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Michelin MX Nationals

Report: SJP Moto Husqvarna

Mixed bag for SJP.

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This weekend saw the SJP Moto Husqvarna squad travel to the sand circuit of Preston Docks for the first round of the Michelin MX Nationals. Following the cancellation of the season opener, Preston Docks would facilitate for the first time this season with both the youth and pro riders competing together at the same event.

The Saturday morning presented a very wet and heavy track, following the downpour Friday evening. However, the track did manage to dry out ahead of Sunday’s races. Big Wheel 85cc rider Lewis Wood, and Small Wheel 85cc riders Charlie Heyman and James Barker, all took to the track on the Saturday.

In the opening race Charlie Heyman produced a stunning start, pilfering the holeshot in the combined class and maintaining the lead for the initial few corners on his SW85 machine! This set the tone for Charlie’s weekend; he dominated the Small Wheel class, claiming four class wins and the overall, whilst simultaneously hanging it out with the Big Wheel riders.

In the Big Wheel class Lewis Wood produced a string of solid results to secure a 3-6-3-3 scorecard, gifting him fourth overall on the weekend. James Barker on the second Small Wheel machine suffered some mixed results, finishing the weekend in eighth overall.

Sunday witnessed the pro classes joining in on the action, but, it was to be a challenging day for Rob Davidson, Tom Neal and Dexter Douglas. In their qualifying sessions, all three riders struggled to pull a strong lap together.

In the opening pro’s race Rob Davidson started in seventh, but after colliding with another rider mid-race (damaging the front brake), he slipped back down the order to finish eleventh in MX1. In the MX2 class Dexter Douglas produced a good ride to finish tenth in the class, with teammate Tom Neal in twelfth after recovering from two crashes during the race.

The second moto saw Rob Davidson suffer a bad start, salvaging thirteenth place for thirteenth overall on the day. In the MX2 class Dexter Douglas struggled to progress from a bad start. He could only get up to nineteenth for twelfth overall. Unfortunately Tom Neal suffered more bad luck, crashing out of the moto after sustaining an injury to his elbow in a crash.

The pro riders will now regroup in time for the second round of Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship, to be held at Lyng in Norfolk this coming weekend.

Rob Davidson: The first round of the MX National wasn’t the best start for me, but could have been worse! I struggled all day with my riding and didn’t really get to grips with the track, although I always struggle here… so it was nothing new and some work has to be done this week before next week’s British championship. I’m really looking forward to heading to Lyng and love the track, so feel it’s going to be a good week and strong weekend coming up. Thanks to everyone for the help and we will be back up in the mix. Cheers!”

Dexter Douglas: Qualifying went okay, I put a decent lap in and ended up seventeenth out of the MX2 riders. In the first race I got a horrendous start but managed to work my way up to seventh, before dropping back to tenth, which was still an awesome result! Then in the second race I got another bad start and just was really tired, and could hardly hold on. But, I finished nineteenth so it was a good day overall.”

Tom Neal: Rough day, didn’t really get a clear lap in qualifying. I tried to time it to be the first on a fast lap, but ended up in loads of traffic and qualified fourteenth in MX2. In the first race I got a mid-pack start, but then a rider fell in front of me on the second corner, taking me down and leaving me dead last. I then crashed again on lap 2 and was panicking a bit, before starting to come back through and ended up twelfth in MX2.

“But with the limited line choice I was struggling to pass riders and progress further. In the second race I got a much better start and was running seventh in MX2 on the first lap, then on the second lap I came together with a rider and fell onto my arm when it was locked out, so hurt the elbow joint. I don’t know much about the damage as of yet, but plan a week of physio ahead of next weekend.”

Leighton Haigh (Team Manager): This weekend has been a mixed bag for us as a team. On one side the youth riders have done great, whereas on the pro side it has been a tough and challenging weekend. Charlie dominated the Small Wheel 85’s and was mixing it at the front of the Big Wheels, while Lewis Wood had three thirds for fourth overall. James had some good rides for eighth overall. In the pros Dexter’s opening race result was one of the highlights of the weekend, as Tom crashed on his elbow and Rob struggled all weekend. But, all three will bounce back next weekend at Lyng!”

Words: Press Release | Lead Image: Elliot Spencer

British MX Nationals

£100,000 Reasons to race British Motocross with Nora Pro Championship

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Following the first few press releases, we are pleased to announce the upcoming payouts and prize money for the new series. We believe that the riders who risk everything to compete in what is arguably the World’s most exciting sport, deserve to earn as much as possible.

We are pleased to announce that the Nora Pro Championship will have a £94,500 payout over the six rounds for the riders and a further £4,200 in payouts for teams, giving the overall Championship a purse of £98,700.

Prize money for riders will be paid out per race, with two MX2 races, two MX1 races and one Superpole. Plenty of opportunities for riders to get rewarded.

Position Prize Money Per Race (5 races) Team Overall on the day
1st £500 £400
2nd £400 £200
3rd £320 £100
4th £260
5th £220
6th £200
7th £180
8th £160
9th £140
10th £120
11th £110
12th £100
13th £90
14th £80
15th £70
16th £60
17th £50
18th £40
19th £30
20th £20

The prize fund per event is £15,750 for riders and £700 for teams.

The total Prize fund for the six-round series will be an incredible £98,700 paid out to riders and teams in 2024.

The prize fund and the format we have chosen will make the event one of the most exciting series in the UK next year and attract some good riders from Europe to battle it out with the British riders. The racing should be fantastic to watch with riders receiving good financial rewards that will make the live streaming exciting for those at home watching these fun action-packed 20-minute plus 2-lap races.

News on title sponsor, tracks, teams, riders, entries and partners will be released as a priority.

