FIM MiniGP Archives - Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/category/racing/fim-minigp/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:10:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.roadracingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/preview-lightbox-rw-favicon_1566450252.png FIM MiniGP Archives - Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/category/racing/fim-minigp/ 32 32 MotoAmerica: MiniSBK Canada Hosting Mini Cup Qualifiers https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/motoamerica-minisbk-canada-hosting-mini-cup-qualifiers/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 20:28:26 +0000 https://www.roadracingworld.com/?p=246780 O Canada: Shannonville Motorsports Park To Host MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers Two MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers Will Be Held In Canada, June 13-14 and July 4-5 MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle […]

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O Canada: Shannonville Motorsports Park To Host MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers

Two MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers Will Be Held In Canada, June 13-14 and July 4-5

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that MiniSBK Canada will host two MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifiers at Shannonville Motorsports Park in Shannonville, Ontario, Canada.

The two races will be held in conjunction with rounds three and four of the MiniSBK series on June 13-14 and July 4-5, respectively.

Billed as the “Birthplace of Champions Since 1974,” Shannonville Motorsports Park is world famous and hosts a round of the Canadian Superbike Championship.

MiniSBK Canada is run by former AMA Pro Superbike racer Toni Sharpless, who was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2011. In 1987, Sharpless became one of the few women to qualify for and finish the Daytona 200.

The two Qualifiers will provide young local racers with the opportunity to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup National Final, which will once again be held at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10.

Qualifiers at the two MiniSBK events will be held for all six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8), Stock 110 (ages 8-12), GP 110 (ages 8-12), GP 160 (ages 10-14), GP 190 (ages 10-14) and Street GP (ages 14 and up).

“MotoAmerica is thrilled to be working with MiniSBK to bring two of our Mini Cup Qualifiers to Canada,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “I guess you could say we’re going international, which is impressive considering this is just our second year of the Qualifiers and National Final. Canada has always produced top-level racers, some of whom have won AMA championships, and we’re sure there will be some fast kids who make it down for our National Final at Road America.”

“I was surprised and honored to receive the call from Wayne Rainey and Chuck Aksland, two individuals I remember from my racing days in the 1980s,” said MiniSBK’s CEO Toni Sharpless. “When they asked if our MiniSBK Championship series would be interested in joining the MotoAmerica Mini Cup Qualifier series, it took me less than a minute to consider and say ‘Yes.’ This connection further expands the opportunities we provide for Canadian youth in the sport. We are happy and proud to be part of another big step toward grassroots development in road racing.”

For more information on the MiniSBK Canada, visit https://minisbk.ca/

For more information about the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, visit motoamerica.com .

About MotoAmerica

MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Talent Cup, Super Hooligan National Championship, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

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Canadian MiniGP Founder Toni Sharpless wins CMA Ambassador Award https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/canadian-minigp-founder-toni-sharpless-wins-cmas-ambassador-award/ Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:14:09 +0000 https://www.roadracingworld.com/?p=245112 Veteran motorcycle road racer, Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee (class of 2011) and racer coach/series founder Toni Sharpless has been belatedly given the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA) Ambassador Award […]

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Veteran motorcycle road racer, Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee (class of 2011) and racer coach/series founder Toni Sharpless has been belatedly given the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA) Ambassador Award she actually earned in 2023, which would have been given to her last year if the 2024 CMA Annual General Meeting (AGM) had not been cancelled.

The CMA is the National sanctioning group for motorcycle activity in Canada, affiliated with international authority Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). The CMA supports several National series, including the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK).

The CMA Ambassador Award “recognizes exceptional effort or achievement which reflects favourably on the CMA,” and was awarded by the CMA’s boss, Ross de St. Croix, during the recent CMA AGM.

Sharpless was a multi-discipline racer growing up, travelling with her two famous brothers, Todd and Blair, out of their parent’s Toronto-suburb bike shop, Scarborough’s Sonic Cycle. In the early 1980s Sharpless focused on road racing, starting with a then-ubiquitous two-stroke Yamaha RD350LC. Moving up to the fearsome RZ500, Sharpless soon turned Pro and competed aboard Suzuki and Yamaha Superbikes, including a strong effort in the Daytona 200.

