Remember when you were young and shone like the sun? With dreams and ambitions of what and who you wanted to be and with that carefree attitude that youthful exuberance brings. If your memory is a bit cloudy, let the rising stars of Arenacross remind you.
One of the many satisfying things and rewards of running the Arenacross tour is giving some of the current generation of wannabee professional dirtbike racers a genuine platform to showcasetheir skill and ambition to the masses in the early part of what could potentially be their future career. Not only that, but they also get to share that journey and make memories that will last a lifetime with the thousands of people in the arena and more importantly with their family and friends.
Just give yourself a moment, and transport yourself back to being a kid and imagine how amazing it would be to out there in front of all of those fans and soaking up that atmosphere, especially if you were good enough to take the win and be called up to take your #1 plaque. What a buzz. Moments like that will inevitably inspire the next generation and make them more determined and focused for more.
Across the three youth classes in Arenacross 2026 (Minis, Superminis and Futures) you will see kids totally committed and leaving it all out on track. You’ll also see plenty of mistakes and the occasional tears, but more than anything, you’ll see kids expressing themselves and having fun and for us at Arenacross that’s priceless.
If last year’s racing is anything to go by, then the 2026 youth class championships are going to be exciting, entertaining and hotly contested. The 2025 championship battle for the Futures class was one of the best yet. In the end it was Issac Ash who came out on top to add a Futures title to his Supermini success, but he won’t be in contention to repeat that feat for 2026 as he’s moving up the Amateur class. Last year’s runner up Harry Lee pushed Issac all the way and will be starting as a firm favourite to follow in Issac’s footsteps and add a Future’s title to his 2024 Supermini win. Other notable title contenders will be Austin Beasty, who took his first Future’s race win last year and Oliver Williams who will be moving up from the Supermini class where he took third in the championship last year.
In the Supermini class reigning champion John Slade will take some stopping after romping to the championship last year and becoming the first rider in Arenacross history to take the Supermini title riding a small wheeled 85cc. With some of his main challengers moving out of the class, Corey Heffernan, who finished fifth in 2025, appears to be his closest competition. 2025 AX Mini champion Mason Straddon will be hoping to hit the ground running as he moves up to the Supermini class, as will Frank Bishop, who finished third in last year’s mini class. Both have been puttingin the work, being coached by former AX Lites champion Joe Clayton.
With Mason moving out of the class it guarantees a new winner in the Mini class and it’s going to be wide open and difficult to call. Maybe Rafe Harwood will get it done following his success inwinning ‘The Amped race to Manchester’ Electric Balance Bike final last year? Not only does Rafe have the potential to become a professional dirt bike racer one day he’s also pursing an acting career and has already appeared in a Hollywood block buster. Another potential rising star is Harley Beckett, if he’s not one already with 151,000 followers on his Instagram account putting some seasoned Arenacross and Motocross stars to shame. Another racer who will get plenty of encouragement is the wonderful Erin Deazley, not just because she will be the only girl racing in the class but because she is a real character and fun to be around.
“Arenacross has always been about pushing the future of motocross forward,” said Arenacross owner and promoter Matt Bates. “Giving young riders the best possible stage to perform on, in front of big crowds and under real pressure, is something we’re incredibly proud of. Watching talent come through the youth classes, develop year on year and progress through the ranks is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do — especially when you see riders who once raced here as kids now lining up as British Pro contenders. That journey is exactly what Arenacross is all about.”
These are the moments where dreams begin to feel real — where confidence is built, character is shaped and lifelong ambition takes hold. Today’s youth racers are tomorrow’s champions, and for many of these kids, Arenacross is the first time they truly feel what it means to belong on a big stage. Win or lose, every lap ridden under the lights becomes part of their story, and every cheer from the crowd helps fuel the belief that anything is possible with enough dedication, support and passion for the sport.
About Arenacross / Tickets paragraph
Arenacross is the UK’s premier indoor motocross championship, combining elite-level racing with high-energy entertainment inside major arenas across the country. Featuring world-class professional riders alongside the next generation of emerging talent, the series delivers a fast-paced, family-friendly live show built around purpose-built tracks, big atmosphere and unforgettable moments. Tickets for Arenacross events are on sale now, with a range of seating options available for fans, families and hospitality guests. Full tour dates, venue information and ticket links can be found at www.arenacrossuk.com.
