Foxhill prepared for battle as British Sidecarcross GP approaches
By Dick Law on 6th May 25
Excitement and tension is slowly building as it’s now under three weeks until the FIM Sidecarcross World Championship arrives in the UK on the weekend of May 24/25. It’s going to be spectacular as the event will take place at the iconic Foxhill Moto Parc, scene of many solo GPs and a Motocross of Nations back in the day. However, this will be the first time that GP sidecars will tackle the massive Foxhill hills. It will be phenomenal.
The brave members of the organising Waterlooville club, with the cooperation and help of the track owner, wanted to make some track alterations to make it more sidecar friendly. One of the biggest changes was to the start straight with the first turn now a right-hander rather than the left-hander it’s been in recent years. This will allow access to the start without crossing a live track and another reason we will allow the reader to work out. The rest of the changes were either on safety grounds or to make the track more spectacular.
On the Early May Bank Holiday Monday, three of our top World Sidecar Championship runners, one being out reigning British Sidecarcross Champion, and two of our European Quad Championship riders, including the current champion, were invited by the club to try out parts of the altered track and comment on its suitability and suggest any improvements they thought may be considered.
Two days before this visit, a club had hired and used the track for a meeting, so it didn’t start in the best condition. However, all those who rode believed the improvements were great and looked forward to the finished circuit.
“I am really looking forward to this GP,” said British Champion and highest placed UK finisher in the World Championship last year, Brett Wilkinson. “This is being run by my home club, so we will be having loads of family and friends turning up to watch, as it’s not too far from home.” When asked about the modified track and the big hills, he added, “I love the big hills. You don’t get to jump down big hills like that very often – it will be great. I would guess a few will find them a bit intimidating, but if you want to race the UK World round, you just have to do it.
“I think a good start will play a major part in doing well here - getting the jumps dialled in early and maintaining a good flow will be the key to a good result.”
The home crowd will give the UK riders a boost as Brett knows only too well. “I hope the crowd will be massive as I always ride better with a bit of spectator support. I don’t think it will put more pressure on me as I am the only one that puts pressure on me,” he added with a smile. “I would like at least a podium finish, as the last time we had a home GP, I was taken out with a few laps to go in one race, which robbed me a podium. I want to put that right this year.”
Another British rider looking for a strong result will be Mike Hodges who finished 15th in the world championship last year. “Like Brett, I have lots of family and friends coming, so I hope I can put on a good show for everyone. I think the track will be good for right and left-handed chairs and I love the big old-school downhills, hard and fast. I don’t think the riders of GP standards will have any problems with them as we experience hills like this from time to time. Perhaps not so many.”
When asked what was needed for a good finish, he added, “Like most GPs, a good start and consistent laps. The crowd will help, and as long as we get a good start, they will love it. I don’t feel the pressure a home GP can bring as, at the end of the day, it’s just riding your bike and having fun.”
Mike’s goal for this year’s world championship is to finish in the top 10. Perhaps this event will help realise that.
European Quad champion Harry Walker was also at Foxhill kicking up the dust. “I am looking forward to the coming year and building on last year’s success. We are visiting some different tracks, like this one here, on the calendar, which will be nice.
“Foxhill is looking good and it’s changed a lot since I rode here last. The modifications are great and it will make it a level playing field for everyone. There are some nice big new jumps which are always fun.
“The downhills are OK for us quad riders as long as you can jump straight off them. Get it a bit sideways on take-off and you can be in trouble.
“To have local support will be incredible and something you dream of as a young rider. To win here, in front of a UK crowd, would be amazing and fill me with confidence.”
The last word went to event organiser Brad Skeates. “It’s good to get some of the lads here to test part of the track and suggest any changes they feel are warranted,” he said. “There have been sidecar events held here in the past, but with respect, they were not the calibre of the GP riders, so we need to get it right. We have about 80 per cent of the track modifications done.
“You can tell a two-day meeting was held here this weekend but we have come in to start the track changes and there is still a bit left to do, then it’s fencing and branding. We need a decent-sized crowd, but we are not a promoter - we are a club that does it for the love of the sport. We want to put on a great event and cover our costs.”
This will undoubtedly be a spectacular and entertaining event run by people who love the sport. Be there.
Tickets for the event are available here
