British Championship
Pinpoint: Teams in Britain
A look at what lies ahead.
There is not long to go until the gates drop at the Hawkstone International, which is typically where the British riders debut in their new colours. So, with that in mind, this seemed like an ideal time to rattle through the silly-season moves and transfers that have gone on in Britain. Do you think something is missing from this list? If so, please email [email protected] and the necessary changes will be made.
Buildbase Honda |
|
Jake Nicholls |
MX1 |
Josiah Natzke |
MX2 |
Note: Buildbase Honda will enter the new season with a very capable team and slightly new look, as they will run Alpinestars instead of Fox. This is a significant signing for Alpinestars.
Cab Screens Honda Racing |
|
James Harrison |
MX1 |
Dan Thornhill |
MX1 |
Note: A big change for the Cab Screens effort, as they will run with support from Honda. This is actually a rather big move for Honda, as they will be extremely well-represented in Britain.
Phoenix Tools Apico Honda |
|
Gert Krestinov |
MX1 |
Carlton Husband |
MX1 |
Note: Phoenix Tools Honda, which is run by Barry Moore, have picked up an additional title sponsor. Apico have now become a major part of the team. Aside from that, things will look very similar to last season.
Craig Motorcycles |
|
Jake Millward |
MX2 |
Note: After splitting from the Verde Sports KTM team, Jake Millward found a new home aboard a CRF250R. The AX Tour is where he’ll make his debut.
Dave Thorpe Honda Adventure Centre |
|
Josh Gilbert |
MX2 |
Note: Josh Gilbert will head into the outdoor season with momentum on his side, following a victory at the international Coupe de L’Avenir event. Gilbert is due a breakthrough performance on home soil.
Hitachi KTM Racing |
|
Graeme Irwin |
MX1 |
Conrad Mewse |
MX2 |
Note: A strong effort from the Hitachi KTM Racing squad, who will actually receive some help from the factory this year. Pulling Conrad Mewse back into Britain is a massive bonus for the series and fans.
Verde Substance KTM |
|
Brad Anderson |
MX1 |
Todd Kellett |
MX2 |
Note: Brad Anderson will contest the full EMX300 series again and be joined in Europe by Todd Kellett, who will follow the EMX250 schedule. Kellett is currently unable to ride, due to injuries sustained before Christmas, but may make it back in time for round one.
REVO Husqvarna |
|
Mel Pocock |
MX2 |
Martin Barr |
MX2 |
Dylan Woodcock |
MX2 |
Note: An extremely strong trio for the relatively-new REVO Husqvarna team. Mel Pocock and Martin Barr will undoubtedly contend for race wins in MX2, whilst Dylan Woodcock will bring some additional exposure.
Apico Husqvarna |
|
Stuart Edmonds |
MX1 |
Matt Burrows |
MX1 |
Note: Stuart Edmonds was a late addition to the Apico Husqvarna team. Jamie Law, who rode for the team last year, is going to pilot a YZ450F for Dulson Training RSS Racing when the new season begins.
Geartec Husqvarna |
|
Elliott Banks-Browne |
MX1 |
Luke Norris |
MX1 |
Note: It seems as though the Geartec Husqvarna team are entering the new season under the radar, for whatever reason, but they could certainly surprise fans. Elliott Banks-Browne is capable of taking wins whenever he lines up.
Manchester Motorcycles |
|
Mickey Eccles |
MX2 |
Note: Mickey Eccles finally found a deal for the upcoming season and could breakthrough int the MX2 class. He’ll certainly be one to watch.
RMJ Academy Husqvarna |
|
Ashley Wilde |
MX1 |
Note: Something that is certainly worth noting is that Ashley Wilde will ride a two-stroke. With that in mind, expect him to become very popular over the next twelve months.
SJPMoto Husqvarna |
|
Rob Davidson |
MX1 |
Jordan Eccles |
MX2 |
Note: Rob Davidson was actually extremely impressive last season. He’ll face a stacked field in the premier class this year, but could surprise again.
RFX Crescent Yamaha |
|
Jake Shipton |
MX1 |
Nathan Dixon |
MX1 |
Henry Williams |
MX2 |
Note: RFX have joined forces with Crescent Yamaha ahead of the new season. Ben Clark and Joel Rizzi will also be on the team, as well as the riders listed above.
Rob Hooper Racing Yamaha |
|
Ryan Houghton |
MX1 |
Kristian Whatley |
MX1 |
Robbie Dowson |
MX2 |
Note: Rob Hooper will return next year with a very strong team. Kristian Whatley will hope to uncover his form from yesteryear, now that he is back on a Yamaha, and be joined by another very capable rider, Ryan Houghton.
I-Fly JK Yamaha |
|
Ivo Monticelli |
MX1 |
Anton Gole |
MX2 |
Brad Todd |
MX2 |
Note: Brad Todd and Ivo Monticelli will certainly race in Britain, along with Manuel Iacopi in the two-stroke division. It remains to be seen what Anton Gole will do, but it seems that he may appear for a round or two.
Dulson Training RSS Yamaha | |
Jamie Law |
MX1 |
Zac Stealey |
MX1 |
Note: Both Jamie Law and Zac Stealey will pilot a YZ450F in the Maxxis British Championship and Michelin MX Nationals.
HCR Apico Yamaha |
|
Tom Grimshaw |
MX2 |
Bike It DRT Kawasaki |
|
Tommy Searle |
MX1 |
Darian Sanayei |
MX2 |
Note: Tommy Searle will strive to reclaim his crown and may even be joined by Darian Sanayei this time. When we last spoke to a source at Kawasaki, they stated that a decision had not been made about Sanayei just yet. Both Searle and Sanayei will definitely race Lyng – that much is certain.
Kawasaki Team Green |
|
Lewis Hall |
MX2 |
Note: Following a successful term in the feeder class, Lewis Hall is expected to step up to MX2 this year. There is a lot of hype around the youngster.
Lombard Express Suzuki |
|
Evgeny Bobryshev |
MX1 |
Note: Evgeny Bobryshev will act as a massive boost for the domestic series and Lombard Express Suzuki. It is unknown if there will be an additional rider on this team, but there is no doubt that all attention will be on the former Grand Prix winner.
Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: ConwayMX
British Championship
Bickers to supply UK market with Alpinestars
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
Breaking News
NPC 2024 IS ON! All eyes are on Oakhanger.
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
British Championship
Andrew Short confirmed for the 2024 VMXdN at Foxhill
No Short measures for Team USA
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.facebook.com/vmxdnfoxhills
https://www.instagram.com/vmxdnfoxhill/
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