That performance in Florida earned Sharpless an opportunity with Yamaha International, riding in the World Endurance Championship in Europe and Japan. She then took a long sabbatical from competition but continued to work in the Powersports industry.

Sharpless returned to the pavement at the start of most recent decade, after a chance encounter with a mini road racer Ohvale at a Toronto Motorcycle Show. Soon, Sharpless was running Schools at a variety of small venues but focused on the Lombardy Go-Kart track north of Kingston, Ontario.

At the same time, unretired racer Sharpless joined the new Pro Lightweight Sport Bike category in Bridgestone CSBK competition with Yamaha R3 twin equipment.

On the small-wheeled side of things, Sharpless used the family shop name to start the Super Sonic Roadrace School, working with both youth and adult riders. The next step was to launch a racing series for the smaller machines, so Sharpless and associates, including husband Jamie, started the MiniSBK tour.

Toni’s next target was to send top Canadian youngsters to the FIM World Championship MiniGP series in Spain, so Sharpless headed to Valencia on a fact-finding/hand-shaking mission in the fall of 2022. This initiative succeeded, and Canada joined the FIM’s World Series for 2023, sending Michael Galvis and Ben Hardwick as the CMA’s representatives for the televised final event.

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FIM MiniGP Canada Awards First Of Three Series Scholarships https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/fim-minigp-canada-awards-first-of-three-series-scholarships/ Sat, 18 Jan 2025 17:32:33 +0000 https://www.roadracingworld.com/?p=244641 Excitement Grows for the Third Year of the FIM MiniGP Canada Series: CSBK Scholarship Awarded to Martina Cardenas of Maple Ridge, British Columbia As the anticipation builds for the third […]

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Excitement Grows for the Third Year of the FIM MiniGP Canada Series:

CSBK Scholarship Awarded to Martina Cardenas of Maple Ridge, British Columbia

As the anticipation builds for the third year of the FIM Mini GP Canada Series presented by Motul and Pirelli, motorsport enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement. This year, the series not only promises thrilling racing action but also celebrates the achievements of young talent in the sport.

Toni Sharpless, the Series Organizer for Canada, noted a significant increase in interest for the Series this year. “This uptick can likely be attributed to the maturation of the event, as we are now in our third year. It is important to recognize that building momentum in such initiatives takes time and considerable effort. We are grateful for our supporters helping along the way including those who have provided bikes through the scholarship program at Super Sonic School.”

Continuing their support of the FIM MiniGP Canada series and the Super Sonic School, the Canadian Superbike Championship (CSBK) has awarded their scholarship bike to a talented 10 year old, Martina Cardenas from Maple Ridge, British Columbia. This recognition underscores the commitment to fostering the next generation of riders, and Martina’s journey is sure to inspire many as the series gears up for an exhilarating season ahead.

“We are excited for the growth of mini-racing in Canada. CSBK is pleased to see Martina riding the CSBK-supported bike this year. Her impressive accomplishments truly reflect the dedication and passion we seek in our athletes. Thanks to Toni Sharpless and her team’s initiatives, we have a strong framework in place to nurture young talents like Martina. We are committed to continuing the CSBK Scholarship program in the FIM MiniGP Canada series for future generations,” said Ross Millson, CEO of the Bridgestone CSBK National Series.

Martina Cardenas. Photo by Colin Fraser/FIM MiniGP Canada.

Martina’s dedication and passion for racing was evident on her application and her father Luis Cardena is thrilled his daughter was selected. “Martina is so excited to learn she was awarded the CSBK Scholarship bike to compete in the FIM MiniGP Canada series! She has been training almost every day, even in the bad weather to improve her skill. I believe my daughter will be ready for the challenge in 2025.”

Martina is now a contender to join the list of young athletes who have gone to the FIM MiniGP World Finals, a collaboration project between Ohvale, Dorna and FIM, to represent Canada. To date Canada has sent a total of four Canadians, two-per-year to compete at the World Finals in Spain namely, Michael Galvis, Lincoln Scott, Ben Hardwick and Jager Stockill. Our best finish to date was P15 made by Lincoln Scott of Alberta in November 2025 at Motorland Aragon during a combined practice in WET conditions among 44 other riders from 22 other countries.

