Friday March 3, 2017 at 12:55pm
For 2017 Husqvarna UK has entrusted its official Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship MX2 title effort to a brand new team.
If you didn’t know better you’d be forgiven for thinking that’s a pretty risky strategy but the truth is while the team is new the people behind it are all familiar faces on the national motocross scene.
REVO Husqvarna UK is the new kid on a block that the team’s main players have all been around several times. Having enjoyed a sizeable presence in the paddock for a number of seasons, the big difference is this year REVO will be going for the British championship as sole title sponsor of its own team.
Fielding Mel Pocock and 2016 Maxxis MXY2 champion Jamie Carpenter on a pair of FC 250s, the team is run by Mark Yates who’s enjoyed a high profile in the series since 2012.
After sustaining a potentially career-ending injury at the start of 2015 it’s been a tough road back for former European champion Mel but he showed last year that he’s a genuine title contender and Mark has high hopes for the 24-year-old who’s twice finished runner-up in the series.
“We’re very optimistic about 2017,” said Mark. “As a team we’re excited, everything’s gelled together and results wise I think we’ve got the right ingredients to be on the podium with Mel.
“There are a handful of riders who will be fighting for the championship and I think we’ve got as much a chance of being on the top step as any other title contender. It’s there for the taking.”
Jamie’s also a natural fit with the team’s talent-nurturing ethos as the 17-year-old from Bournemouth makes his debut in the pro ranks.
“Jamie is moving up from MXY2 which is a big step,” added Mark. “My expectations for Jamie are for him to progress through the course of the season with the aim to be running in the top 10 by three-quarters of the way in.”
The opening round of the Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship takes place on March 12 at Culham Moto Park. Admission is £20 for adults and £5 for children. Family tickets are £45. The circuit postcode is OX14 3DA.
Picture © Nuno Laranjeira