The 2024 Dirt Store ACU British Motocross Championship roars into life this weekend at Lyng, as the stage is set for an enthralling opener.
With the highly anticipated first bout of the series almost here, excitement is high ahead of what looms as a captivating round of action.
To start with the MX1 class, and all eyes will be on defending Champion Conrad Mewse, who'll unquestionably be one of the men to beat. Having shone brightly on his way to an emphatic triumph last season, the 25-year-old's speed, skill and smarts should ensure he’s a formidable force to be reckoned with again.
Hugely motivated to go back-to-back, it'll be intriguing watching how the ultra-fit #426 fares especially after he's coming off an injury suffered in Arenacross.
The Crendon Tru7 Honda pilot won't have it all his own way, however, for Red Bull KTM maestro Jeffrey Herlings will be eager to flex his muscles on his return to Lyng for the first time in three years thanks to the support of Stebbings Car Superstore, GoggleTek and Norwich Vikings MC, as he'll be keen to gather some positive momentum in this stop on his quest for MXGP honours come season's end.
“I am excited to go racing at Lyng later this month, with the help of Stebbing Car Superstore and the support of Norwich Vikings Motor Cycle Club. I’ll also be doing a signing session at the GoggleTek support van in the Paddock and I hope to see you all there on the 28th April," said 5-Time World Champion, Herlings.
Mewse's former teammate Josh Gilbert, who has now switched his focus to MXGP under the Gabriel SS24 KTM awning, will want to breathe life into his campaign after a challenging beginning to 2024.
Seeing as Gilbert won at this venue last year, confidence will be high he can put in a strong showing once more even though he comes in not at peak condition due to some recent injury worries.
Fresh from a quality hit-out at Foxhill, Tristan Purdon and Charlie Putnam of the SC Sporthomes Husqvarna squad enter Lyng hopeful they can translate their speed into quality results.
The Apico Honda Racing duo of Tom Grimshaw and Martin Barr will provide stern competition at the front as well, with both adapting nicely to their surroundings and making strides with their comfort on the bike.
New Dirt Store Kawasaki signing Jamie Carpenter is another hungry to start his crusade in style and immediately be in the podium fight. Finishing the 2023 term seventh in the standings, watch for an improvement here from the man who was destined to be a privateer prior to securing this ride, which came about after Tommy Searle made the switch to the MX2 class.
The likes of Sam Nunn, Stu Edmonds, Callum Green, Brad Todd, Carlton Husband, Callum Green, Dan Thornhill, Liam Knight, Billy Mackenzie and Jason Meara round out a stacked MX1 class.
Meanwhile in MX2, a pulsating scrap awaits between the likes of Tommy Searle, Jack Chambers, Billy Askew and Joel Rizzi.
While Searle will head in as favourite and be a star attraction amongst the fans, expect the Dirt Store Kawasaki hotshot to be pushed hard.
Searle's teammate, Rizzi, is primed for a title assault following his third overall in the Fastest 40 at Foxhill. Moreover, British sensation Billy Askew, who's been racing EMX250, and American MX2 ace Jack Chambers duly add to the competitiveness of this division that was won by Isak Gifting in 2023 (now racing MXGP with JK Racing Yamaha).
Dropping back to the 250 after putting in some admirable rides on the 450 so far in 2024, it'll be interesting to see how Crendon Tru7 Honda's Taylor Hammal gets on alongside colleague Jake Nicholls.
Blessed with the speed and talent to cause an upset, gifted Dutch prospect Cas Valk heads to Lyng primed for a successful outing. Currently sitting third in the EMX250 standings and in good form having bagged a pair of seconds in EMX250 and at the Dutch Masters, the SS24 excitement machine will be one to observe closely.
In a class that features a nice blend of youth and experience, there's no doubting Charlie Heyman, Syd Putnam, Elliott Banks-Browne, Dylan Walsh, Ben Mustoe, Cas Valk, Jamie Wainwright, Kristian Whatley, Joe Brookes and Alfie Jones will be on it too.
One man missing is the injured Mel Pocock, who's recovering from a host of injuries sustained recently.
Alongside the MX1 and MX2 categories, the 250cc, 125cc and the Stebbings MPH Veterans support classes begin their seasons too, in what looms as an unmissable event to kick-off the British Championship.
Let the battle for supremacy begin. Don't miss it.