There are two more scholarship bikes up for grabs and applicants can seize this opportunity to showcase their talent and passion for racing. Interested participants are encouraged to submit their applications (see below). With the continued support of sponsors and the growing enthusiasm for the FIM MiniGP Canada Series, the future looks bright for aspiring young athletes. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this thrilling journey!

Interested families of 10-14 year old riders can download their Application Form here or contact Toni@supersonicschool.com and demonstrate their commitment to the sport.

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South Florida MiniGP Hosting Three Mini Cup Qualifiers In 2025 https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/south-florida-minigp-hosting-three-mini-cup-qualifiers-in-2025/ Mon, 30 Dec 2024 19:38:55 +0000 https://www.roadracingworld.com/?p=244198 Three Different Racetracks In Florida To Offer Young Racers The Chance To Qualify For Mission Mini Cup National Final MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to […]

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Three Different Racetracks In Florida To Offer Young Racers The Chance To Qualify For Mission Mini Cup National Final

MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that South Florida MiniGP (a.k.a. SFLminiGP) will play host to three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers at three different racetracks in 2025.
Young road racers of all ages can now attempt to qualify for the Mission Mini Cup National Final via three qualifying races in Florida with South Florida MiniGP.

South Florida MiniGP will organize and host qualifying races for the Mission Mini Cup National Final that will be held for a second successive year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, August 8-10. The three qualifiers will be held at T4 Kartplex in Palmetto, Florida (March 15-16); Bushnell Motorsports Park in Bushnell, Florida (April 12-13); and Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Florida (May 3-4).

Qualifiers at the three South Florida MiniGP races will be held for all six classes: Stock 50 (ages 6-8); Stock 110 (ages 8-12); GP 110 (ages 8-12); GP 160 (ages 10-14); GP 190 (ages 10-14); and Street GP (ages 14 and up).

“We’re thrilled that South Florida MiniGP will host three of our Qualifiers in 2025,” said MotoAmerica COO Chuck Aksland. “With its rich history in mini road racing, and its role in introducing many riders to the sport, South Florida MiniGP is a valued partner. We deeply appreciate the dedication of owner Michael Correa and the entire club and are excited to welcome them to our Mini Cup program.”

In 2025, South Florida MiniGP will be celebrating its 10th anniversary of running MiniGP races with the club having a long list of alumni, including MotoAmerica racers like Avery Dreher and his sister Ella, Isaac Woodworth, Logan Cunnison, and more.

“Hold on tight because South Florida MiniGP is turning up the heat in 2025 with three Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers,” said Michael Correa, owner of South Florida MiniGP. “We’re talking about the fastest kids on two wheels, all vying for a chance to compete at the legendary Road America. This is more than just racing, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of motorcycle champions. And it all goes down right here in sunny Florida.”

The three MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers will be part of South Florida MiniGP’s eight-round sprint-race series. The club will also host two endurance rounds, including the Aaron Dreher Classic at Bushnell Motorsports Park, August 9.

For more information on South Florida MiniGP, visit https://www.sflminigp.com/

For more information about the MotoAmerica Mini Cup series or club participation in the series, please contact minicup@motoamerica.com .

2025 South Florida MiniGP Schedule

February 8-9 T4 KartPlex Palmetto, FL

*March 15-16 T4 KartPlex Palmetto, FL

*April 12-13 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

*May 3-4 Gainesville Raceway Gainesville, FL

June 7-8 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

August 30-31 Gainesville Raceway Gainesville, FL

October 11-12 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

November 9-10 Bushnell Motorsports Park Bushnell, FL

*MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup Qualifiers

About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

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MotoAmerica: More On 2025 MiniCup Series https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/motoamerica-more-on-2025-minicup-series/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:59:22 +0000 https://www.roadracingworld.com/?p=243379 FIM MiniCup USA/Ohvale USA Set For Five-Round Series In Southern California Series At Apex Motorsports Park To Include Qualifying Round For MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup By Motul National Final The […]

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FIM MiniCup USA/Ohvale USA Set For Five-Round Series In Southern California


Series At Apex Motorsports Park To Include Qualifying Round For MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup By Motul National Final

The FIM MiniCup USA & Official “Road To MotoGP” program is proud to announce its partnership with Ohvale USA at Apex Motorsports Park in Perris, California, for the 2025 season. This collaboration ensures a premier racing experience for young riders at one of the most exciting venues in the country. Based directly in the heart of the beautiful Southern California scenery.

