The Maxxis is back!
By Sean Lawless on 16th Mar 16
The Maxxis British Motocross Championship supported by Pro Clean kicks off this Sunday (March 20) at Cadders Hill, Lyng, with the countrys top riders converging on the demanding Norfolk circuit to fight for the biggest prize in domestic racing.
With his perfect 2015 record of eight overall wins in MX1, reigning champion Shaun Simpson (Wilvo Virus KTM) is out to make it a hat-trick of titles.
But with Tommy Searle (Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki) racing back in the UK this year he'll have a serious fight on his hands.
"The British championship is a big part of my programme and has been for some years now,” said Shaun.
"I like the fact that I get to ride in the UK at least once a month in front of the British fans.
"The championship is well run and it creates some great racing which is perfect for me in terms of practice and training for the GPs.
"I am looking forward to getting started at Lyng.
"It's is a great circuit and is good for the spectators to watch.
"The soil is changeable but overall a sandy base so something that I feel at home on and also a great way to start the season as the weather at this time of year in the UK can be a little ropey.
"I'm sure it will be a fantastic day and I'll be fighting for the top step of the podium!”
After two GPs Shaun sits sixth in the world championship with Tommy a couple of places behind so the early indications are that both riders are in good form.
But Shaun's opposition won't just come from Tommy with a stacked field featuring former champs, fellow GP racers and seriously quick pro riders ready to step it up and challenge him.
Buildbase Honda team-mates Graeme Irwin and 2013 champion Kristian Whatley have both started the season strongly and two-time champ Brad Anderson (Verde Sports KTM) is also looking quick following his switch to the Austrian manufacturer's machinery.
Elliott Banks-Browne (Geartec Yamaha) and his team-mate Ashley Wilde should figure in the results along with Jake Nicholls (Hitachi Revo Husqvarna), Gert Krestinov (Phoenix Tools Honda) and last year's MX2 champion Steven Lenoir (Dyer & Butler KTM) who moves up to the big-bike class for 2016.
"I'm excited for the new season to start,” said the Frenchman.
"This is my second year with the Dyer & Butler KTM team but my first year moving up to the MX1 class. The level of riders is really high this season and I'm sure the battle is going to be intense at Lyng.
"I had mixed fortunes at Lyng last year but I hope they prepare the track like they did then as it was really good to ride and I'm looking forward to getting there.”
Despite a disappointing start to his GP campaign, Max Anstie (Rockstar Husqvarna) must start favourite to win the MX2 class at Lyng but can't be considered a title threat as he has no plans to contest the full series.
"I'm looking forward to being able to race some of the British championship races this year,” said Max, the 2015 world No.3.
"I really enjoyed Lyng last year as it's a mega track to ride. It will be nice for me to refine a few of my settings with the bike and the team.”
With Adam Sterry (Wilvo Virus KTM) injured the MX2 class has one less contender but there's no shortage of podium threats.
Martin Barr (Buildbase Honda) is in great form after a solid pre-season programme in Italy and is unbeaten on a 250F after the opening rounds of the Michelin MX Nationals and the Pirelli British Masters.
Russian Vsevolod Brylyakov (Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki) is new to the series but has the speed to sit top 10 in the GPs and will be a genuine contender along with Ben Watson (Hitachi Revo Husqvarna) who's also scored points in three out of four GP motos this season.
"I'm really looking forward to the British championship starting,” said Ben.
"I've got a few races under my belt now and I feel like I'm ready for it. Lyng is a great track, it has some different terrains and some fast and slow bits which creates great racing.”
Other riders expected to be challenging for a podium include Neville Bradshaw (Heads & All Threads Suzuki), the Apico Husqvarna pairing of Bryan MacKenzie and Steven Clarke, Lewis Trickett (Buildbase Honda), Lewis Tombs (Geartec Yamaha) and Liam Knight (Dyer & Butler KTM).
The format has changed for this season with a return to two 25-minute plus two lap races per class and the MXY2 class will run at all eight rounds.
Organised by Norwich Vikings MCC, tickets are only available to buy on the gate and are £20 for adults and £5 for under 14s. A family ticket is £45. Camping is free with gates opening for campers at 2pm on Saturday.
Cadders Hill is situated one mile north of the A1067 Norwich to Fakenham road and three miles from the A47 Norwich to King's Lynn road. Postcode is NR9 5QZ.
