Get ready for Hawkstone!
By Sean Lawless on 1st Feb 17
Motocross Hawkstone International
The Be Wiser Hawkstone International Motocross takes place on Sunday (February 5) with a stellar entry promising to provide the best racing anywhere in the UK this year outside of the MXoN.
The first true international of the 2017 season, the day's action will be spread over three classes with MX1, MX2 and MXY2 riders from more than 10 nations lined up to scrap it out in the punishing Shropshire sand.
The MX1 entry is stacked with world championship front runners including Rockstar IceOne Husqvarna Factory riders Max Nagl, Gautier Paulin and British hero Max Anstie, Suzuki World MXGP's Kevin Strijbos and Arminas Jasikonis, Monster Energy Kawasaki pairing Clement Desalle and Jordi Tixier and Wilvo Yamaha's Arnaud Tonus and speedy Scot Shaun Simpson.
Other top Brits racing include MXGP regular Jake Nicholls along with fan favourites Elliott Banks-Browne, Brad Anderson and Ashley Wilde plus two-stroke specialist Lewis Gregory and EWC contender Nathan Watson.
MX2 is also packed with big names led by world No.2 Jeremy Seewer and his Suzuki World MX2 team-mates Hunter Lawrence, Bas Vaessen and Zach Pichon, son of former world champion Mickael.
British champion Adam Sterry on the Monster Energy CLS Kawasaki will start as home favourite but he faces strong opposition from Rockstar IceOne Husqvarna Factory's Thomas Olsen, Thomas Covington and Conrad Mewse along with Red Bull KTM Factory's Pauls Jonass.
Other Brits looking to make an impact include Mel Pocock, Jake Millward, Lewis Tombs, Liam Knight, Jay Hague and Ben Watson who's returning from a foot injury sustained last April.
"We're looking forward to the event this year,” said HIMX's Gary Ford. "Everything is looking good, the line-up is fantastic and we hope it will be a great day for racing.
"HIMX would like to thank all the sponsors and we wish all the fans and riders a good and successful day.”
The action kicks off at 9am with MXY2 qualifying with the first of four 25-minute plus one lap international races getting under way at noon. The programme concludes with an MX1/MX2 combined Superfinal at 3.50pm followed by the presentation of the Georges Jobe Trophy.
Tickets – priced at £30 for adults with no charge for under 14s – are only available on the gate. Camping is £20 per pitch.
Hawkstone Park is located north of Shrewsbury off the A53 and A49. Postcode is SY4 4NA.
