Canada Heights set to stage second round
By G2F on 13th Mar 08
With hardly time to pause for breathe, the 2008 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship moves swiftly on to its second point of call, with the riders preparing themselves to resume battle at the fantastic Canada Heights circuit on Sunday 23rd March. The undulating and highly spectacular track set on a Kent hillside over looking the M25 is always one of the high points of the series year on year.
With just one round completed reigning MX1 British Champion Billy MacKenzie –CAS Honda has already established himself as the firm favourite to retain histitle. The black clad 450 of MacKenzie was a lone figure at the opening round atDonington Park, with Billy taking two convincing start to flag racewins.
The chasing pack that was left in MacKenzie's wake at round one washeaded by a rejuvenated Kenneth Gunderson – UTAG Yamaha who is still recoveringfrom an off season operation. A 2-3 showing by Gunderson was enough to grabsecond overall ahead of Brad Anderson – Swift Suzuki. This duo plus Tom Church –Molson Kawasaki and James Noble – KTM UK look the main contenders in upsettingBilly's 100% record when the battle recommences in the South.
The namethat is currently at the top of the MX2 general standings will sadly be absentat round two, with Tommy Searle – KTM UK having opted out of competing in theentire championship this season. Searle's focus is on winning a World title, andjudging by his speed at Donington he could just do that, and is probably awelcome absentee from his rivals point of view.
Stephen Sword – MolsonKawasaki will no doubt be glad to pick up the mantle from Searle, and will feelthat he has a real chance of taking the MX2 crown through consistency alone.Sword's return after two injury-marred seasons is an inspiration to all and hewould be a worthy and popular winner if he can remain in the hunt until lateSeptember.
The chasing pack in the MX2 class is a real haven of talent,with several riders being capable of race wins on their day. Pascal Leuret –Swift Suzuki took third spot overall at the opening meeting but will have tofend off the challenge of the likes of Shaun Simpson – KTM UK, Gareth Swanepoel– Molson Kawasaki, and Martin Barr - UTAG Yamaha to mention but a few if he isto reach the podium again.
2007 MX2 British champion Mike Brown – CASHonda will see Canada Heights as the place to restart the defence of his crownfollowing his poor showing at the opening encounter that has him trailing Swordby thirty points already. Brown will have a point to prove this time out, andjust could be the man on the move.
The action starts at 9.30am with MX2qualifying being first out on track, this will be followed by the MX1 qualifyingsession ahead of the riders' autograph session at 11.30am. The firstchampionship race is scheduled for 1.05pm, which marks the start of pretty muchnonstop action right through to 5.00pm. With free car parking and concessions onkids entrance tickets, Canada Heights is the place to be.
For further information and all the latest series news please visitwww.mxgb.co.uk