Is just over a week away the biggest motorcycling event of the British Summerand,and what an event it’s going to be!In an exclusive deal the MC Federation have taken a big stride forward in elevating the sport of motocross by getting an extra round of their increasingly popular Red Bull Pro Nationals alongside the British Moto GP as part of a stacked out weekend of action for motorcycle enthusiasts.
As one of the most recognisable venues in the World of motorsport having motocross at Silverstone will no doubt help the cause and raise the profile of the sport and with the famous old home of British motor racing having a major facelift as it readies itself for the Moto GP and Formula 1, getting motocross tied in at this moment in time shows Silverstone and the MCF’s commitment to the off road sector.
Work on the circuit is coming along nicely with thousands of tonnes of soil being shifted around the venue and used for the construction of motocross/supercross circuit that will play host to the additional round four of the Red Bull Pro Nationals and Fuchs-Silkolene 2 stroke British championship. With a timetable that fits around the Moto GP schedule the MCF are running three classes over the weekend. The Red Bull Pro, 125cc 2 stroke and 65cc riders will not only have the opportunity to be part of this motorcycle festival for the weekend by racing motocross, they’ll also be entertaining the crowds on Saturday night as the MCF incorporate a Supercross programme into the mix.
The Red Bull X Fighters Jams kicks off its British tour at Silverstone as it heads off around the country to promote the big main event at Battersea Power Station on Saturday 14th August. No doubt Chris Birch, Kris Brock, Jamie Squibb and Fredrik ‘Frog’ Berggren will be entertaining the large crowd with their aerial antics which just seem to get more insane each time out! Hopefully the ever present Suzuki MX experience will see some of ‘the boys from the black stuff’ take up the opportunity to have a blast riding on dirt instead of tarmac and get them hooked into the sport a little more.
With so much going on over a weekend it certainly is going to be something a little different for road race and motocross fans alike and something that MCF Chairman Matt Bates is really looking forward to after working on the project with Silverstone for four years.
“It feels like it’s been a long time coming but now we’re only days away from what I believe is another massive step forward for British motocross and the motorcycling industry in general and preparations are going well. For the manufactures to have both disciplines at one venue over one huge weekend has to be a good thing as they can cross market and hopefully, for us, more road bike riders will start following motocross. Most people know the likes of Valentino Rossi ride motocross to keep in shape and I know a lot of motocrossers follow the Moto GP series with keen interest. Obviously our aim is to make this an annual event and I really think it will help make a special atmosphere. I’d like to thank Silverstone and Red Bull for all the work they’ve put into this and sharing the vision and everyone who has worked on the project to get it to this stage. I’ve got no doubt the racing will live up to the occasion, it certainly has so far this year. I think the level of competition and commitment in the Red Bull Pro Nationals, Fuchs-Silkolene 2 stroke British championship and Red Bull Elite Youth Cup has to be brilliant for the fans to watch, hopefully the road race fans will feel the same way!” said an enthusiastic Matt.
With all the main players in the Pro and 125cc races on show and a good strong line up of 65cc riders it’s easy to see why the MCF is confident of some incredible racing. Brad Anderson (PAR Honda) will be keen to get back to winning ways in the MX1 class after being beaten by Gordon Crockard (Paul Bird Kawasaki) for the overall at the previous round at Canada Heights while American Ben Lamay (Samsung Yamaha) also took his first major UK race win. Add the likes of Carl Nunn (MVR-D Suzuki), Jason Dougan (Phoenix Tools/Bike it/Cosworth Yamaha), James Noble (Proppa.com Honda), Scott Elderfield (PAR Honda) and Gert Krestinov (Maxxis/Henderson/LPE Kawasaki) and it’s going to be tight, especially when you consider that the MX2 riders also race against the MX1 riders.
Martin Barr (PAR Honda) took over the MX2 red plate and series lead at Canada Heights with a double race win. Bryan Mackenzie (Horseman Kawasaki) took his first podium of the year and will be a threat as will Elliott Banks-Browne (Pulse/DB racing Honda) who’ll be keen to make points back up after losing his series lead to Barr. Don’t rule out defending champion Neville Bradshaw (Samsung Yamaha), Kristian Whatley (Maxxis/Henderson/LPE Kawasaki) and the experience and speed of veteran Mark Eastwood (Wiseco/Eastwood Honda) either, all are capable of race wins.
With the Fuchs-Silkolene 125cc 2 stroke British championship going bar to bar and slamming each other like they do at every round and the kids of the 65cc class showing their incredibly talent and courage this special Red Bull Pro Nationals should go down a storm at Silverstone and cement their place alongside the Moto GP for years to come.
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