Anakin Zelenák - #55

Anakin was drafted into the JRP Academy for the 2021 season with hopes of competing in the Northern Talent Cup for the newly formed JRP Junior Academy Team. After the application bid for that years cup came back unsuccessful, an agreement could be found between the Zelenák family, JRP Management, and Kiefer Racing, to provide Anakin with a moto3 practice bike and assist his preparations for the following season.

JRP founder and Academy Team manager, Alexander Josefson - “Ani caught our attention around July 2020. At the time, we were in the process of putting together our new Academy Team and were looking for a young talent to promote the following season.”

At that stage, Anakin had finished on the podium in five of the eight races, achieving three race victories, one of which he was disqualified from due to a minor technical infringement.

“We started talking to several families of riders we believed could have potential to do well in higher categories, but after initial talks and later meeting the Zelenák family it became clear that they were a perfect match. Not just because of the immense talent of the rider, but also because the entire family was kind and easy to get along with, which is as important to us as the kids riding skills. We have to be able to get along with everyone involved. Otherwise the venture is destined to fail from the outset.”

Zelenák went on to score two more victories and one second place in the following four races, before an injury forced him to give up his strong title bid early. Despite this, the 13 year old German from Bad Herrenalb, near Stuttgart, was signed as a JRP supported rider in November 2020 and will be supported by JRP Management and their Academy program for 2021 and beyond.

Rider Anakin commented: “I am very glad to be taken in from the JRP Academy and proud to be chosen as the first rider for their new JRP Junior Academy Team. Even if we won’t get the opportunity to compete in the Northern Talent Cup this year, I am grateful for the support they have given me so far and hope I can represent them in the cup in the following year.”