Mike Alessi is heading back to Hawkstone Park – and this time he’s doing it in red, white and blue...
By Team TMX on 13th Feb 26
The buzz around VMXdN Hawkstone, brought to you by The Range, has already stepped up a gear for 2026 with the switch to the iconic Hawkstone Park circuit, and now the rider announcements are starting to land thick and fast. Set your calendars for August Bank Holiday weekend, August 27-30, 2026, because the four-day motocross festival is building nicely – and this one’s a big hitter.
Alessi turned pro back in 2004 and lined up at the Hawkstone International the following spring. Fast forward 21 years and the holeshot maestro – one of the most decorated amateur racers in US history and a multi-time professional race winner – has agreed to represent Team USA at VMXdN Hawkstone 2026.
He’ll be 38 when the gate drops on what is not only the biggest MX race in the UK but widely regarded as the greatest vets event on the planet. And make no mistake, Alessi isn’t coming for a lap of honour. He’s a racer to the core and he’s not travelling across the Atlantic to make up the numbers.
From a dominant schoolboy career to a 15-year professional stint packed with wins in the 125, Lites and 450 classes, Alessi has built his reputation on brutal starts and uncompromising aggression. The journeyman spirit still burns bright too, with the American continuing to compete internationally in Canada, Brazil and beyond.
For Hawkstone, he’ll line up on a 2002 Yamaha YZ250 supplied by BT Motion – a proper bit of kit for what promises to be an all-action weekend on the Shropshire sand.
If you’ve been to VMXdN before, you already know the score. If you haven’t, believe the hype. It’s a celebration of motocross heritage, noise, nostalgia and full-gas racing that pulls in fans of all ages.
Spectator tickets and camping passes are available at www.vmxdnhawkstone.com
And if you’re planning to make a weekend of it – which you should – don’t hang about securing a camping pass. Space is limited and they’re shifting quickly.
