Last year we showed you something that could rejuvenate roadracing on the national level: a proposed cup series that uses converted motocross Thumpers like the Suzuki RM-Z450 and Yamaha YZF450R. The bikes, demonstrated at Laguna Seca Raceway last fall, must have attracted attention in the HRC raceworks at the Honda factory.In early February, Honda announced it would be selling a limited-edition GP-style roadracer specially designed for burgeoning roadracers. The machine, dubbed (not sexily) the MD250H, uses a Moriwaki Racing twin-spar aluminum chassis with a Moriwaki-tuned four-stroke CRF250X enduro motor that should deliver around 30 hp to the rear 115/70-17 slick. Handling and braking should be on par with purpose-built race machines, thanks to an inverted fork, Pro-Link suspension, radial-mount disc brake and light aluminum gas tank. No dry weight figure has been released, but it will probably be less than 180 pounds filled with fuel.
The racing venue will be the U.S. Grand Prix Racers Union (USGPRU). There will be 11 rounds across the country and Honda will offer $10,000 of contingency money per round. The machine will be offered through select Honda dealers to eligible riders aged 12-16 for $11,699. Included in the price is a Honda Pro Oils lubricant package worth $890.
If you’re interested in getting a an early start to your roadracing career—or have a budding Casey Stoner you want to sponsor—you can contact the USGPRU (Stewart Aitken-Cade) at 703/973-0125 for more details.
2008 USGPRU Race Dates
