RHL ringing the changes
By TMX Archives on 17th Sep 17
With the outdoor National season now at a close, some organisers have wasted no time looking at options for next year, particularly in light of drastically falling numbers in some race classes. A good example of the problem has been highlighted season long in this years British Youth National Open Class.
Just nine riders lined up at the Pontrilas finale and the penultimate round of the series at Landrake faired little better, attracting only 10 to the start gate.
The season's average for the class worked out at 15, with the best entry of 21 lining up at the Culham series opener in April.
In recent years, the MX Nationals have elected to "double up" as seen in their combined MXY1/2 class and combined 85s, this is one possible solution to the problem.
Earlier this year, Judd Premier Cup series co ordinator, Claudio Bernardinelli, announced for his 2018 series that he would be adding an under 21 class to run combined with his under 18 Rookies.
And, with the conclusion of this years BYN series comes news of RHL reviving a similar format for their 2018 championship. There's will be the official Under-21 British championship, the full RHL statement is set out below...
"RHL Activities is pleased to announce that the British Under 18 and 21 Motocross Championships will be reinstated as part of the ACU British Youth National Championship programme in 2018.
Having had previous involvement with the championships and with a close collaboration with the ACU, RHL is keen to assist the future of British motocross by offering an enhanced possibility where youngsters in this age category can compete and grow into the stars of tomorrow.
These two classes will also be the only direct route into the FIM and EMX Championships from the UK.
The two championships will run in combined races as part of the British Youth National Championship junior calendar and will offer the opportunity for riders aged 15-21 to compete against the very best youth riders in the country.
The previously existing format of the under-21 series was last held in 2014 where Brad Todd, who now competes in the main adult British Motocross Championship, took the title."
Gareth Hockey, director of RHL Activities commented, "Following many discussions with the RHL team we felt disappointed with the lack of places for young riders to learn and develop before moving into FIM and European Championships.
With a close working relationship with the ACU and many discussions over recent months I am pleased to be able to bring the ACU British Under 18 and 21 Championships into the 2018 calendar as part of the ACU British Youth National Championship series, and this is now also the only direct route into the FIM and European Championships.
I'm sure riders will benefit from this platform at high-quality tracks and to be able to compete against other youngsters at this age and level as another step in the ladder before making the jump full time to the adult series."
To hear more of Gareth Hockey's thoughts on the state of the British youth scene, check out his video blog on the RHL website and British Youth Nationals Facebook page.
Further details on the 2018 ACU British Youth, Under 18 and 21 Championships will be available at rhlactivities.com in the coming weeks.
