The Aprilia RS125 Challenge Cup is a one-make motorcycle race series using race-prepared Aprilia RS125 two-stroke motorcycles. One can participate by purchasing a rental package which consists of an Aprilia RS125, a set of Pirelli SuperCorsa tires (one set per round), pit support, fuel, lubricants and fluids as well as entry fees for all five rounds. It all costs RM25,000. There is also a RM5,000 crash and damage deposit. All of this can be paid via an affordable payment plan. Riders will have to supply their own racing equipment of course, such as helmet, back protector, gloves and transport, etc. An ownership package is also available where you can instead own the racebike.

The race is divided into two categories, a Junior Riders Cup for 13 to 17 year olds and Open Class for enthusiasts aged above 18. The series will be part of the Malaysian Super Series Championship and the first round will be held on the weekend of the 11th and 12th of April 2009. at the SIC, with a total of 5 rounds, including a support race at the Malaysian Motorcycle GP in October 2009.

Each round consists of 2 practice sessions, a qualifying session, and two races with a total of 12 laps. At the end of the season, two qualifying riders will be selected for a full sponsorship to participate at the “Red Bull Rookies 2009 Final Rider Selection” in Spain.

“The absence of a Regional rider development programme drives us to create this series. We need a platform for young riders within the Asia Pacific region to develop their passion, racing skills and career. We have presented this series to the various ASNs’ in the region and are tirelessly promoting for international entries to create the right environment where talent from across the region can directly compete with each other, compared and further developed,” said Moto Millia Managing Director, Razak Al Malique.

He added, “Out of a maximum grid of 25 riders we have reserved 15 slots for international participants. If we succeed in getting competitors from countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, China and so on, this will be a series where top racing teams will scout for talent. The entry cost has been kept at a bare minimum and it is unlikely that we will breakeven but for us successful implementation of the series is much more critical than gearing for commercial returns.”

Moto Millia also has a Junior GP Racing Dream program using the Aprilia RS50, which is an effort to find a MotoGP rider for Malaysia. A few riders have been selected and trained over the past 2 years and from what I hear they really are quite talented. I think this is a good effort by Moto Millia, but as you can see from the figures above, going further in the motorsports world really burns alot of money (RM25,000 for a rental package is no joke) and impossible to afford for many people without some form of sponsorship. It’s no wonder there are Mat Rempits out there as it’s very expensive to go legal with racing.