Swan Song
By TMX Archives on 16th Jan 06
Stefan Everts will kick off his final season of top-flight motocross when he heads the entry at this year's Hawkstone Park International MX.The record-breaking nine-time world champion - who's hoping to end his illustrious career with title Stefan Everts will kick off his final season of top-flight motocross when he heads the entry at this year's Hawkstone Park International MX.The record-breaking nine-time world champion - who's hoping to end his illustrious career with title #10 this season - will make his farewell appearance at the Shropshire venue on March 5.Everts, a regular visitor to Hawkstone for the biggest pre-season international on the calendar, finished second in the MX1 class last year to Joel Smets. And while Smets is now out of the equation having announced his retirement this doesn't mean Everts is in for an easy time.The big challenges to the Belgian come from a two-pronged French attack in the shape of former world champs Mickael Pichon and Sebastien Tortelli and Kiwi Josh Coppins. Neither Frenchman raced at Hawkstone last year while Coppins crashed out of the opening moto and dislocated his shoulder.The Everts/Tortelli battle in particular has the potential to be an explosive one with the pair locking horns in Europe on equal capacity machinery for the first time since Seb beat Stefan at the '98 Greek 250cc GP. That win netted Tortelli the world title and he promptly jumped ship to the US where he's been ever since.There will be plenty of home-grown talent in action in the MX1 class but most interest will centre around Stephen Sword's debut in the division on a factory 450cc Kawasaki.The MX2 class should be equally hotly contested with British champion Carl Nunn lining up aboard his factory Champ KTM alongside Bike-it/Dixon Yamaha's '05 GP winner Billy MacKenzie and Molson Kawasaki's red hot prospect Tommy Searle.For the first time ever public entry tickets and camping bookings are available in advance. To gain express access to the event - or to take advantage of a discounted family ticket (only available in advance) - call 0161 763 6660. All major credit and debit cards are accepted.The admission fee includes a full colour programme and free on-site car parking and a new 'park n' pay' system will be used to improve traffic flow into the venue.Companies who wish to book trade space or discuss sponsorship opportunities should contact G2F on 0161 763 6660. For further information contact G2F or visit the official event website at www.hawkstonemx.co.uk