Hawkstone Park - Sunday 4th March 2007
By TMX Archives on 1st Feb 07
Coppins and Ramon look to wear the 2007 Hawkstone Park Crown. With just fours weeks remaining until the ninth Hawkstone Park International Moto-x, preparations have been rolling ahead for the star-studded spectacle on Sunday March 4th.
While the historic circuit undergoes refinements for the biggest annual race meeting to visit the Shropshire venue, some of the top ranked protagonists that grace the virtual ‘Grand Prix' entry list are also putting the finishing touches to their ‘packages' for the 2007 MX1 World Championship, set to commence only four weeks after the Hawkstone clash.
Two of the main names touted as favourites for the throne departed by recently retired ten times World Champion Stefan Everts involve his replacement on the works Yamaha Josh Coppins, and current Belgian number one (and now arguably the country's leading hope) Steve Ramon, who will guide a factory Suzuki for a second season.
'Of course I look forward to Hawkstone and have been racing there for a few years now,' said Ramon. ‘The first time I raced on the sand I really enjoyed it and have been back since; hopefully the weather will stay good. The entry list is strong with many GP riders; because of this the Hawkstone International is always good to measure your speed and to start to build yourself up to the first Grand Prix.'
‘The track is pretty cool and it is always good to be racing at a place that has so much history,' offers former multi British Champion Coppins. ‘It can be hard-going in that heavy sand, particularly if it is wet. Hawkstone is always a tough international to start the year.'
Coppins, who turns thirty years old a little more than a week after Hawkstone, has been working and testing in Italy with his Rinaldi team for a debut term on the blue machinery. ‘Things have been going really well and I can't complain,' he commented. ‘I am as fit and prepared as I was last year up until the accident that dislocated my shoulder a week before the first GP. I am happy with the Yamaha and the team is awesome so the signs are good.'
Ramon, who is tweny seven years old, grabbed a moto podium in Shropshire twelve months ago despite struggling with a strained back muscle. ‘Everything has been going well for me. I went to Portugal to find some sun in December and do some physical training. I began working with the bike again in January and next week we will head to France for more testing.'
Coppins and Ramon will line up against a whole host of other World class riders in the MX1 class, and with an equally exciting array of international talent in the MX2 category, the action to decide who will be the new King of Hawkstone is sure to be fast and furious at the very least.
A large trade village will provide you with bargains galore and will add the final ingredient in what promises to be one of the biggest days in British moto-x during 2007. Miss it and miss out. Visitors can save up to £5.00 per ticket by booking in advance and can take advantage of an incredible family offer that represents a £25.00 reduction, all of which will not be available on the gate at these special prices.
Please call 0161 705 2280 or visit www.hawkstonemx.co.uk for discounted tickets, to reserve onsite camping, to gain general information and to explore the limited trade opportunities still remaining.
Issued by: G2F – 7 All Saints – Orrell Street – Bury – BL8 1PF
T: + 44 (0) 161 763 6660 F: + 44 (0) 161 763 6663 E: info@g2f.co.uk