Travelers flying in can take advantage of our “Arrive and Race” rental packages, with race-ready bikes available in 110cc, 160cc, and 190cc models.

Whether you’re a seasoned racer or new to the sport, this program makes it easier, more affordable and more time-efficient than ever to participate in this thrilling world-class championship series. Not forgetting, the best of the best from both the 160cc & 190cc classes will get the opportunity to gauge their skills and go up against the World’s Best during the F.I.M. World MiniGP Final hosted in Valencia, Spain, during the MotoGP Premier Final (November 10-16).

The following classes will be held at each round:
Stock 50 (6-8 years old)
Stock 110 (8-12 years old)
GP 110 (8-12 years old) GP 160 (9-14 years old)
GP 190 (11-16 years old)
Street GP (12 years and up).

About MotoAmerica
MotoAmerica is North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series. Established in 2014, MotoAmerica is home to the AMA Superbike Championship as well as additional classes including Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins Cup, Junior Cup, and King Of The Baggers. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership including three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey; ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland; motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges; and businessman Richard Varner. For more information, please visit www.MotoAmerica.com and follow MotoAmerica on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube. To watch all things MotoAmerica, subscribe to MotoAmerica’s live streaming and video on demand service, MotoAmerica Live+

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FIM MiniGP World Series: 2025 Applications Open https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/fim-minigp-world-series-2025-applications-open/ Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:31:03 +0000 https://www.roadracingworld.com/?p=243355 2025 provides another opportunity for federations and unions from around the world to become part of the FIM MiniGP World Series. The first global program in motorsport aimed at creating […]

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2025 provides another opportunity for federations and unions from around the world to become part of the FIM MiniGP World Series. The first global program in motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality, it is designed to standardize MiniGP competitions from around the world under the same umbrella.

There are two classes: 160cc and 190cc. Applications to run a 190cc Series may only be made by those who have already run a 160cc Series.

There are three types of Series:
– FIM MiniGP National Series: organized by or through one FMN (national federation)
FIM MiniGP Regional Series: organized by or through various FMNs
– FIM MiniGP Continental Series: organized by or through a CONU

Each Series must comprise five events and a total minimum of 10 races per category. 

Applications should be made by national federations or CONUs (Continental Unions) and are open until the 28th of February 2025.

2025 Application Form HERE

 

Once the application period closes in February, the FIM will select the Cups that will form the 2025 FIM MiniGP World Series and inform the competitions whose applications to add a 190cc Series have been accepted.

Series that have already been included in previous FIM MiniGP World Series do not need to reapply, but all Series must adhere to the 2025 conditions. They must also send their calendar to the FIM and Dorna Sports a minimum of three months before their first event.

The 2025 guide provides a comprehensive look at the regulations, conditions, equipment, technical requirements and next steps for each FMN/CONU, promoter or interested party looking to apply to become part of the FIM MiniGP World Series.

 
KEY DATES & INFORMATION
– Applications open: now
– Applications close: 28th February 2025
 
More information contact: minigp@fim.ch
 

 

About the FIM MiniGP World Series
The FIM MiniGP World Series began in 2021 and is designed as the first step on the Road to MotoGP™. There are three types of competition in the FIM MiniGP World Series: FIM MiniGP National Cup, organised by or through one FMN (national federation); FIM MiniGP Regional Cup, organised by or through various FMNs; FIM MiniGP Continental Cup, organised by or through a CONU (continental union).  There are two classes Series can run: the 160cc class and the 190cc class. The latter debuted in 2023 for Series that have already run a 160cc competition. Riders are aged between 10 and 14 for the 160cc class and between 12 and 16 for the 190cc class. Each Series but must have a minimum of five events comprising 10 races and the top riders in each Series will then be invited to the World Final.  The FIM MiniGP World Final sees the top riders from each Series compete over two days in Valencia ahead of the MotoGP™ season finale. As part of the Road to MotoGP™, there are opportunities up for grabs for riders to move up and further their careers.About the Road to MotoGP™
For more than two decades, Dorna Sports has invested in opening the doors to motorcycle racing, creating the Road to MotoGP™. Comprising initiatives all over the world providing millions of young riders the opportunity to excel, the Road to MotoGP™ is unrivalled in motorsport – opening doors, increasing access and racing towards global equality.  
 
