All is set for the British Masters
By TMX Archives on 12th Mar 08
THERE is just one day to go until the exciting kick-off to the 2008 Wulfsport British Masters Championship, when the series gets underway at the scenic former GP circuit at Culham Parc, near Abingdon, Oxon. Now firmly established on the British motocross calendar, the popular series has been ringing the changes for 2008 to make the series better for all involved and debuts a new four-race format for the Youth and Amateur classes and brings in Saturday qualifiying for the Pro classes also.
With the new four-race format for the Youth and Amateur classes, the British Masters team foresee some great racing over the two days and, with the return of the Pro classes to action on the Saturday, this will make for a very busy and star-packed weekend.
The Pro 125cc class will see 2007 champion Ashley Greedy defending his title for the PAR Honda team but the young Welshman will face stiff competition from Kristian Whatley, Luke Remmer, Shane Carless, Lewis King, Jack Hawes and 2007 Amateur 125cc champion Owen Delaney to name but a few across the season.
The Pro Open class has bade farewell to long-time British Masters supporter Brad Anderson as he moves onto the GP scene, but this means there will definitely be a new champion at the end of the season. Vying for that title will be Mark Hucklebridge, Danny Smyth, Alex Rach, Glen Phillips, Wayne Smith and AMCA Champion David Campbell.
A new face for British fans will be that of Spanish MX2 champ Xavi Hernandez who is supported by Kawasaki Spain. Xavi has signed-up to contest all six rounds of the series in the Pro Open class on a 450F Wildmoor Zambrana Kawasaki. He is also hoping to include three rounds of the Maxxis series in his 2008 schedule.
Saturday is all about the action from the Youth and Amateurs though and with last season's Amateur 125cc champ Owen Delaney moving up to the Pro ranks, along with second place rider Sam Simmons, a new champion will be crowned this season too. With 2007 Open class champion James Shaw moving down to the smaller 250F machine we could see some very close racing with riders such as David Blackburn and regular Masters supporter Phillip Pearsall.
In the Amateur Open, with no James Shaw, Matty Lee or Ben Smith, this year could be anyone's with riders like Barry Teasdale and 2005 champion, Chris Brightmore, top Youth rider Gavin Corsi and with young Stockport rider Dean Haughton all in the mix. It should make for
interesting racing.
First on the line on Saturday will be the 85cc classes with last year's third place Small-wheel rider, Ben Howell, hoping to take the crown for 2008, while in the Big-wheel class, 2007 Small-wheel winner Bradley Pocock and second place rider Luke Norris move-up to take on the regulars such as Luke Hawkins and frequent podium visitor Rob Muscat.
The British Masters team will be putting on the usual marquee, karaoke bar and disco on the Saturday evening with host, Big Bob, and there will be several trade stands and caterers present through the weekend to keep specators stocked-up on everything they need.
All the action kicks-off at 9am both days and more information can be found from the the British Masters Website www.britishmastersmx.com.
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THE British Masters team are still on the hunt for a few more marshals for the event at Culham.
Anyone who is willing and able to marshal the event will be paid 25 per day for the work, as well as being fed and watered, and if anyone is interested in helping out then they can contact chief marshal, Ian Matthias, on 01244-810925 or 07717-218109.