Honda launches Xtreme Academy in Europe

Honda Europe has announced the launch of the Honda Racing Xtreme Academy - a series of new 150cc big-wheel off-road racing championships being held across several European countries in 2010.

Young riders can register their details now at Honda Europes racing website, with the programme is being seen as a potential first step on the ladder to becoming part of Honda Racing's World Championship Xtreme programme in MX1, MX2, Enduro and even the Dakar Rally.

Championships in each country will stand alone or be part of an existing series and will be solely for Honda CRF150 big-wheel MX machines. The programme is designed to support young riders aged 11-15 and give them a chance to experience the excitement of motocross competition on a reliable, fast 4-stroke machine.

Entry into the Honda Racing Xtreme Academy will secure individual rider sponsorship, access to an exciting prize pool, plus discounts on - and a chance to win - training programmes with John van den Berk - double world champion and MX des Nations winner, who now coaches many of the worlds top MX1 stars at his Pro-MX training base in Spain.

Each of the individual country championships is being scheduled to run in parallel with the brand-new UEM 150 4-stroke European championship run by Youthstream, meaning that Honda Racing Xtreme Academy riders will be able to compete in both series.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Honda to help young riders hone their skills on the perfect bike and for those riders to compete in two complementary championships," Honda Europe off-road manager Roger Harvey said. "We anticipate this will help them to become part of the wider Honda Racing family and, ultimately, to prepare for the step up to the 4-stroke machines that compete at world championship level."

Youngsters can register their details by visiting www.hondaracing-eu.com/xtreme.

Applicants will then be contacted by Honda when championship details are confirmed in each country.