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British Championship

ACU Update: British Racing

Fans set to return to Matterley.

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Following an announcement in the UK, the ACU has confirmed that spectators can return to outdoor events in the coming weeks. This means that round two of the Revo ACU British Motocross Championship at Lyng can have spectators, and that 4000 fans can head to the Grand Prix of Great Britain. An official statement is below.

Press Release

The Prime Minister has confirmed further measures to relax restrictions as England moves to stage three of the roadmap, which comes into effect on Monday May 17. Ahead of the Downing Street briefing, the UK reduced its COVID alert level from level four to three, meaning the virus is in general circulation but transmission is no longer high or rising exponentially, so restrictions can be gradually reduced.

Under the next stage of the government’s road map for lifting England’s lockdown, people will be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors whilst six people or two households can meet indoors. For motorcycle sport the easing of restrictions will allow events to open their doors to spectators. Outdoor sport events will have a capacity of 50% or the capacity or 4,000, whichever is the lower figure. There will be special provision for large outdoor-seated venues where crowds can be safely distributed, allowing up to 10,000 people or 25% of the total seated capacity, whichever is the lower figure.

“For motorcycle sport the easing of restrictions will allow events to open their doors to spectators. Outdoor sport events will have a capacity of 50% or the capacity or 4000, whichever is the lower figure.”

Spectators won’t be allowed at events this coming weekend (May 15/16) but from Monday May 17 onwards. With restrictions opening up to allow outdoor sporting events to include spectators, it is of particular importance that organisers/circuit owners contact their local authority and inform them of the intention to hold a motorcycle sport event in their area. There will be no restriction on travel within Great Britain from May 17.

Although the restrictions are being eased, everyone is reminded that COVID-19 still exists in the community so caution is still to be exercised and social distancing maintained. Last week a discussion took place with Public Health England where it was stated that face coverings should be worn outdoors if social distancing measures cannot be achieved and this has been reflected in the risk assessments for each sport, which are now available on the ACU website and have been distributed to centres and organising clubs.

All COVID restrictions have been lifted on the Isle of Man, so no restrictions apply to ACU events held on the Island, but with the IOM border remaining closed participation is restricted to those living on the Isle of Man.

An announcement to confirm measures on the lifting of restrictions in Wales is expected by the end of this week and an announcement is likely to be made on Tuesday May 11 regarding the measures to ease restrictions in Scotland. Further updates will be distributed in accordance with UK government’s advice and guidance.

Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Bavo Swijgers

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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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Arenacross

Injury Update: Tommy Searle

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Dirt Store Kawasaki star Tommy Searle has disappointingly been ruled out of the Belfast Arenacross due to a thumb injury suffered in the first round in Manchester. Here’s the post below.

More to follow. But in the meantime, we wish him all the best for his recovery.

Lead Image: Dirt Store Kawasaki

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British Championship

Apico Veterans are seeing red for VMXdN Foxhill 2024

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With the annual VMXdN Foxhill firmly entrenched as being the “must attend” meeting of the year, it’s no surprise that we are already getting news of team entries! The annual event takes place at the iconic Wiltshire GP circuit on the August bank holiday weekend (22nd-26th). 


Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Supplied


The first team to be announced in the Wright Engineering National Team Race is the Apico Veterans Squad, these guys are back in force and plan on building on their 2023 success. Now on Honda’s in their assault on the British Championships, we have heard they are building a few 2002 CR 250s as we speak in preparation for the event! 

Returning to the squad is Northern Ireland’s Martin Barr. Having raced all around the globe in an illustrious career which has so far spanned three decades. Barr has raced for world-leading manufacturers Husqvarna, KTM, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha since turning pro after leaving school at 16, having already won the British 85cc Supercross Championship in 2001. The victories and podium finishes have continued throughout Barr’s career with a win and second-place finish in the Red Bull Pro Nationals championships, a second and third place in the MX1 British Championship and 2nd in the MX1 Red Bull Pro Nationals Championship over the years. Barr has also represented Ireland 14 consecutive times at the MXON. A top geezer and first-class MX rider.

Jamie Law also returns to the Apico Veterans Team. JLaw, as he’s known around the paddock, is one of the most experienced riders at British championship level and a two-stroke advocate. After 20 years as a professional MX racer, JLaw took his first-ever British championship podium in 2022 at the series opener. He is still competing and training like he always did. 

The new boy on the squad is youngster Tom Grimshaw who raced in the 2022 and 2023 event but is now on the Apico Honda squad for his “day job”. After a successful youth career racing British, EMX & World Championships, Tom moved into the adults ranks again racing British Championships, EMX & World Championship events, proving due to his size he’s more of an open class guy as he can certainly ride one properly and his aggressive style will be a thing to watch on a 250 2-stroke in the natural valleys of the Wiltshire Grand Prix circuit. This team is packed full of talent and experience to boot, and they will take it to the line when the gate drops.

Dylan Brown will take the role of team manager. “I know the guys very well and for the most part the riders are Vets’ age. We’ve always had a family vibe at the racing with Martin & Jamie for many years and Tom fits right into our program. It’s a brilliant weekend to have the guys together with their families for a weekend of fun once again (though it does get serious when race time comes around lol). Again, we plan on raising money for the Air Ambulance, so please swing by the pits to view some special bikes on display under the Apico tent.”

“Team entries are coming in thick and fast and some of the names already signed up will be keeping our marketing department busy in the coming months.” Dave King – Promoter VMXdN Foxhill

With the increasing attendance in its first two years of the VMXdN Foxhill festival held over the August Bank Holiday weekend has advised that they must cap the quantity of camping slots available due to space and safety limitations, and they are anticipating that all camping passes will be sold prior to the event opening. 

“Last year we were almost at capacity and with the increase already we are expecting to sale out prior to the gates opening on August 22nd” explained DocWob – Promoter VMXdN Foxhill. “We expect the 2024 event to be ticket only, so it’s advisable to pre book to guarantee your place, you certainly don’t want to miss this one.”

Tickets for the four day festival are available from: https://vmxdnfoxhill2024.eventbrite.co.uk

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