Seven Aussies invited to 2025 Asia Talent Cup selection

The Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (ATC) has released its list of riders that have been invited to take part in selection for the 2025 edition of the junior development series. The selection event at Sepang will see 100 invited riders from Asia, the subcontinent and Oceania pared back to 20, plus reserves, for next year’s ATC.

A comprehensive promotion campaign, in collaboration with key partners and circuits, saw 400 teenage riders from nearly 20 countries apply to the ATC this year. Analysis of their applications by the ATC Selection Committee saw this number cut to 100 for the selection event, which will be held at the Sepang kart track on 29-30 October.

Of the riders invited to selection, Thailand had the largest representation with 31, followed by Malaysia with 14, Indonesia with 11 and Japan with 10. Seven Aussie juniors made the invite list, down from 15 last year.

The invited Aussies are Ethan Johnson (13), Isaac Ayad (13), Bodie Paige (14), Riley Nauta (14), Henry Hynd (14), Rossi McAdam (15) and Matthew Ritter (15). Nauta is the only rider in this contingent to have been previously invited to ATC selection.

Three New Zealand juniors also made the list: Nixon Frost (13), Hunter Charlett (14) and Jean Turner (15). Turner made the shortlist in 2022. Riders from other countries are all in a similar age range, with the youngest 13 and the oldest 19.

At Sepang, the invited candidates will showcase their talent and the Selection Committee will choose who will be offered a place on the 2025 grid. Shortlisted riders must demonstrate sufficient skill and ability to make the 2025 ATC entry list, either as one of the 20 main riders, or a reserve. As well as observing each rider’s performance on track, the Selection Committee will analyse data from their laps to determine the final field.