Masters plan
By Mike Wood on 8th Mar 13
Shortly after the dust or should that be mud had settled on the 2012 racing season, Ken Winstanley the go-ahead promoter of the Wulfsport British Masters, run in conjunction with the AMCA, was already busy sorting dates and venues for the 2013 series.
Typical of Ken's determination is that his calendar was agreed well before Christmas, with the schedule also including some interesting new venues.
Despite the current economic climate, in another coup the series has managed to secure backing from tyre giants Pirelli for 2013, joining the likes of Putoline, Battery Energy Drink, Muk Junkie, Goggle-Shop, GSP Race Products, Acerbis and Spiral GFX.
This Pro-Am series continues to prove its massive popularity, giving both Amateur and Youth riders the chance to rub shoulders in the paddock and for some race out
on track againist the countries top Pro
stars.
Indeed during the last ten years, well known names such as Stephen Sword, Billy Mackenzie, Bryan Mackenzie, Brad Anderson, James Noble, Mark Hucklebridge, Neville Bradshaw and Scott Elderfield amongst others have all featured.
Over those years the Masters grids have regularly been full to overflowing and in 2012 a total of 500 different riders scored points and competed in at least one round.
With dates, venues and sponsors in place, the 2013 AMCA Wulfsport British Masters will rev up and kick-off on the weekend of March 9/10.
So, with the dates and venues confirmed, what about the crucial backing of the sponsors?
Well, as we already mentioned, Ken Winstanley has managed to get Pirelli to come aboard for the 2013 series.
The tyre giant will be backing both MX1 and MX2 classes with prizes of new front and rear Scorpion tyres and other spot awards as well as offering riders the chance to spend time at the Ricky Carmichael motocross training university.
FOR FULL PREVIEW AND PICTURES SEE TMX MARCH 8
Round 1 – March 9/10
Preston Docks MX, nr Preston
The 2013 campaign will kick-off in the North West at Preston Docks.
The sand-based circuit is part of a massive 140-acre site, one of the largest off-road facilities in the UK.
Ken Winstanley and his team have been busy revamping the main track in preparation for what should be a thrilling, all-action opening round.
n Postcode for the venue is PR2 2HW.
Round 2 – April 27/28
Foxhill MP, nr Swindon
Built in the 1980s, the venue has a very illustrious history having for several years been the scene of World Championship events and even a Motocross des Nations.
Although the GPs have now gone, the track has been brought back to life with rebuilding and grading and now regularly hosts Maxxis British Championship rounds.
Set in a valley and full of man-made jumps and breathtaking drop-offs, the chalky, hard-pack terrain is sure to produce some very spectacular action.
Postcode for the venue is SN4 0DR.
Round 3 – May 25/26
Skelder Bank, Whitby, North Yorks
From the spectacular Foxhill in the West-country the Masters then moves onto the equally spectacular Skelder Bank circuit on the North Yorkshire coast at Whitby.
This venue staged its first event back in 2001, before going on to host both Maxxis British Championship and Red Bull Pro National rounds.
Over the years, the Whitby promoters have worked tirelessly to both improve the circuit and its infrastructure.
The intended 2012 Masters meeting at the venue was cancelled due to flooding, so here's hoping for a dry visit this time around.
Postcode for the venue is YO21 1TN.
Round 4 – June 15/16
Hawkstone Park, nr Shrewsbury
There can be no more famous motocross track to visit than the great, old Hawkstone Park in Shropshire.
Starting life as a hill climb venue back in 1938, scrambling as it was then known made its first appearance in 1946.
Since then, Hawkstone has grown in stature to stage numerous National, International and Grand Prix battles giving many of the world's top motocross stars the opportunity to showcase their sand riding skills.
Although, unfortunately, Hawkstone does not now stage GP events, it is still an obvious and very popular choice of the Masters, Maxxis and Red Bull promoters.
n Postcode for the venue is SY4 4NA.
Round 5 – July 27/28
Fatcat MP, Armthorpe
In a change to the Masters schedule, round five will now take place at the superb FatCat Moto Parc, which is situated just off Junction 4 of the M18.
In recent years, the South Yorkshire facility has been revamped to become a major venue on the fixture lists of both the Maxxis and Red Bull National promoters.
Also used as a practice track by top Pro riders, the deep, sandy terrain of FatCat should produce some stunning action.
Postcode for the venue is DN3 3EH.
Round 6 – August 17/18
Brookthorpe, Gloucester
It's back down to the West Country for round six and a visit to the superb circuit at Brookthorpe situated on the outskirts of Gloucester.
This is another new venue on the Masters tour. In its early years, Brookthorpe staged ACU adult events before then predominately becoming a venue for major Youth Nationals and also some AMCA Championship events.
Littered with numerous jumps and a whoops section, this technical circuit should produce plenty of close, exciting action.
Postcode for the venue is GL4 0UT.
Round 7 – September 7/8
Howton Court, Pontrilas
The 2013 series will be concluded at the top class circuit of Howton Court, Pontrilas, which can be found just off the Hereford to Abergavenny road.
This is another venue that has hosted top events such as Maxxis British and Red Bull Pro National rounds.
With its natural, hillside terrain and clay based surface, the big, fast Pontrilas circuit is a popular inclusion in any racers diary.
Nearest postcode for the venue is HB2 0BG.
