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British Championship

Dissected: The Right Move?

A short-term fix or a great move?

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Implementing two-strokes in a professional series is an easy way to garner attention, which is something that most promoters strive for. We are, of course, discussing this on the back of the announcement from the ACU, which confirmed that they will be adding a two-stroke series to their programme next year.

Feedback has, for the most part, been positive online and I am certain that the powers that be are extremely proud of that. Rarely does the Maxxis British Championship bask in positivity, as controversial incidents have left the ACU in the firing line in recent years. I am sure that certain short-term goals have already been achieved too, as they have undoubtedly received an influx of queries and kudos. Making decisions that are based on achieving success immediately, rather than assessing the bigger picture, may not be the smartest move though.

When the VMX class was added however many years ago, it seemed like it would work brilliantly on paper. The fans would come out in droves to see the stars of yesteryear, right? Why would they not? The stars, which are arguably the most important ingredient, did not show up though and consequently the whole concept flopped. I fear that we may be sat in the same position with this two-stroke class, unfortunately, because the bikes that nostalgic fans are obsessed with are just a part of the equation.

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Two-strokes will be thundering up the Canada Heights start in 2017.

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A cluster of relevant riders must be piloting those bikes in order to ensure that interest will be sustained, because otherwise there is not really any kind of spark. To take that point further, even if just a few points separate four guys who are relatively unknown I would argue whether there would be any interest at all. What if I told you that the top two in VMX were separated by just three points in 2012? Does anyone remember that?

Perhaps the two premier classes are there to generate that interest and this support class is in place to simply please those who line the fences? There is the potential for that to happen, of course, but again big names are just so important. If you want to put Tommy Searle, Jake Nicholls and Elliott Banks-Browne on two-strokes then you are onto an automatic winner. If you have lesser names battling for the win, then it is going to be harder to sell.

That has obviously been considered, because the ACU have boldly stated that MX1 and MX2 riders can race both classes. Any rider who has a realistic shot at a title, however, will not waste time with that and those guys are the ones who fans want to see in person. Brad Anderson is probably the most likely to jump on a two-stroke, seeing as he is committed to the EMX300 division, but will that be enough?

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Lewis Gregory is obviously a favourite for the two-stroke class.

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There are various other issues to consider with a two-stroke class, such as the fact that you are alienating certain manufacturers who simply cannot contend. Should this go well, a marketing aspect will come into play and KTM will want to see their 250 two-stroke on top each week. Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki will be unable to join that party, however, and that may not be healthy. It is just a support class, so perhaps that is not even a concern for anyone involved? It is worth considering though.

I do think that a two-stroke series has its place, yes, but I do not necessarily think that it is alongside the Maxxis British Championship. Would a class like this not slot into the Michelin MX Nationals perfectly? I feel like that would be the perfect solution and strengthen the relationship between the two, seeing as the ‘Expert Cup’ is already working effectively. Whenever two-strokes are mentioned, you’ll always hear that they are easier for the average joe to acquire and maintain. The MX Nationals is the perfect platform for those riders, their bustling ‘Clubman’ class serves as proof of that, which is why I feel like that could be the right home for this class.

That would also eliminate the biggest problem with all of this, which is the fact that the MXY2 riders have drawn the short straw and, rather than compete at all eight rounds, they will be present at just five of them. The ACU are adamant that this does not alter their commitment to that class, but followed that statement up by proclaiming that they have “specifically targeted four high-profile venues” for the two-stroke class.

Putting two-strokes at Hawkstone Park is, of course, an obvious choice, but is it not best to allow the up and coming riders a chance to race the historic and, quite frankly, better tracks? Rather than tackle Hawkstone, one of the toughest tracks that the nation has to offer, the riders are restricted to a practice track like Preston Docks. Should MXY2 not be the priority when it comes to making decisions such as this? The ACU have made a good move by putting MXY2 at rounds one and two, as they need to be under the spotlight at those events.

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Jamie Carpenter benefitted from a full MXY2 series this year.

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The greatest counterargument to all of this is that the MXY2 class at the British Youth Nationals is actually where the official champion is crowned. The class that runs alongside the Maxxis British Championship is not supposed to carry as much weight, for that reason. It is almost impossible to enforce that though, as those competing in the greatest series that Britain has to offer are seen by the most fans and sponsors.

A majority of fans can confidently state that Jamie Carpenter won the MXY2 class in the Maxxis British Championship, but could you really tell me who the BYN champion was? I highly doubt it. Heck, the riders in the BYN are not even seen by professional teams each week! Is that not the goal with this class? You need to be racing in front of the team managers, so that they can identify a flash of speed or potential.

One would presume that this move has been made as a result of the MXY2 series not generating enough of a return across eight rounds. I would argue that, rather than looking for an alternative support class, efforts should be put into promotion across social media to ensure that people do care and a return is there.

To bring this back around to my original statement about achieving short-term goals, to get the most out of series a long-term promotion plan must be implemented. It may not become something great overnight, but eventually it will work and help all involved. The promoters, sponsors, teams and riders would all reap the benefits, but instead we have another support class in place as a quick fix. What are the chances that we are all looking for another solution at this point next year?

British Championship

Bickers to supply UK market with Alpinestars

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This is great news for UK motocross dealers, who can now order Alpinestars Boots and Protection for the motocross and enduro community.

Full PR:
Bickers are pleased to announce a new partnership with Alpinestars, from 2024 Bickers will be a
newly appointed distributor of Alpinestars Off-Road range of MX, Enduro and Trials footwear and
protections.

