Wembley beckons for Arenacross Tour finale
By Team TMX on 15th Feb 17
All roads lead to the London this Saturday, when the Arenacross Tour reaches its climax at the Wembley Arena, and its going to the wire!
If you were there at Wembley last year and witnessed what went down when the gloves came off, then you'll know what can happen when emotions run high.
If you weren't there, then get yourself a ringside seat and buckle in as, with just 17 points separating first to fifth and 46 points up for grabs, it's simply too close to call.
What's more, there are two Brits in that top five and they'll want to be flying the flag high in their home city.
So prior to the final battle, let's take a quick look at this year's form so far ...
Red plate holder Cedric Soubeyras (RFX St Blazey) sits on 104 points, just eight ahead of team-mate Angelo Pellegrini.
They've both tasted race wins, the Italian Pellegrini at the Manchester opener, and Frenchman Soubeyras last weekend at Sheffield.
A further point behind, and sitting right on the RFX team's real wheel with 95 points, is the reigning champ Thomas Ramette (SR75 World Suzuki).
The two-time AX Pro king is the only one of the top four not to have won a Main Event but, he has featured on the podium on several occasions. Next up, and in with a very real chance of lifting the AX crown at Wembley, are our two British hopefuls, Adam Chatfield (Buildbase Honda) and Jack Brunell (Team Green Kawasaki) who, in fourth and fifth, are only a point apart with respective tallies of 88 and 87.
Chatfield was given a massive boost when he won the Main Event at Belfast, and Brunell placed his Kawasaki on the podium at Birmingham.
The next batch of hopefuls, who could mathematically upset the AX apple cart, are the only other two Main Event winners, namely, SR75 World Suzuki's Cyrille Coulon in sixth on 72 points and MVR-D Husqvarna's Adrien Escoffier.
Coulon, the only rider to win two Main Events, was an early season hot tip for the championship win but, a couple of offs aggravated a pre-existing knee injury and set him back.
Amazingly, the ‘old man' of Arenacross has continued to race, when many others would have given up, and the good news is that he will be at Wembley ready to mix it with the best of them.
Elsewhere in the series, the Pro Lites trophy is still up for grabs with any one of four riders in the frame;
I-Fly JK Yamaha's Yannis Irsuti on 212 points, Team Green Kawasaki's Dylan Woodcock on 202 points, Keystone Honda's Joe Clayton on 191 and RFX St Blazey's Jason Meara on 174 points.
Sadly, Buildbase Honda's Chris Bayliss, who has been a series-long strong contender, was side-lined by food poisoning immediately prior to race day at Sheffield.
His round six no-score puts him out of contention for the championship win, but he can still put himself and machine on the podium – in front of his home crowd.
There is still all to play for in the SuperMini class with 2017 sensation Ben Clayton a strong leader but, in this group, the worst score is dropped, which places Team Green Kawasaki's Bobby Bruce in with a fighting chance of lifting the title.
The Youth 65cc class has been tied up by RFX St Blazey's Ashton Boughen.
Never has the Pro class been so close with so many truly capable of taking the AX win.
While the paddock has not been quite so hostile this year, the stakes are high and it's going to be fraught.
There is still a fair way to go until the final flag falls with morning practice and qualifying followed by four evening heats, a hot lap and Head-to-Heads until the Main Event gets underway.
It only takes one or two of the leaders to go down and then it's anyone's race.
Controversy ruled last year – what will this year's grand final bring? We can't wait!
Secure your tickets now by calling the box office on 0844 338 8000 or visit www.arenacrossuk.com
