HIMX announced today that they have signed the two reigning Maxxis British Motocross Champions, Shaun Simpson and Matiss Karro to race at the 2015 Hawkstone International on the February 8.
Shaun Simpson had a fantastic year in 2014, winning the British Motocross Championship by a huge 109 points, in the process the likable Scotsman also gained several podiums on the World Motocross stage, finishing a stunning seventh overall.
He has re-signed with the Hitachi REVO KTM UK team for 2015 and as Shaun explains, he is eager to get to Hawkstone: “I have always had a lot of fun racing at Hawkstone and after my win last season at the International – I’ll be looking to keep that top step for #24 come February 8.”
Hawkstone traditionally kicks off competitive motocross racing in the UK and Shaun added that this race will be “valuable track time under his belt before the first GP in Qatar,” which is only a couple of weeks later.
Adding to Shaun will be the entire Route77 Energy MVR-D Honda squad, consisting of Matiss Karro, Josh Gilbert and for the first time in the history of the event a female competitor in the form of Natalie Cane.
MVR-D have signed the extremely talented rider Natalie Kane – Natalie secured podiums in the Womens World Motocross Championship this year but unfortunately was forced to miss the final two rounds due to injury.
Matiss successfully won the MX2 British Championship in 2014 and also secured 10th in the MXGP class in the Motocross World Championship. The lovable Latvian has switched from KTM to Honda and is looking forward to kick starting his season at Hawkstone.
“Hawkstone Park is a good meeting for me and a place that holds good memories,” said Matiss. “I am happy to start my new season with my new team at one of my most favourite tracks and hopefully there will be plenty of MK91 fans there to cheer me on.”
Team boss Mark Chamberlain has also signed up 2014 British MXY2 Champion Josh Gilbert for 2015.
“I have never ridden in MX2 yet so I’m really excited about next year,” said Josh. “I know it’s going to be tough but it’ll be a good indication of where I am before the British season starts. The track is a really good track, rough and technical but I’ve had some good races there in the past and I’m looking forward to go there with my new team Route 77 Energy MVR-D Honda.”
Mark Chamberlain – Team Manager commented: “We’re really pleased to be part of the Hawkstone International again in 2015. It’s a race that’s important to our team and its sponsors, the riders are looking forward to the challenge of the track and the great crowds that attend Hawkstone!”
The support race for 2015 will be the opening round of the British Quad Championship.
MX1 and MX2 entries are now open by contacting Gary Ford ford542@btinternet.com.