The FIM MiniGP World Series is the first step on the Road to MotoGP™, in collaboration with the FIM and motorcycle federations and unions around the world. It’s the first global initiative in motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality.

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Ride With John Hopkins This Weekend At Apex Kart Circuit https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/ride-with-john-hopkins-this-weekend-at-apex-kart-circuit/ Thu, 28 Nov 2024 19:16:08 +0000 https://www.roadracingworld.com/?p=243083 Two-time AMA Pro Champion and British Superbike, 500cc GP, and MotoGP star John Hopkins is holding a coaching and riding event on Ohvale minis this weekend at Apex Motorsports Park/Apex […]

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Two-time AMA Pro Champion and British Superbike, 500cc GP, and MotoGP star John Hopkins is holding a coaching and riding event on Ohvale minis this weekend at Apex Motorsports Park/Apex Racing Center at 18700 Lake Perris Dr., Perris, California, 92571.

“We have some very exciting things happening at Apex Kart Circuit (which I’m now co-owner of) and OhvaleUSA,” Hopkins, (who also co-owns OhvaleUSA), texted to Roadracingworld.com .

John Hopkins coaching Kruz Maddison, son of freestyle motocross rider Robbie Maddison. Photo courtesy OhvaleUSA.
A flyer about this weekend’s event with John Hopkins.

 

Seen at the 2024 MotoGP finale at Catalunya, (from left), Americans Kyle Wyman, Randy Mamola, John Hopkins, and James Rispoli. MotoGP photo.

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FIM MiniGP World Final: Results From MotorLand Aragon https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/fim-minigp-world-final-results-from-motorland-aragon/ Sun, 17 Nov 2024 09:05:20 +0000 https://www.roadracingworld.com/?p=242556 FIM MiniGP World Final: Spain and Japan claim 2024 honours Alvaro Lucas and Waku Kunitate are crowned the 190cc and 160cc Champions at MotorLand Aragon (Scroll down for final results) […]

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FIM MiniGP World Final: Spain and Japan claim 2024 honours

Alvaro Lucas and Waku Kunitate are crowned the 190cc and 160cc Champions at MotorLand Aragon

(Scroll down for final results)

After a magnificent day of action on Friday at MotorLand Aragon, two new names have etched themselves into the FIM MiniGP World Series Champions history book as last year’s winner Alvaro Lucas became a double Champion in the 190cc class for Spain, while Japan’s Waku Kunitate took glory in the 160cc series.

First lap of 160cc Qualifying Race One. Photo by Colin Fraser/courtesy Team Canada.

190cc

In the opening 190cc race that was contested in damp morning conditions, Lucas finished just off the podium in P4 as Italy’s Lorenzo Fino picked up the 25 points ahead of Germany’s Robin Siegert and Australia’s Bodie Paige. Fino then fantastically backed his Race 1 victory up with a Race 2 25-point haul, as Siegert collected another valuable 20 points. This time, Lucas grabbed a podium in P3 to set up an intriguing Super Final Race where double points were on offer.

Overall podium-finishing World MiniGP riders at Aragon, with the top three 160cc riders on the left and the top three 190cc riders on the right. The top 160cc riders are, from left to center, Italy’s Daniel Putorti (34), Venezuela’s Diego Gonzales (37), and Japan’s Waku Kunitate (36). The top 190cc riders are, from center to right, Spain’s Alvaro Lucas (87), Italy’s Lorenzo Fino (81), and Germany’s Robin Siegert (75). Photo by Colin Fraser.