The interest in the series so far from teams, riders and the industry has been staggering. For media and sponsorship please direct all contact to James Burfield – [email protected]

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British MX Nationals

The All-New Kawasaki KX450

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The KX legacy has created a long line of champions and Kawasaki’s drive to produce more has never faltered.

This year Kawasaki celebrate 50 years of Dirt Domination with the KX brand, so it’s no surprise to see a characteristically “full gas” approach to the 2024 MX season, with the much-anticipated announcement of the 2024 models.

Leading the 450 cm3 class charge is the awesome KX450 enjoying its first full-model change in five years, innovatively introducing features never seen before on a KX machine.

The all-new flagship race machine, the KX450 off road motorcycle, offers next level engineering and power to dominate the track. The 2024 KX450 benefits from a new frame and bodywork plus increased engine performance thanks to a symmetrically aligned intake and exhaust. Handling performance has also improved, with greater front-end feel contributing to improved cornering performance to complement the KX450’s acclaimed light, nimble handling and legendary straight-line ability. Aggressive new green bodywork offers improved ergonomics due to a slim, and smoother rider interface while upgrades for the coming season include premium Brembo brake components and ODI Lock-on grips.

In terms of tech highlights, the 2024 KX450 features for the very first time Power Modes and Kawasaki Traction Control, both easily selectable from switches at the left handlebar. Riders can quickly select from two levels (Weak, Strong) of traction control to suit conditions and preference. Riders may also elect to turn the system off. Using the Mode (M) button on the left handlebar, it is also possible to switch between two engine maps (Normal, Mild response) provided in the ECU.

Additionally, smartphone connectivity allows riders to connect with their machine to adjust engine mapping directly from their smartphones using the application “RIDEOLOGY THE APP KX” to adjust engine maps including fuel and ignition timing while maintenance logs are also available.

Adding new features, plus carefully selected electronic rider aids, has taken the KX450 to the next level and Kawasaki hopes that 2024 season riders will accelerate ahead of the chasing pack towards well deserved podium results.

With innovative and evolving features over the decades, we’ve learned what it takes to win and stay on top and the KX450 embodies this legacy to the fullest. The new 2023 model is available from December 2023, contact your local dealer today or visit kawasaki.co.uk to find out more.

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British MX Nationals

Carlton Husband and Phoenix Even Strokes Kawasaki take their first National Championship.

Carlton Husband wins the Michelin MX Nationals

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Carlton-Husband

It was a memorable weekend for Barry Moore and Carlton Husband, who earned their first professional titles for the team and rider, respectively. With the Michelin MX Nationals being reduced to just five rounds coming into the weekend, five riders were in a position to win the championship, and it was always going to be down to the wire.

Carlton would become the first Kawasaki Team Green rider to win the Michelin MX Nationals in the ten years the championship has been running, another first.

Husband, Brookes, Wainwright, Mitchell and Cole had one eye on the championship; this year, all five have produced some fantastic battles. First blood went to Carlton Husband in race one, who worked his way up from thirty-second position against the 450 & 250 combined to make the most passes. Carlton kept his composure to claim a fantastic sixth place in the 250’s in front of his best friend and England’s number one, Jordan Pickford. With all Carlton’s championship competitors finishing behind him, this set up Carlton nicely for race two.

State of play! 

That sixth place put Carlton one point behind the series leader and Carlton’s 2024 teammate Charlie Cole, with one moto remaining.

Everything to play for in race two Carlton gave team owner Barry Moore a scare when he lost the front whilst in second position. Hearts were pumping, but rival Charlie Cole retired on lap four, putting Carlton in pole position for the title. Now, it was a game of mathematics as the other three riders were still in with a shout of the title, and Joe Brookes was only two points behind. The next fifteen minutes would be the longest of Carton Husband, his family, and his team’s life, but after fourteen laps, Carlton would take the chequered flag and walk away with the Michelin MX Nationals MX2 title for the first time.

For Carlton to win a championship with his family and friends around him was extremely fitting. Like most riders, the family are paramount to the rider’s success and Alan and Barbara, like many parents, have sacrificed so much. For Barry Moore, a dream was achieved, and what made it special was Carlton, who has been on the team for six years.

Whilst the team reflects on winning the Michelin MX Nationals title this week, Carlton will be looking to secure a top-five position in the championship this weekend. In the next few weeks, Carlton will also be looking to secure the Scottish MX2 Motocross title in what could be a memorable year for the rider, team and all the sponsors and partners.

Carlton and Barry would like to single out the work of Chris Talbot, who has built a fantastic race bike this year for the team and kept all the bikes in great shape, not missing a beat.

Barry Moore – Team Owner

I’m so happy for Carlton and his family for winning that first National Championship. It is fantastic for the team, Chris, his mechanic and all the sponsors who help to make this possible. It’s the first Michelin MX Nationals MX2 title for Kawasaki, so I hope this will repay the support Ross Burridge and Kawasaki have shown in the team over the years. I’m buzzing for everyone involved, and it means so much to me with all the time, money and effort I put into the sport I love.

Carlton Husband – 2023 Michelin MX Nationals MX2 Champion

The weekend was such a blur, and I still can’t believe we went into it nine points down and came away as champions. It feels unbelievable. I had to graft in the first race, coming from last to sixth, but the second race was just a whirlwind. I have never been so nervous. I just tried to manage the situation with the help of Chris, my mechanic. When I came across the line and read the pit board message from Chris, the 2023 MX Nationals Champion, it was the best feeling I had had in motocross to date. To deliver for Barry and the team means everything. They have done so much for me; I’m so grateful for what Barry has done for me. I want to thank my sponsors, mam, dad, Leanne and my friends for

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