Motorcycling Australia today announced changes to Australian Off-Road Championship classes, which will include a new Under 19s class from 2014.

Event coordinator Denise Hore said the commission had been discussing a new class for the championship for some time and was happy it was approved for next season.

“The new class will allow riders coming out of the Juniors to compete against their peers without being thrust into the big league which has discouraged many from continuing to compete in the series,” Hore said.

In other changes to the championship, the J1 (9 to U12 years) class has been removed due to dwindling numbers and a struggle to get the required riders at each round.

“The commission recommended that state and club competition should still encourage these Juniors and give them the experience they need so they can tackle the Australian Off-Road Championships later on,” Hore added.

All other classes in the championship will remain.

The 2014 Australian Off-Road Championship calendar will be released in the coming days, according to MA.