The motocross season officially kicks off – well, it does for us at least – on Sunday when Salop MC opens up the gates of its iconic Shropshire circuit for the 2019 Be Wiser Hawkstone International Motocross.
Arguably the biggest stand-alone event of its kind on the global MX calendar, over the years fans have seen some of the most famous names in modern-day motocross in action at the HIMX and this year is no exception. For most it’s the first chance to see riders in their new kit and, in many cases, racing for their new teams. It’s also a great opportunity to see which riders have put in the work over the off-season.
Among the international big-hitters in MX1 will be Max Nagl (Sarholz KTM), Yentel Martens (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), Ivo Monticelli (Standing Construct KTM), Arminas Jasikonis (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), Petar Petrov (North Europe Racing KTM), Gert Krestinov (Phoenix Tools Apico Kawasaki), Harri Kullas (Cas Screens Deos Group Honda) and Maxxis champion Evgeny Bobryshev (BOS Kawasaki).
Don’t miss: Hawkstone results 2019
Of course, being an ‘international’ big-hitter doesn’t automatically guarantee a place on the podium and the UK is fielding more than a few of its own…
If you’re looking for a British winner your best bet should come from the awesome threesome of Shaun Simpson (RFX KTM powered by PAR Homes), Max Anstie (Standing Construct KTM) and Tommy Searle (BOS Kawasaki). The trio – all GP winners – will all be on new teams for Hawkstone and Simpson is looking to impress on his debut.
“As usual there’s been a huge build-up for the start of the 2019 season,” says the Scot. “It’s been great working with all the RFX KTM guys this winter and we’ve pulled out the stops to make sure we are ready for it. Hawkstone Park will be our first and only race before the first GP in Argentina so we’re looking forward to a good day’s racing.”
With a race calendar dominated by world championship commitments, Anstie relishes the opportunity of racing in front of his home fans.
“I’m really happy to be racing the Hawkstone International again,” he said. “I don’t often get to ride back in the UK so when I can it’s always awesome. It’s good to see how our preparation has been going at that point before the start of the season.”
Sunday will see Mel Pocock (ASA United KTM) make his 450 debut and the stacked MX1 entry also features other home-grown favourites including Jamie Law (Apico Husqvarna), Todd Kellett (Yamaha), Ryan Houghton (RHR Yamaha), Stuart Edmonds (Apico Husqvarna), Josh Spinks (MSR Redline Yamaha) and Jake Shipton (Crescent Yamaha).
If anything the MX2 class is even more stacked with a big turn-out of factory riders including Calvin Vlaanderen (HRC Honda), Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM) and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna trio of Mikkel Haarup, Thomas Kjer Olsen and Jed Beaton.
“I’m very excited to be coming and racing the Hawkstone International,” said Beaton. “What an awesome event, a great crowd and it will also be my first race with my new Husqvarna team.”
Other riders hoping to start their seasons with solid results are Brad Anderson (Verde Substance KTM) on a two-stroke 250, the new REVO Husqvarna UK pairing of Dylan Walsh and Alvin Östlund, British MX2 champ Conrad Mewse (Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee), Adam Sterry and his F&H Kawasaki team-mate Henry Jacobi, Martin Barr (Crescent Yamaha) and Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha’s Jago Geerts and Ben Watson.
“Hawkstone is one race I really look forward to,” said Watson, “especially now I don’t get to spend so much time racing in the UK. It is an amazing track and always has a great vibe with it being the start of a new season. I’m very excited to be returning back to one of my favourite events on the calendar. I look forward to seeing everyone there.”
The two main classes will be supported by an international field of MXY2 Open and 125cc pilots. The on-track action gets under way at 8.45am with the first qualifying sessions with the opening race for the MXY2 125cc class at 10.30am.
2019 Hawkstone International Essential Info
Hawkstone Park weather
The forecast looks good at the moment with no rain or frost leading up to the event and on the day it is forecast to have sunny intervals and a fresh breeze with the temperature around 13°C.
How much are tickets for the Hawkstone International?
Tickets are only available on the gate. Adults £30 and children (5-15) £5 – free access to riders paddock, oh and as far as we know it’s cash only.
The Hill
Update: The Hill is in say the organisers.
Camping
Yes you can camp at Hawkstone but due to huge demand and limited space pitches could be in short supply. Site allocation will be on a first come first serve basis. All prospective campers should arrive early to ensure they can be allocated a pitch on the campsite. The Campsite will be closed when full or at latest 7.30 pm whichever comes first.
Are dogs allowed at Hawkstone International?
Yes, dogs are allowed!
Can I watch Hawkstone International via live streaming
Sadly, no. Hawkstone International does not carry a live streaming feed. However, we will have a sweet highlights edit that will drop the next day, so keep it locked to dirtbikerider.com
2019 Hawkstone International Timetable
The Hawkstone International timetable is absolutely packed with racing on Sunday. Each class has Qualifying and two races each and then there is a Superfinal for MX1/MX2. Note: All times are GMT.
Saturday February 16
14:00 – 16:00 Technical Control
Sunday February 17
07:45 – 08:30 Technical Control
08:45 – 09:00 MXY2 125cc Qualifying
09:05 – 09:20 MXY2 Open Qualifying
09:20 – 09:50 MX2 International Qualifying
(Five minutes start and 25 minutes timed)
09:55 – 10:25 MX1 International Qualifying
(Five minutes start and 25 minutes timed)
10:30 MXY2 125cc Race 1
(15 minutes plus one lap)
10:55 MXY2 Open Race 1
(15 minutes plus one lap)
Interval
ACU presentation to Team GB
12:10 MX2 International Race 1
(25 minutes plus one lap)
12:45 MX1 International Race 1
(25 minutes plus one lap)
13:20 MXY2 125cc Race 2
(15 minutes plus one lap)
13:45 MX2 International Race 2
(25 minutes plus one lap)
Presentation for top three in MX2 International
14:35 MX1 International Race 2
(25 minutes plus one lap)
Presentation for top three in MX1 International
15:15 MXY2 Open Race 2
(15 minutes plus one lap)
15:50 MX1/MX2 Superfinal
(25 minutes plus two laps)
Presentation for top three in Superfinal including/plus top British rider
Georges Jobe Trophy – Winner
Vaughan Semmens Memorial Trophy – Best British Rider
Presentation for top three in MXY2 125cc and MXY2 Open:
Which riders are racing at the 2019 Hawkstone International?
There are 144 riders entered across four classes (MX1, MX2, MXY2 125 and MXY2 Open) for the event on Sunday.
Hit the link below for the full list.
Hawkstone International 2019 riders
How to find Hawkstone Park
Although it’s a well-travelled route for most motocross fans, the venue can be a little tricky to find for newcomers. The good news is that the circuit that’s situated around 12 miles north-east of Shrewsbury will be signposted from both the A49 and A53. Sat Nav users can pop the postcode SY4 4NA into their TomTom, Garmins or smartphones.
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