Arenacross gears up for 2017
By Team TMX on 7th Jul 16
The 2017 Monster Energy Arenacross Tour dates have been announced for a seven-round series at a number of the UKs most popular arenas, and theres talk of Europe too!
Kicking off on Saturday, January 7, 2017, at the Manchester Arena, the Tour will visit Glasgow, Birmingham, Belfast and Sheffield, with the grand finale again firing up the nation's capital city at The SSE Arena in Wembley, London.
Each venue will host a single Saturday evening performance with the exception of Belfast which will be a Friday and Saturday evening double-header.
This year's Tour proved to be incredibly successful with a physical reach in terms of ‘bums on seats' of over 50,000 in just seven weekends.
Couple that with a media, web and social media spread well into the millions, and it's clear to see why many regarded the series as a high point at an otherwise quiet time of year, as well as a much-needed boost for the motorcycle industry. Of course, TMX and DBR were there at every step of the way and we're stoked to get the inside line on some of 2017 plans – more of which at a later date.
The 2016 Tour climaxed with an incredible closing round in London, when the hotly-contested series exploded into a final evening of tension-fuelled and controversial racing carnage.
With three riders capable of winning, and just three-points between first and second, it was always going to be a nail biter.
After an exhausting 14-lap moto, Thomas Ramette became the first-ever back-to-back Monster Energy Arenacross Tour champion. His nemesis and fellow Frenchman, Cedric Soubeyras, finished a popular runner-up in his first-ever British Arenacross championship. Flying the flag for the UK, and himself a former Arenacross champ, Adam Chatfield blasted to the final round win and secured third place in the series in the process.
But, prior to London, each round had a ‘special moment'. There were many and too numerous to list here but, who can forget the way in which Brits Matt Bayliss and Jack Brunell brought the Manchester crowd to its feet at the series opener, or Soubeyras wiping out Chatfield in the Head-to-Head semi-final at Belfast, or the streaker at Birmingham...
Away from the racing line, the Freestyle MX boys never failed to impress with their electrifying, high-air whips and flips which kept the audience hollering for more.
In its four-year stint, the UK Arenacross series has been revered for showcasing FMX at its very best and that's why the big-hitters of the sport, the FMX royalty, have made the series a must-do affair and worked it into their busy schedules.
When it comes to AX; X-Games gold medallists and Nitro Circus superstars abound with Spaniard Edgar Torronteras and the UK's very own Jamie Squibb at the fore, together with arguably the most spectacular double-flipper in the world, 6' 4” Czech uber-cool superman, Petr Pilat.#
Let's not forget the Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists and the only full-time FMX team in the country, namely Dan Whitby, Samson Eaton and Arran Powley, who make up the Lings Bolddog Honda crew.
In the support classes Joe Clayton cleaned up in the Pro Lites, Harry Kimber won the SuperMinis and Kiean Boughen was crowned Youth 65 champ.
Commenting on the growth and popularity of Arenacross, e22 Sports boss, Matt Bates said: "Who would have thought that just four years ago the UK would have the strongest indoor Motocross series in Europe with over 50,000 fans attending?
"I'm massively proud of what we've achieved so far, but all I can say is that this is just the beginning. I believe we have a massive future! We're looking at extending into Europe next year and I'm set on making sure we develop both the riders' rewards, team support and take the entertainment of AX to a whole new level.”
So what lies ahead for 2017?
We know there are scores to be settled. Will Ramette and Soubeyras return and take up where they left off?
Will Chatfield, Bayliss or Brunell lead the charge for the British and stem the French onslaught?
Will any of the American hotshots prove to be great and actually run with and beat the Europeans?
There's only one way to find out!
Arenacross 2017 tickets are on sale now via The Ticket Factory 08443-380338 and the individual Arena box offices.
Visit www.arenacrossuk.com for further information...
TOUR DATES
January 7 – Manchester Arena, Manchester
January 14 – The SSE Hydro Arena, Glasgow
January 21 – The Genting Arena, Birmingham
January 27 – The SSE Arena, Belfast
January 28 – The SSE Arena, Belfast
February 11 – Sheffield Arena, Sheffield
February 18 – The SSE Arena, Wembley
