In just a few days time, Great Britain’s fastest and most talented motocross riders will embark on an eight round quest for the most prestigious title in national motocross.
The Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship supported by Pro Clean will kick off on Sunday 20th March at the Cadders Hill circuit in Lyng, Norfolk where the weather is predicted to be nice with sunny skies, with a temperature of around 7 – 8 degrees Celsius.
Each season always looks more promising than the last and looking at the stacked line-ups in all three classes, the two premier MX1 and MX2 classes and the Maxxis ACU MXY2 supported by Dave Thorpe Honda Off-Road Centre, we’re in for a thrilling and action packed season.
This year each class will only race in two motos, instead of three, which will mean the day will finish sooner, ideal for those that have to be up early on Monday for school, work or other commitments. The MX1 and MX2 races will last 25 minutes plus 2 laps while the MXY2 will be 18 minutes plus one lap.
Having won the MX1 title for the last two years, Wilvo Virus Performance KTM’s Shaun Simpson is the man to beat. The Scotsman was unbeaten around Lyng last year winning all three motos and will be a solid bet for the win heading into this weekend. The Scotsman is currently running 6th in the Motocross World Championship while his closest rival Tommy Searle is running 8th.
Now onboard a Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki and in full health, which is something that has plagued Tommy Searle’s previous seasons, the man from Kent, now residing in Derby, will definitely be one to watch as one of Great Britain’s most talented riders yet to add a British title to his CV.
Also looking hungry for a slice of podium pie are Dave Thorpe’s boys Kristian Whatley and Graeme Irwin who seem to be running a hot pace on their Buildbase Honda’s at the moment, while the locals will be pumped to see the #45 of Hitachi Construction Machinery Husqvarna’s Jake Nicholls back on the cable after spending the best part of the last two seasons couch bound and on the mend.
After Romain Febvre went and won the FIM Motocross World Championship in his rookie season, it was a reminder that the rookies can’t be overlooked which is why we feel last years MX2 champion Steven Lenoir, who will remain on a Dyer & Butler KTM, is worthy of a mention, while the likes of Geartec Yamaha UK’s Elliott Banks Browne, Ifly JK Yamaha Racing’s Alex Snow, Phoenix Tools Honda’s Gert Krestinov and MVRD Fuel 10K Husqvarna’s Tanel Leok are more than capable of landing on the podium too.
Meanwhile in MX2 another season of sporadic results and flashes of brilliance from young talents can be predicted. The defending MX2 champion has jumped up to MX1 so there is no rider with that #1 target on their back. But coming into this weekend, chances are money will be on last years MX2 runner up, wild card Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Anstie who was flawless in all three races here at Lyng last year.
Apico Husqvarna’s Steven Clarke, Hitachi Construction Machinery Husqvarna’s Ben Watson and Buildbase Honda’s Martin Barr are three names already on the radar for the title in 2016, while Wilvo Virus Performance KTM’s Adam Sterry could also be a solid threat if he is racing after breaking his wrist at the MXGP of Qatar in late February.
The season opener, round one of the Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship supported by Pro Clean, is organized by Norwich Vikings MCC and will take place at the Cadders Hill circuit in Lyng, Norfolk.
Tickets are available to buy on the gate, £20 for adults and £5 for under 14’s, Family tickets are £45.
Camping is FREE! Gates will open for campers at 2pm on Saturday 19th March.
The Cadders Hill circuit is situated one mile north of the A1067 Norwich to Fakenham road and three miles from the A47 Norwich to King’s Lynn road.
Postcode is NR9 5QZ
Don’t miss the action round one has to offer, see you there!