Two of the biggest AMCA championship teams, AJP and FUS, are combining forces to tackle the most prestigious vets event in the world, the VMXdN Hawkstone, held at the historic and iconic GP venue in Shropshire.
The three-man team will run out of the sprawling and hugely impressive FUS paddock presence, giving full factory support to the racers running the colours.
Phil Mercer needs very little introduction in the paddock at British motocross, Factory Phil boasts four British ACU Vets titles and a vice-win at the World Vet Championship, and titles in the MX1, MX2, & Vets, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Le Touquet, EMX 300 and GPs are all in Phil’s CV. He’s one of the most accomplished racers in the UK and still racing hard at 55, not to mention one of the nicest fellas you could wish to meet, at least when the helmet is off! Mercer will be lining up on a KX 250.
James Dodd, affectionately known as Doddy, has been winning whatever he enters for 20 years, starting with a KWS 85 big wheel championship and an 85cc GP win in 2004, through to 2025, when he was crowned the AMCA MX1 Champion. He loves a 2-stroke and Hawkstone is nothing new to the 38-year-old south westerner. He will line up on a CR 250
Jayden Ashwell is a larger than life South African (he is seriously tall) who is in the UK campaigning under the AJP banner, he is a runner up in both the AMCA and Acerbis Nationals, he even threw his hat into the ring at the MXGP series this year with a ride in Spain. He will be racing an ex-Tyler Bowers KX 500 built by DocWob.
VMXdN is the highlight on the British motocross calendar, and 2026 marks a new chapter as the event moves to the historic Hawkstone Park circuit in Shropshire, with promoters Dave King and Rob “DocWob” Walters joining forces with the Salop Motor Club. Dubbed “The Woodstock of 2 strokes” by Racer X Magazine, VMXdN brings together legends of the sport past and present for a full weekend of bar-to-bar ‘90s and ‘00s motocross action, alongside the trade village, Show’N’Shine, Autograph Signing, Beer tent and everything else that makes it the ultimate event for MX fans of any age.
With just 56 days to go until gates open, VMXdN Hawkstone on August bank holiday weekend (27-30) is certainly one not to be missed, and tickets are selling fast. Don’t leave it too late, head to www.vmxdnhawkstone.com/buy-tickets now to secure your spot at what promises to be the biggest and best VMXdN yet.
