I have the unique opportunity each week to be both sides of the fence with Motocross. I’m a fan first and foremost, but I’m also a team owner, website owner, magazine owner, photographer, rider and did i mention fan?
Hawkstone for me was one of the best internationals I can remember for a long time. The weather was fantastic, the place was buzzing with Motocross fans and enthusiasts and families were browsing the paddocks, which is important to see in our sport. If we are to grow Motocross then it starts with the kids, the families and the wives and girlfriends. Salop Motocross Club, Gary Ford and Carly Rathmell made a great decision in letting under 14’s for the event free. This enabled families to come along rather than just the dads as in this economic mess we’re in, spending £50 – £70 on a Sunday day out with £50 – £60 worth of full is not an affordable option for everyone.
It was a good opportunity for me to catch up with old and new friends, friend like Joris Guens and Yentel Martens from Belgium and put a face to a name of new friends I have met online through MX Vice, Facebook etc.
The paddock and people visiting were literally buzzing, because basically we have been starved our fix of Motocross for nearly 5 months! It was great to see the riders put there winter training to the test and see how they measured up against their rivals. Two surprises this weekend came in the shape of Matiss Karro and Luke Norris for me, Matiss having recovered from a huge crash at Duns in Scotland last year, showed exceptional pace. I honestly believe Matiss will be pushing at the front of the British Championships this season just from his showing in the Superfinal at Hawkstone. Luke Norris showed a great turn of speed and definitely turned a few heads in qualifying by being less than a second off of 4th placed Elliot Banks Browne, Luke finished a very credible tenth position in qualifying.
Next stop for me is the Phoenix Tools Championship where I will be competing in the over 35 race at the weekend. I’m not expecting to be on the pace though with this being only my second outing in 6 months, no training and an expectant wife who has less than 4 weeks until she gives birth to a new Burf.
Thank you to all those people who visited the MX Vice stand on Sunday, the MX Vice family is definitely grown considerably over the past 12 months. We have some great plans over the next 12 months and our sole focus is about promoting UK Motocross and putting more money back in to the sport.
Whether you’re at the Masters, Phoenix Tools Championship or out Practicing have fun, be safe and stay strong. Love Motocross, Love MX Vice
Man of both sides of the fence…
James Burfield
