Santander KTM RC Cup ambassador Steve Plater will not continue his role into the 2017 season, dates and prize money for which have just been announced.

Former BSB star and roads weapon Plater spent two years nurturing the series’ youngsters but has decided to step down and concentrate on his commentating duties at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT.

“I’ve had a great experience with the KTM Cup and its been great to work with both the organisers and the young riders. The idea was to support riders coming through the ranks and give the most successful a platform to be recognised,” he said.

“We’re seen some great riders come through, they’ve developed their skills and many have gone into other classes including Motostar (Moto3) and the Red Bull Rookies. Thanks to the team at KTM and Santander for this opportunity.”

IN 2017, KTM RC Cup contenders will race for the accolade of becoming a British champion and a cheque for £3000, the runner-up receiving £2000 and third overall with £1000. With all Cup bikes utilising the proven Metzeler M7 RR tyre for all conditions, at each event there will also be a Metzeler tyre prize awarded to the three riders with the highest combined points scored from races at that round.
 
For its third season in the UK, the KTM-powered series continues to offer an affordable, fair and equal playing field for young racers with all levels of experience on identical ‘Cup’ specification versions of the popular RC 390. The biggest change for the 2017 season sees the qualifying age expanded to cover riders aged 13-22, previously limited to age 18.
 
To be eligible to enter a race in the Championship all riders must be registered riders with the Championship, hold the minimum of a 2017 Novice licence or above, issued by the ACU or the Scottish ACU. Riders must be between 13 years of age and 22 years of age on 01 January 2017.
 
At the end of the season, two youth riders from the Championship (of appropriate status) will be chosen to go through into the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup selection process for 2017. Riders will be informed of who will be attending the selection process and also be supported before the event with training from a current superbike rider.

2017 calendar

Round 1: March 31 – April 2: Donington Park GP
Round 2: April 15-17: Brands Hatch Indy
Round 3: June 16-18: Knockhill
Round 4: June 30 - July 2: Snetterton
Round 5: August 18-20: Cadwell Park
Round 6: September 8-10: Silverstone
Round 7: September 15-17: Oulton Park
Round 8: October 13-15: Brands Hatch GP (Includes World Final)