Manfred Zienecker takes British GP gold
By Leen van der Sluis & Bert van der Sluis on 3rd Jun 26
The fourth round of the 2026 FIM Quadcross World Championship brought the series to British soil as the series arrived at the legendary Canada Heights circuit near Swanley, Kent. For British fans, this was far more than just another Grand Prix. It marked the long-awaited return of World Championship Sidecarcross & Quadcross racing to Canada Heights, a venue that last hosted a Grand Prix sidecarcross 25 years ago. Following the opening rounds at Castelnau-de-Lévis in France, Kramolin in the Czech Republic and Kleinhau in Germany, the championship crossed the Channel for one of the most anticipated events of the season.
The return of the British Grand Prix was the result of years of effort from Waterlooville Motorcycle Club, working together with Sidcup Motorcycle Club, the custodians of the historic Canada Heights venue. Much of the credit belongs to Racing Manager Brad Skeates, who played a leading role in bringing World Championship racing back to one of Britain's most iconic motocross circuits. The professionalism of the organisation, the presentation of the venue and the overall atmosphere throughout the weekend reflected the dedication of Skeates, the organizing clubs and a large team of volunteers.
From the moment spectators arrived on Saturday morning it was clear that this was a special occasion. The organizers had transformed the venue into a true Grand Prix festival. A large central marquee decorated with Union Flags formed the heart of the track, while food courts, bars and family attractions created an atmosphere rarely seen at modern motocross events. The efforts of Waterlooville Motorcycle Club and Sidcup Motorcycle Club were rewarded with strong attendance throughout the weekend and a circuit presented in excellent condition.
In his welcome message, Brad Skeates highlighted the significance of bringing the British Grand Prix back to Canada Heights and thanked the many volunteers whose efforts made the event possible. The result was a venue that produced not only close racing but also one of the strongest atmospheres seen so far this season. The successful return of World Championship competition to Canada Heights demonstrated exactly why the venue remains one of the jewels of British motocross.
Heading into the British Grand Prix, Harry Walker carried the hopes of the home crowd. The reigning European Champion had been one of the standout performers throughout the opening rounds, battling regularly with championship leader Patrick Turrini, Kevin Saar, Mike van Grinsven and Manfred Zienecker. Alongside Walker, Northern Irish rider Mark McLernon arrived in Kent holding fourth place in the championship standings and looking to strengthen his title challenge.
The weekend began with a surprise. While Saar topped free practice, an unfamiliar name appeared near the top of the timing screens. French rider Randy Naveaux, making his first appearance in the championship, immediately showed he had the pace to challenge the established stars. He backed up that speed in timed practice by narrowly missing pole position, finishing only fractions behind Turrini. Walker meanwhile secured sixth fastest, comfortably inside the leading group.
Saturday's qualifying race confirmed Naveaux's credentials. The Frenchman grabbed the lead from the start and never looked back. Turrini gave chase throughout but was unable to mount a serious challenge. Behind them Kevin Saar worked his way past Walker to claim third position, leaving the British favourite fourth at the flag. McLernon finished just outside the top 10 after a difficult start, while Welsh rider Dafydd Davies recovered from deep in the field to salvage 15th.
Sunday morning belonged to Walker. The British star topped warm-up ahead of Zienecker, Turrini and Van Grinsven, giving the home crowd hope that a British victory could still be on the cards.
The opening GP race produced some of the best racing of the season. Saar initially surged into the lead but disaster struck almost immediately when mechanical problems forced the Estonian out of contention. That left Turrini at the front, but the Italian soon found himself under constant pressure from an inspired Zienecker.
Behind them the race exploded into life. Walker, McLernon, Van Grinsven, Naveaux and Petit swapped positions repeatedly as thousands of British fans roared their home riders forward. The atmosphere around the natural hillside circuit was electric, particularly whenever Walker and Northern Irishman McLernon moved into contention.
Eventually Zienecker found a way past Turrini and controlled the closing laps to secure his first Grand Prix race victory of the season. Turrini held on for second while Walker delighted the home crowd with a superb third-place finish. Van Grinsven took fourth ahead of Naveaux, while McLernon and Davies completed strong rides in seventh and ninth respectively.
The second race again delivered spectacular action. Turrini initially led, but Saar had recovered from his earlier disappointment and quickly fought his way forward. As the race settled, the Estonian took control and steadily pulled clear. Behind him, Naveaux continued his remarkable debut by moving into second place after a fierce battle with Turrini and Zienecker.
Walker again found himself in the thick of the action, battling with Van Grinsven for much of the race before eventually taking sixth. McLernon produced another solid performance in eighth while Davies added further championship points in 12th.
At the chequered flag Saar claimed the race victory ahead of Naveaux and Turrini, but consistency across both motos ultimately rewarded Zienecker with the overall Grand Prix victory. The German finished the weekend with 43 points, just one ahead of Turrini, while the impressive Naveaux secured an outstanding third overall in his first World Championship appearance.
Walker finished fourth overall and was comfortably the leading British rider, with McLernon sixth and Davies 10th. Beyond the headline contenders, there were encouraging performances throughout the British contingent. Dafydd Davies continued his consistent season with another top 10 overall finish and remains firmly established inside the championship top 10.
Oliver Sansom collected valuable points in both motos, while Louie Holt and Ayrton Knowles completed a demanding weekend against one of the strongest fields assembled so far this season. Their efforts ensured a strong British presence throughout the event and gave the home supporters plenty to cheer beyond the battles at the front.
The championship picture remains fascinating after four rounds. Turrini retains the red plate with 220 points, but the battle behind him has tightened considerably. Walker now shares second place in the standings with Saar on 175 points, while McLernon remains a strong fourth on 139 points. Davies has moved up to 10th in the championship, underlining the strength of the British and Irish challenge. Britain's hopes of securing the inaugural Quadcross World Championship remain very much alive with five rounds still to come.
For British fans, however, the biggest success may have been the event itself. After a quarter-century absence, Canada Heights proved it still belongs on the world championship calendar. Thanks to the vision of Brad Skeates, the combined efforts of Waterlooville Motorcycle Club and Sidcup Motorcycle Club, and an army of dedicated volunteers, the British Grand Prix delivered exactly what it promised: world-class racing at one of the sport's most historic venues. With packed spectator banks, a fantastic atmosphere and outstanding racing throughout the weekend, Canada Heights made a compelling case for remaining a fixture on the World Championship schedule for years to come.
