Monday February 2, 2015 at 3:06pm
The most competitive ACU British Quad Championship for many years fires into action this weekend at Hawkstone Park with up to ten riders capable of taking the prestigious title. A full line-up of 40 riders is signed up for Sunday’s three races, which are part of the star-studded Hawkstone International programme, which draws a crowd of over 10,000. The early start to the season means for most riders it will be their first competitive outing, which will prove a big test around one of the nation’s most physically demanding tracks. Here we take a look at some of the likely contenders. Carl Bunce (Suzuki) – second two years running, largely through sheer consistency on the ageing LTR Suzuki. But a new RMZ450-powered machine could finally give him the bhp to take the top step. Paul Holmes (Yamaha) – almost unbeatable on his way to the title in 2012 and 2013 but ruled out last year through an early season injury. If he can rediscover the old form he will be in with a shout. Luke Cooper (KTM) – in the hunt for the title in the early stage of last year before a riding ban ruled him out of the second half of the series. He’s back with a point to prove and has the potential to be a serious title contender Dean Colhoun (Honda) – the Irish teenager was the form man at the end of last year, which included taking a race win at the Quad Cross of European Nations in the sand at Markelo in Holland. Davey Cowan (Yamaha) – Multiple Ulster champion and the only rider to win more than one round last year. If he can find a little more consistency he can win the British title he craves. Stef Murphy (Yamaha) – Fast last year but DNF’s at critical points of the year ruined his title charge. He’s been riding all winter in the French Sand Championship so will be race fit and well prepared. Justin Reid (Can Am) – The former double champion is now one of the oldest men in the series, but the wily Ulsterman knows a bit about race craft and can still pick off the youngsters when the going gets tough. George Callaway (Yamaha) – On course for a tilt at the Under 21 title last year until a broken collarbone ruled him out. Multiple British champion, Paul Winrow, is coaching him this year. If they click it will be interesting! Mark McLernon (Honda) – Current British Under 21 Champion and as brave and spectacular as they come on track. He starts the season with a 25-point deduction though so will need to play catch up. Sheldon Seal (KTM) – Many peoples dark horse. After breaking a collarbone towards the end of last year he has been working hard over the winter culminating in a sixth (and top Brit) at last weekends Le Touquet beach race. This year also sees the brightest crop of teenagers to enter the championship in many years. They include, the top two riders from the ACU British 250 Championship, Bailey Edwards (15) and Lawrence Whyte (15), the top three riders from the ACU British Clubman Championship, Harry Walker (16), Jack Naylor (17) and James Bevan (16), and the top two from the Scottish Championship, Murray Graham (15) and Taylor Gibb (18). Adding spice to the Hawkstone round is Dutch wildcard Joe Maessen, who is one of Europe’s top riders and a sand expert who has won at Hawkstone before. Quad qualifying starts at 9am and the first race is at 10.45am. In addition to the quad class there are five international solo races with the entry headed by the current MX2 World Champion Jordi Tixier. Hawkstone is in Shrophshire near Shrewsbury (SY4 4NA) Full details are available at www.hawkstoneinternationalmx.com