SHROPSHIRE COMPANIES SPONSOR INTERNATIONAL MOTOCROSS

Two Shropshire companies are throwing their weight behind an event that is set to bring many of the world’s top motocross stars to the county next week.

Hawkstone International Motocross, at the famous Hawkstone Park circuit on Sunday 10^thFebruary, has attracted its best ever entry of world championship contenders and Grand Prix race teams.

Hawk Plant Hire from Prees Heath and Shrewsbury-based caravan dealership Salop Leisure have agreed to support this important pre-season event, which will be televised and broadcast later on Sky Channel Motors TV UK.

The HIMX team has pulled off a major coup by signing up defending MX2 world champion Jeffrey Herlings for the event. Herlings battled it out all season with British fans’ favourite Tommy Searle to take the overall world championship in 2012.

With Searle moving up to the MX1 class, Herlings will be on board the factory Red Bull KTM team and will be hoping to kick start his 2013 season on a high note. British fans will get a rare chance to see the talented youngster at Hawkstone Park, where he will be joined by his GP team-mate Jordi Tixier, who finished fifth in the overall MX2 championship standings last year and will again race for the factory KTM team in 2013.

The record entry of 120 riders is littered with top Grand Prix riders and the best from the UK, all looking for a good start to the season.

Race secretary Gary Ford said: “We’re delighted that we have managed to sign up so many of the top names and teams for the International and it’s our best ever entry. It will be a great chance for British motocross fans to see these top riders in action and we anticipate a crowd of around 6,000.”

Hawk Plant Hire, which specialises in rentals to the construction and agricultural industries, supplies all the plant for HIMX and has supported the event for more than 20 years.

Salop Leisure will again be providing a touring caravan for use as a check in centre for riders as well as displaying new caravans and motorhome models at the event.

Marketing manager Scott Higgins said the company was delighted to be associated with the HIMX and looked forward to promoting caravanning to thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts.

“Most of the riders either own a touring caravan or motorhome, which they use when competing in different events,” he explained. “The Hawkstone Park event provides a great platform to showcase our products and brand to riders and supporters.”

Practice on the Sunday begins at 9am, with the first international race due to begin at 11.45am.

Admission is £25 for adults and free for children under 14 years. Parking is free and camping is £20 per pitch for a tent, motorhome or caravan. Hawkstone is situated 10 miles north of Shrewsbury off the A49 Shrewsbury to Whitchurch road and the A53 Shrewsbury to Market Drayton road.

For all the information visit the new Hawkstone website – www.hawkstoneinternationalmx.com

Rider Line-Up

The 2013 Hawkstone International Motocross is supported by

Hawk Plant Hire – www.hawk-group.co.uk

Salop Leisure – www.salopleisure.co.uk

RJS Builders – www.rjsbuildersltd.co.uk

Doodson Motorsport – www.doodsonbg.com

ISO2 – www.iso2nutrition.co.uk

CMP Racewear – www.cmpracewear.com