And in the final race of the day, Lucas showed why he’s the reigning Champion. Victory in the dry weather Super Final gave the Spanish star a title-winning 50 points, with Fino picking up 20 points after finishing in P6. A fourth place meant Siegart claimed 26 points as 13 points split the top three at the end of play. Lucas was crowned 190cc MiniGP World Series Champion for the second year in a row, with Fino and Siegart P2 and P3 respectively.

In the Super Final Race, the UK’s Ethan Sparks finished second to end the Championship in P4, with 2023 160cc Champion, Malaysia’s Qabil Irfan, ending the week fifth overall after his third place finish in the Super Final.

160cc

In the first 160cc race of the day, Kunitate got his Thursday in Aragon off to a perfect start on a damp MotorLand Aragon kart track. Italy’s Maicol Colazzo bagged P2 ahead of Kunitate’s teammate Hayato Chishiki, as Japan claimed a double top three to start the day.

And it got better for Japan in Race 2 as Kunitate backed his Race 1 victory up with another win in Race 2, with Italy collecting another P2 thanks to Daniel Putorti’s effort. Malaysia’s Airel Marzuki completed the podium in third ahead of the 160cc Super Final Race that would be contested in the tricky, damp conditions.

Having finished second in Race 2, Putorti went one better in the Super Final to gather the 50 points on offer. Second place went the way of the Latin America Series’ Diego Gonzalez as the Venezuelan made MiniGP history in the Series’ first visit to the World Series Final. However, the Championship accolade went the way of Kunitate after the Japanese rider’s P4 in the double points finale was enough to hand him and Japan the 160cc 2024 title by just six points over Putorti. Gonzalez’s Super Final P2 was enough to secure third in the standings.

And with that, another FIM MiniGP World Series Final draws to a close. Congratulations to our 2024 Champions and everyone who made the Aragon event a memorable one – bring on 2025!

 

About the FIM MiniGP World Series

The FIM MiniGP World Series began in 2021 and is designed as the first step on the Road to MotoGP™. There are three types of competition in the FIM MiniGP World Series: FIM MiniGP National Cup, organised by or through one FMN (national federation); FIM MiniGP Regional Cup, organised by or through various FMNs; FIM MiniGP Continental Cup, organised by or through a CONU (continental union).

There are two classes Series can run: the 160cc class and the 190cc class. The latter debuted in 2023 for Series that have already run a 160cc competition. Riders are aged between 10 and 14 for the 160cc class and between 12 and 16 for the 190cc class. Each Series but must have a minimum of five events comprising 10 races and the top riders in each Series will then be invited to the World Final.

The FIM MiniGP World Final sees the top riders from each Series compete over two days in Valencia ahead of the MotoGP™ season finale. As part of the Road to MotoGP™, there are opportunities up for grabs for riders to move up and further their careers.

About the Road to MotoGP™
For more than two decades, Dorna Sports has invested in opening the doors to motorcycle racing, creating the Road to MotoGP™. Comprising initiatives all over the world providing millions of young riders the opportunity to excel, the Road to MotoGP™ is unrivalled in motorsport – opening doors, increasing access and racing towards global equality.

The FIM MiniGP World Series is the first step on the Road to MotoGP™, in collaboration with the FIM and motorcycle federations and unions around the world. It’s the first global initiative in motorsport aimed at creating grassroots equality.

 

More, from Team Canada:

From a press release issued by Toni Sharpless:

Canadians Stockill, Scott narrowly miss cut at FIM MiniGP World Series Final in Spain

The second ever trip to the FIM MiniGP World Series Final proved to be a significant step forward for Team Canada last week, as riders Lincoln Scott and Jäger Stockill showed well despite marginally missing out on the finale at MotorLand Aragon in Spain.

MiniGP Canada Series champion Scott and title runner-up Stockill were part of a 41-rider group representing 21 countries in the main 160cc Ohvale class, a loaded field that included the top talents in the their age group from around the globe.

Team Canada’s Lincoln Scott (18) leads Colombia’s Lyam Rios (38) in the final 160cc Qualifying race at Aragon. Photo by Colin Fraser/courtesy Team Canada.

Despite the stiff competition, both riders and the rest of the Team Canada crew got up to speed quickly in Aragon amidst damp and cool conditions, with Stockill going an impressive fifth-fastest in Group A while Scott went ninth-fastest in Group B to kick off the event in FP1.

