David Philippaerts heading to VMXdN
By Team TMX on 20th May 26
2008 MX1 World Champion David Philippaerts is heading to VMXdN – and he’s fired up for the switch to Hawkstone Park.
Part of the Italian squad that took joint honours in the International class in 2025 (losing out to Team USA on race wins), Philippaerts returns with unfinished business. At 43, the Italian isn’t here to make up the numbers—he’s coming back swinging.
His credentials speak for themselves. A long-time MXoN regular for Italy, highlighted by a podium finish in 2013, Philippaerts remained competitive deep into his career, finishing fourth in the Italian MX1 Championship as recently as 2023. Since stepping away from pro racing in 2024, he’s stayed embedded in the sport, developing the next generation through his DP19 rider programme.
For Hawkstone, he’s bringing serious firepower - a KX500 built by long-time friend and mechanic Bruno Mamprin. He lines up as part of an elite three-man team that will take some beating when the gate drops over the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 27–30).
The buzz around VMXdN 2026, presented by The Range, is already building fast. The move to the iconic Hawkstone Park circuit has taken anticipation to another level, with rider announcements coming thick and fast—and plenty more still to drop.
The VMXdN delivers from the moment the gates open at 12 noon on Thursday. Four full days of racing, riding culture, and atmosphere follow—trade village, open paddock, the famous Hawkstone hill, Friday’s Show’N’Shine, and then racing from Saturday as legends past and present go bar-to-bar in true ‘90s style.
Tickets and camping passes are on sale now—and moving quickly. Extra camping fields have been secured, but space is still limited. Whether you’re going standard or VIP (trackside from your own awning), now’s the time to lock it in.
Don’t be the one watching it on socials wishing you’d gone.
Get your tickets here: www.vmxdnhawkstone.com/buy-tickets
