Dave Thorpe ready for Weston Beach blast
By Sean Lawless on 21st Sep 16
Motocross legend Dave Thorpe will race this years HydroGarden Weston Beach Race on a Honda Africa Twin.
The three-time world champion is teaming up with four-time British motocross champion Stephen Sword for the three-hour marathon on the latest version of Honda's iconic rally raid machine.
"The Africa Twin is a very important part of Honda's range and is so well-loved by adventure riders that Honda decided to produce a new version this year,” said Thorpe. "The bike still carries that signature look but with new technology and this is a machine that has a lot of heritage in true off-road riding.”
Thorpe, who runs the Buildbase Honda Racing motocross team, still rides regularly at his off-road centre in Wales but admits to being out of practice as far as competition is concerned.
"I did an enduro during the winter which I did competitively down near Poole at Bere Regis but, in terms of racing motocross, the last time I raced was a vets event in Italy a couple of years ago.
"It's a unique event for the UK. I've seen it grow and I love how it's all about the people - you can have a world champion racing against a normal club rider. It's a huge spectacle to watch and of course the start is a real eye-opener.”
Thorpe won the event in 1988 but isn't expecting a repeat performance 28 years later.
"We looked into it and decided to race the Africa Twin,” added Thorpe. "As a race team we have our riders that are looking for a win so we'll try not to get in their way but for Stephen and I it's about showcasing the Africa Twin and having some fun.
"Clearly we won't be out there to win as we will be just trying to survive. The first hour will be fun, the second hour will be a challenge and the third will be hard work. We'll just be aiming to stay on and enjoy it.”
This year's HydroGarden Weston Beach Race runs from October 7-9. For more information including entries and ticket purchase go to www.westonbeachrace.com
