup start line,” said Meade. “If anything,
this should be further encouragement for them.
“They will be able to race side-by-side with their
heroes, all of them on equal machinery. And
there’s the additional attraction for them being
KIWI RIDER 17