SUPERTEEN REBORN
The iconic Superteen name returns to the BSB paddock following the launch of the Kawasaki ZX-4RR
A familiar class will return to the British paddock this season following the creation of the Tracker Kawasaki British Superteen Championship.
The new one-make series takes the place of Junior Supersport and sees riders aged 15-20 riding the new Kawasaki ZX-4RR. Each bike will be built by Nick Morgan and MSS Kawasaki.
Of course, the Superteen name brings back memories of the old Aprilia series of the same name. Casey Stoner won that title in 2000, and Cal Crutchlow, Sam and Alex Lowes, Tom Sykes, Leon Camier and Chaz Davies are some other well-known names to have competed in Superteen racing.
MCN visited Kawasaki UK HQ to learn more about the series, the bike and the Affinity Academy, which will run eight riders in the class.
The Championship
The inaugural season will run across eight rounds, with two races per race weekend. The series will also form part of the support package during the World Superbike Championship round at Donington Park in July.
As it stands, 22 riders have signed up but Kawasaki are open to more joining during the season. Morgan and the Affinity Academy will also have wildcard bikes available for those wanting to trial the championship at selected rounds.
“People are almost taking a leap of faith with it being brand-new,” Ross Burridge, head of marketing and racing department at Kawasaki UK, told MCN. “I think once people see it on track and how cool it looks and sounds, it should really develop throughout the years. I hope we can get some guest riders of note to come and do it as well.”
Those wanting to take part in Superteen can buy a ZX-4RR from their local Kawasaki dealer, or go direct to Morgan at MSS Kawasaki, who will build and supply you with a completed race bike. Ultimately, all bikes, as per the rules, must be built by the team at MSS.
“I think what makes this class better is that the ZX-4RR is more like the bikes they’re going to be racing as they progress through their career. This is four-cylinder, 400cc racing. It gets them riding in that style of racing from an earlier age, rather than starting on a twin.
“This is very much a level playing field. The bikes are exactly the same, so every rider has the same opportunity. Whoever comes out on top, we’ll know they were the best rider in the championship.”
The 2024 champion will receive a brand-new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, the perfect bike to help them progress into the Quattro Group British Su
