Hansen signs up for AX
By Team TMX on 10th Dec 15
The 2016 Monster Energy Arenacross Tour powered by Ford Ranger made a surprise announcement from its launch night on Saturday at the NEC when it confirmed that American SX hotshot Josh Hansen will contest every one of its 11-round 2016 series.
Hansen dashed into the UK on a 48-hour stop-over to sign on the dotted line, get together with AX team-mate Jack Brunell and team-boss Steve James, meet the arenacross team and also UK fans. His 2016 AX participation was announced in front of a crowd of 2500 fans, Motorcycle Live exhibitors and industry personnel who packed the grandstands for an evening of high-octane arenacross freestyle action.
Points
The #100 plate holder is still one of the hottest and possibly most contentious and popular names in the American SX series and dirt biking community.
Despite being a three-time X-games gold medallist he has yet to win an actual race championship. He came tantalisingly close to winning an AMA SX series twice – once tying with Grant Langston on points in 2005 and then again in 2011, just losing by a couple of points.
This is Hansen's first-ever time in the UK and he sees contesting the AX tour as a kick-start to a new and exciting chapter in his colourful career. It's a great boost for the UK off-road scene that he has chosen to start off the New Year racing over here before heading back to the States.
"We are delighted to confirm that Josh will contest the full 11-round series and we're sure it's going to be explosive,” said series promoter Matt Bates. "The series is now crammed with racing talent and I wouldn't like to place a bet on the outcome – it is wide open and is set to be ultra-competitive. The fact that Josh has chosen our Monster Energy Arenacross Tour to start the 2016 season is really the icing on the cake!”
TMX caught up with Hanny for a chat at the AX tour launch. Check out next week's issue for the lowdown on his thoughts about his move to racing in the UK. It's safe to say that he's certainly his own boss!
The 2016 Monster Energy Arenacross Tour powered by Ford Ranger kicks off at 7pm on January 2 at Manchester Arena.
Tickets priced from £10 for children, £19 for adults or £49 for families are on sale now and are available from www.theticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 338 8000. Box office charges and booking fees apply.
n For arenacross information check out www.arenacrossuk.com.
