Preston Docks motocross track to get huge revamp for MX Nationals

Michelin MX Nationals has confirmed that Preston Docks MX will host the second round of their championship. A visit to Preston for two rounds on the bounce doesn’t sound too exciting but there’s a sweet twist with the north west circuit set for a major revamp that will see the current track totally demolished.

Preston Docks stepped up recently to host the opening round when the planned venue of Cadders Hill in Lyng suffered serious flooding after heavy rainfall. The series organisers then placed the second round, planned for Preston, as to be confirmed, putting the venue in doubt.

Preston Docks MX redevelopment plans

The track at Preston Docks will now see a huge overhaul to a level never previously seen at the circuit. The current track will be totally demolished and sculpted, leaving very little of the former Docks site for competitors and fans to recognise.

The plans for the new layout include a downhill start, reverse direction, completely rebuilt jumps, and it will also be wider in a lot of places to allow for fast passing.

The organisers will look to take advantage of (hopefully) much better weather in May with plans to open up extra fields for parking, catering, trade stands, clean and tidy facilities and perhaps a beer tent. Professional AA road signs will all add to the professionalism of the event that series director Paul Irwin is determined to deliver. “We do appreciate that riders like to go to different tracks and, whilst it’s unfortunate that we’ll be running at the same track on consecutive rounds, we really don’t have any choice,” he said in a press release.

“When Lyng was ruled out for the opening round, we had two options – go and race, or don’t. The team at Preston Docks were amazingly flexible and pulled out all the stops to accommodate us over the weekend of 7 and 8 April, and it gave riders across all classes the chance to get the championship underway.

“We were always scheduled to go to Preston for the second round and, with the exciting development plans, we can’t wait to get back there. We know how popular the Cadders Hill circuit is, and have been working with Andrew Hay of the Norwich Viking Club to try and squeeze in a round of the Nationals. Sadly, it is just impossible to fit anything in around our current programme of dates, and the ones already on the club’s calendar. However, we will definitely be back in 2019.

It’s great for the sport to see track owners invest in motocross and early indications suggest a fantastic circuit is planned and one that is much needed for the north west of England. “I cannot stress enough just how different it will be at Preston Docks in May,” added Irwin. “Lee McGarry is always one to push boundaries, and the redevelopment plans are really ambitious. I can assure all involved that those plans will make it a venue worthy of both national and international championship status. The MX Nationals will be the first event to enjoy the new site – the upside of that is that it will be a level playing field for everyone.

“At the end of the day, we want all competitors to be able to go out, race hard and enjoy it. Happy racers make for great racing and, in turn, happy spectators.”

When is it and how much to watch?

The second round of the 2018 Michelin MX Nationals will take place over the weekend of the 19 and 20 of May. A two-day weekend pass is just £15 on the gate. Children aged 12 and under go free. Camping is available from Friday onwards for only £10.