Track conditions improved dramatically for FP2 and brought mixed results for the Canadian duo, as Stockill found huge improvement in his own lap time but was relegated to 14th in Group A, while Scott also found a good chunk of time but was shunted to 12th in Group B. That trend would continue into FP3, as both riders found themselves in the exact same positions as before but with improving lap times.

One final tune-up in FP4 seemed to work in Stockill’s favour, as the trickier conditions on Wednesday morning saw him jump to sixth in Group A while Scott also made a marginal improvement to eighth in Group B.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to vault either rider into an automatic Q2 birth on combined times, forcing them into Q1 where the top four finishers would then advance.

Intensifying rain and cool temperatures helped close the gap even further in Q1, though Stockill’s effort was hampered by an early crash which forced him to remount three laps later.

Ultimately the pair would just marginally miss out on a spot in Q2, with Scott winding up fifth and only 0.166-second off the crucial top-four, while Stockill rebounded to salvage ninth in the session.

That meant the Canadian pair would be left to their last hope in the qualifying races, where three more riders would have an opportunity to earn a grid spot for Thursday’s triple-header finale.

Race one of two saw Scott make a sensational push to the front, quickly carving his way from 12th on the grid to as high as fourth, running firmly in the lead group and eyeing a spot on the feature grid.

Instead, the tightening lead group got too close for comfort in the heavy rain and Scott was hit by a chasing rider behind, knocking him off track and putting his hopes on hold once again until the second and final qualifying race.

As for Stockill, the wet-weather expert unfortunately never got a chance to embrace the conditions, as an early mechanical issue left him stranded in the first qualifying race.

Qualifying race two saw the former Canada Series rivals back together on-track again, as Stockill carved his way through the field and into the top-eight in the early stages while Scott ran in the same group after a mediocre start.

The teammates would begin to find their rhythm in the second half, with Scott again climbing his way into the top-five and matching the pace of the leaders as he tried to earn the final spot for Thursday’s action.

This time it was his own mistake that would undo the progress, however, as the Alberta native crashed in Turn 11 and could not remount. Stockill would have to take brief avoiding action, disrupting his chase for the podium.

In the end, Stockill would climb to an impressive fifth in the final order, putting him 27th in the final overall classification behind the 23 who advanced to the final, the strongest finish for a Canadian at the event.

Scott’s DNF left him classified 38th in the field, though that hardly tells the story as the Canadian champion flashed enough pace to challenge for a historic spot in the finale prior to the incident.

The impressive showing represents a major step forward for Team Canada as they found themselves in the mix for a final qualification all week, thanks in large part to the efforts of both Stockill and Scott as they battled the tricky conditions at an unfamiliar venue.

The team was also aided by manager Toni Sharpless’ rider coach and mentor Tomas Casas; Canadian racing guru Colin Fraser; helper Stacey Iwata; and parents Jason Stockill and Ben Scott, amongst many others who helped make the appearance possible.

The feature FIM MiniGP triple-header got underway Thursday in Aragon, with two regular races and a double-points Super Final crowning the 2024 World Champion ahead of this weekend’s MotoGP title-decider at Catalunya.

More information can be found on the FIM MiniGP World Series website.

American 160cc rider Jase Dill. MiniGP photo.
American 160cc rider Connor Raymond. MiniGP photo.
American 190cc rider Mahdi Salem. MiniGP photo.
American 190cc rider Ulises Weyrauch. MiniGP photo.
American 190cc rider Williams Dalu. MiniGP photo.
Canadian 160cc rider Lincoln Scott. MiniGP photo.
Canadian 160cc rider Jager Stockhill. MiniGP photo.
1224 MiniGP World Final 03_Classification_Race-1 160
1224 MiniGP World Final 03_Classification_Race-2-RESTART
1224 MiniGP World Final 03_Classification_SUPER-FINAL-RACE-1
1224 MiniGP World Final 03_Classification_Race-1-RESTART 190
1224 MiniGP World Final 03_Classification_Race-2 190
1224 MiniGP World Final 03_Classification_SUPER-FINAL-RACE 190

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