Cessnock’s Keegan Pickering is off to Spain and will be hoping to impress selectors ahead of tryouts for the prestigious Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The pint-sized 16-year old motorcyclist beat out hundreds of other applicants to be selected for the cup tryouts, which will be held at from October 14 to 16 at the Monteblanco circuit in Spain.
The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup is recognised as a launching pad for aspiring Grand Prix motorcyclists.
Since its inception in 2007 it has grown into one of the most thrilling two-wheel spectacles in the world, releasing a new generation of stars unto the world of motorcycle racing.
Keegan will be one of 150 riders from all over the world taking part in the trials, which will test not only her skills on the track but also work ethic and presentation.
Selectors will then choose 12 riders to take part in the 2015 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup – something Keegan said would be a dream come true.
“It will definitely be hard but no matter the result, hopefully positive things can come out of it,” she said.
“Knowing that I have tried my best and done everything I can just to get there.”
While female riders have made the trial rounds before, there has never been a girl in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
This is something Keegan is determined to change.
“I definitely want to see a girl on that team, and if it is me that would be even better,” she said.
At the conclusion of the Red Bull Cup, Keegan will also be competing in the Asia Talent Cup at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia from October 26.
This new competition aims to give riders from the Asian region a formal path into competitive road racing and is run by the organisers of the MotoGP World Championships, FIM Superbike World Championships as well as the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
Keegan said that her involvement in the series will provide another foot in the door, but she is still working out the logistics of whether she will return home to Australia in between the two competitions.
In the mean time she is now busy fundraising to help cover the costs of both trips, including flights and accommodation.
She has organised a raffle and guessing competition – for more information visit her Facebook page ‘Keegan Pickering Racing’.
She will also be selling tickets at Mattara MotoMania on Sunday, where her bike will also be on display.
