Dakar champ to race at the VMXdN
By Team TMX on 15th Apr 26
Desert racing star Sam Sunderland will line up at VMXdN Hawkstone Park 2026, taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, August 27-30, 2026, at the historic Grand Prix circuit in Shropshire.
The name Sam Sunderland needs little introduction in motorcycling circles. The Bournemouth native carved out a stellar schoolboy motocross career before taking the road less travelled, heading into the rally scene and conquering it at the very highest level. Sam went on to win the greatest rally on earth, the Dakar Rally, not once but twice (2017 and 2022).
Sunderland has specifically requested to race the same machine he campaigned at the 2025 Farleigh Castle Vets Race and will operate out of the DocWob marquee throughout the weekend. With his formidable sand-racing skillset, expect him to be right at the sharp end when the gate drops.
2026 marks a historic milestone for VMXdN, for the first time, the event moves to the world-renowned Hawkstone Park Grand Prix circuit. One of the most celebrated motocross venues on the planet, Hawkstone Park provides the ultimate stage for the UK’s biggest and most passionate two-stroke motocross gathering.
VMXdN is the event where legends past and present, from across the globe, go bar-to-bar in the spirit of the golden era of 1990s motocross, and 2026 promises to be the greatest chapter yet.
Gates open at 12 noon on Thursday, August 27th, with the annual Show ‘N’ Shine display, autograph signings, trade village and beer tent setting the scene before the racing action gets underway on Saturday, August 29th and Sunday, August 30th.
There is plenty more rider news still to come, and anticipation for VMXdN Hawkstone, brought to you by The Range, is at an all-time high.
Camping passes are limited and selling fast. Brand-new VIP camping slots have just opened, offering the ultimate experience of watching the race unfold directly from your awning. These will not last long.
Spectator tickets and camping passes are available here www.vmxdnhawkstone.com
