Becoming a Pro: Inside the KTM Junior Racing Program

When we think of KTM, most imagine a bright orange dirt bike thrashing around a track in a packed Supercross stadium or barreling across an alpine ridgeline with a panoramic view of Mother Nature at her finest. The bikes are impossible to miss, and often impossible to catch. This is a company that calls to some of the finest riders in the world, and yet this begs the question: Where exactly do these riders come from? Or rather, when?

They start young—around seven or eight years old. For over 20 years, KTM has been planting the seed of motorcycle glory into the hearts and minds of youth around the racetrack, granting the bold and fearless the opportunity to gear up, crank the throttle, and take off, testing their competitive edge through the KTM Junior Racing Program, which runs at Supercross rounds. Every kid has a chance to be victorious if they have a bit of race experience under their belts and pay a small entry fee. Entrance comes via an online application, a process that sometimes brings in nearly 500 submissions. The picks are made at random, where 15 lucky youngsters along with two alternates will find themselves on the fast track to becoming a true racing hero. Or better yet, a champion.

The Junior Racing Program competes in front of tens of thousands, inspiring kids to chase their dream of one day becoming a KTM factory racer.

• The KTM Family

Want proof that the program works? Every one of the current factory riders for KTM has been through their Junior Racing Program. Once on the roster, this becomes a family affair, with mom and/or dad accompanying every child along the way as they dive headfirst into the real Supercross experience.

Race day brings a track walk to help riders get their bearings. There’s a rider meeting to answer questions and explain logistics, two practice sessions to get the riders comfortable, and then it’s time to battle to the finish line. Most bring their own gear, though if needed, gear is provided at the track. With a staff of mechanics onsite, every necessary safety precaution is taken to ensure riders are protected and have a great time on the dirt.

“The program is a great test of whether or not big-time racing is something [the kids] want to do,” says Tom Moen of KTM Junior Racing. “If not, it’s really a fantastic experience and an inside look into Supercross for the young racers as well as their families.”

What the adults cannot quite prepare for, however, is how to handle a seven- or eight-year-old’s reaction when they step into the stadium with an audience of as many as 50,000 people watching their every move. Some have a minor nervous breakdown on the spot, some cry in apprehension, and some freeze in fear. But there are others who push through these initial reactions and chase a new dream to one day be an adult racer for KTM.

Parents play a huge role in encouraging their kids to tackle the track full throttle and, of course, have a total blast.

• An Electric Start

Beginning about two years ago, the SX-E-5 mini electric bike has been every KTM Junior Racing participant’s official ride. It’s a great option for two main reasons. First, mini electrics are easier for the kids to ride on technical terrain. Second, there is far less maintenance and cleanup between rounds—KTM’s mechanics only need to charge the batteries and give the bikes hasty wipe-down before the young riders are back on track. The team uses an array of solar panels mounted on trailers to charge the bikes at events. KTM is not only investing in their future riders, but they are also in the future electrification of the sport.

Each race is an incredible experience for the junior riders, including time on the track opening ceremonies, and of course, a three-lap race following the tire lines of their own Supercross heroes. “This is their dream, what they aspire to, and we want to show them where they can take a love of the racetrack with us every step of the way,” Moen added.

The Junior Racing program is also a way to bridge the generations of motorcycle enthusiasts of every terrain and provides an avenue for parents to get their children interested in riding. The program is aimed at building an early skillset in competitors who enjoy racing while keeping a very family-oriented feel for everyone to enjoy. Not everyone goes home a race winner, but at least they’ve had a chance to bond with their family over a love of racing.

“The cool thing about Supercross is that it opens up racing to everyone,” Moen says. “Many in the stands ride motorcycles, whether that be dirt, ADV, or street. And attending an event like this grants the opportunity to see another aspect of racing. They’re all just motorcycle fans.”

KTM is investing in young riders and in the future of motorcycling by using electric bikes for their Junior Racing Program.

•What It Takes

 From the scheduled 10 rounds of the KTM Junior Program races in 2023, as well as the top 15 overall finishers from the Micro to E (ages four–seven) at the Loretta Lynn AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, these young riders are set to race at the SMX World Championship Final in Los Angeles, where the first ever KTM Junior SMX Champion will be crowned alongside the SuperMotocross World Champions.

What truly seems special about KTM’s Junior Racing program is its unbridled dedication to family. Sure, it’s an investment opportunity to inspire and motivate young riders to want to race for KTM and dream of victory in SuperMotocross down the road. The reality is KTM is also providing an avenue for families to spend more time together on two wheels—particularly in a time when it’s increasingly difficult to get our eyes off screens and our kids outside to play. There are countless days in the dirt with mom and dad prior to a youngster qualifying to compete, with the hope that instilling that passion kindles a fire that burns for a lifetime.

A love of dirt, adrenaline, and family—the Junior Racing Program truly knows how to bring the motorcycle community together.

If you are considering signing up your seven- or eight-year-old racer, check out the online registration. And don’t forget that time on a motorcycle is necessary for riders to join. All riders will receive a special Troy Lee Designs gear package which includes a jersey, racing pants, gloves, helmet, a KTM racing hat, and a handful of other items. Since its foundation, the KTM Junior Racing Program has given over 3,000 children the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents in stadium racing venues worldwide. The ripple effect of their efforts will guarantee families both in the U.S. and overseas will continue to embrace life from behind the handlebars, and most importantly, enjoy that passion and enthusiasm for orange, dirt, and adrenaline, together.

For more information, visit KTMJrSx.com/registration

Grace Schuessler, aka “The Graceful Renegade,” is an author, vagabond, and adventure motorcycle rider, exploring the world on a Honda CB500X. Follow her journey on YouTube, Instagram, or at TheGracefulRenegade.com.