MXY2 class of 2018

By Mike Gurney on 14th Feb 18

With less than a month to go until the opening round of Maxxis MXY2, theres the usual mix of experience up against rising talent to weigh up theres 250fs against 125s and theres a near full grid too.

Of the older, more experienced guys, Harry Kimber (Hardcore Apico Factory Racing Yamaha) will certainly fancy his chances, as will Nottinghams Callum Green. This year CG #49 campaigns for Dave Thorpes Honda Adventure Centre as 17-year-old former EMX 150 champion Albie Wilkie makes his return to racing on Kawasaki.

After spending two years out on the sidelines, Wilkie originally planned his return to action giving youth competition a swerve. Its good to now see hes throwing his hat into this particular ring.

From last years championship, the highest place finisher going again this year is Ben Clark.

Last year BC#101 ended up in series seventh on Honda and that was achieved with one round missed. This year, hes part of the exciting RFX Crescent Yamaha squad, and for many he starts as one of the clear favourites. At the Hawkstone Park International last weekend, Ben underlined his favourite status with the top youth performance going 1-1-3.

Joining Ben under the RFX awning is 14-year-old Joel Rizzi, who is one of the youngest on the MXY2 start line. Mixing it on a 125, JR#912 could find himself up against it on some Maxxis circuits, that said, expect him to make a significant mark just as he did last weekend.

Claiming top spot in qualification, and then going on to record 2-1 after a mechanical issue in race one, he was absolutely fizzing with his showing at the HIMX event. Josh Peters (Cab Screens Honda) is another of the strongly-fancied pre-season favourites.

At Hawkstone he ran a solid if unspectacular 7-6 in his first two outings before an up and down third ride knocked him back down the order. Denny Rapson (Team Dean) was another out to impress last weekend, going 2-4-10 in Shropshire, hes another with some Maxxis podium potential.

Last seasons BYN champions at 125 and 85cc level are also serious contenders for MXY2 honours this year Rossi Beard (Putoline Planet Suspension Husqvarna) and Verde KTM runner Dominic Lancett.

Moving up to 125 this year, Lancett was another who excelled at Hawkstone running in a supercharged 4-3-2 result he bagged second overall and first in the 125s.

Team Green Monster Energy Kawasaki have fit again Kacey Hird as their lead racer young Honda pilot Louie Kessell enters the fray moving up from 85cc racing as do Manchester MC

Husqvarna representative Kyle McNicoll and MBO Husqvarnas Tom Murphy. Looking harder at those with past MXY2 experience, if George Sim Mutch gets it all right on this seasons Manchester MC Husqvarna ride hes another with good podium credentials.

From Northern Ireland, Cailum Meara is the Norman Watts Kawasaki hope as I-fly JK Yamaha Racing have Kathryn Booth (injured at HIMX), Adam Covac and Jayden Murphy sporting their team colours. Running the familiar #119, Matthew Pocock (MGP Steel Erection Kawasaki) is the latest in line from that particular family of MX aces.

And, its worth recalling both older brothers, Mel and Brad, claimed heat wins in their time in the MXY2 ranks. Talking of brothers, the teen duo Adam and

Matthew, both start aboard KTM as does Hanson Racing pilot Todd Leadbitter.

From DSC Cornwall Kawasaki, Thomas Andrew is their charger - Ollie Cole has the benefit of Husky Sport support Kristian Hutchings is on the line with his WIS Racing Husqvarna as Aaron Padstone climbs on board for Brenron Kestrel KTM.

Round one is at Lyng on March 11.

MXY2 class of 2018

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