Alpinestars has been redefining protection for motorcyclists ever since the company was established
in 1963. Commitment to innovation has led Alpinestars to become the world-leading manufacturer
of professional motorsport racing products, motorcycling airbag protection, high-performance
apparel, technical footwear, and helmets. Alpinestars understands that the best design and research
is achieved under extreme conditions. Their involvement in Formula 1, NASCAR, MotoGP, World
SBK, AMA Supercross and Motocross, MXGP, Dakar and more has led to the creation of the most
advanced technical equipment for the racing world’s top athletes.

Bickers and Alpinestars will be working together in the UK and Ireland (via Bickers Dornan) to create
an industry leading integrated sales program, reaching the Bickers dealer network; carrying stock in
2 strategic locations in the UK and Ireland to ensure next day delivery on all items.
Stock is in the UK and available now, to see the range visit alpinestars.com or bickers-online.co.uk.

Chris Hillard (Alpinestars Communications Manager)

Alpinestars are pleased to welcome Bickers as a distributor of our MX/Off-Road range in the UK and
Ireland. With their proven record in offering next day service to dealers; we see Bickers as a logical
partner to add to our already strong network of Dealers and Distributors in the region. With focus on
offering keystone hard goods from our range; namely Footwear and Protection. Central to our plan,
inside July/August 2024 Bickers will also become an Official Alpinestars repair and service center for
MX Goods, with the aim of increasing efficiency for our UK/Ireland based racers and customers
moving ahead, and we look forward to developing this partnership.

Derek McMartin (Bickers)
“Bickers are extremely excited to be able to service and sell Alpinestars Range of Off-Road Footwear
and Protection and cannot wait to start offering these great products to our dealers”
To see what Bickers offer, please go to bickers-online.co.uk
You can visit the Full Range at Alpinestars direct alpinestars.com.

Picture – KTM Group

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Breaking News

NPC 2024 IS ON! All eyes are on Oakhanger.

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Oakhanger will host the first round of the NPC series this weekend. Gulf Racing Fuels, which will support the series for the next three years, will be in attendance. The line looks impressive, while entry lists are still being worked on. Starting a series from scratch is always hard, but trying to do that in a recession and with industry budgets at an all-time low is even more challenging. The guys behind the NPC have been working around the clock to make this happen.

MX1 and MX2 classes will provide some exciting racing with this at the weekend. MX1 will see Tristan Purdon, Brad Todd, Jamie Carpenter, Carlton Husband, Tom Grimshaw, John Adamson, Dan Thornhill, Chalie Putnam, and Aaron Patstone lining up. MX2 will offer some great racing with Charlie Cole, Charlie Heyman, Ollie Colmer, Ben Mustoe, Glen McCormick, Callum Mitchell, Syd Putnam, Ben Franklin, Harvey Cashmore and Liam Bennet all looking to get some hours in the bank racing.

Justin Barclay and Alfie Smith have produced a stunning track for riders to compete on. As I’m typing this update, more British riders are signing up, and they will be confirmed every day leading up to what will be a historical event. I say historical because I believe this series will go from strength to strength and offer one of the best championships in the UK and, hopefully, Europe.

The Acerbis is cancelled this weekend, so places at the NPC are filling up fast. There are four groups, and wildcards are still available in each group.

Entries for the event can be accessed here: https://nora92.com/event/nora-pro-championship-round-1/#tribe-tickets

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British Championship

Andrew Short confirmed for the 2024 VMXdN at Foxhill

No Short measures for Team USA

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The promoters for the annual VMXdN Foxhill have announced that former factory HRC, KTM Factory Racing and Monster Energy Yamaha rider Andrew Short will be racing at the legendary Wiltshire Grand Prix circuit over August bank holiday weekend (August 22nd-26th) as part of the American squad.


Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Supplied


Short has had a stellar sixteen-year pro career, during that time, he earned over 50 podium finishes and nine wins, he is also one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet. One of his personal highlights was being part of the American Team that won the 2010 Motocross of Nations held in his home state of Colorado. 

After he retired from professional motocross at the end of 2016, Short then worked as a team advisor and brand ambassador for Factory Honda HRC before making a big transition to compete in rally racing and take on the ultimate rally race – the Dakar.

After a steep learning curve, he was able to become competitive in rally and even took his first win at the 2019 Rallye du Maroc, a leadup to the 2020 Dakar. He raced for the Rockstar Husqvarna team as well as the Monster Energy Factory Yamaha rally teams.

After a nasty injury while riding at home, he is now back to full fitness and bang up for the challenge that is Foxhill, the greatest 2-stroke event in the world. Short will race a 2002 YZ 250 built and maintained by the crew at DocWob. Team USA won the inaugural event in 2022 and finished 3rd behind Team GB and Team Northern Ireland in 2023. 

The race is already creating a huge buzz with new and returning legends being announced weekly, it really is a whos’ who of the sport through the golden heydays of the 90’s and 00’s era.

Labelled by RacerX magazine as “the Woodstock of two strokes” the event simply goes from strength to strength.

With ticket sales up year on year, the promoters have been blown away at the response to the event and are urging spectators to purchase tickets asap. Could this be the first outdoor motocross event in the UK to be ticket only? Camping passes will be capped at last year’s numbers as simply putting it – it was full!

Ensure your place at the most anticipated event on the British MX calendar by booking early.

Saturday, Sunday, Weekend and Camping passes are available at https://vmxdnfoxhill2024.eventbrite.co.uk

Keep up to date with all the VMXdN Foxhill news

www.vmxdnfoxhill.com 

www.facebook.com/vmxdnfoxhills 

https://www.instagram.com/vmxdnfoxhill/

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