Some of the best riders in global motocross will be in action at the world-famous Hawkstone Park on Sunday as the UK season gets underway in style with potentially the biggest domestic race meeting of the year.
The main man at the Ashbrook Hazport Tysers Hawkstone International – to give it its super-catchy full name – has to be Jeffrey Herlings (Red Bull KTM).
The Bullet missed out on last year’s HIMX after sustaining a pre-season injury that also prevented him from defending his MXGP world crown but there’s no doubt about his fitness this time around.
Don’t miss: Hawkstone MX results 2020
The Dutchman is the fastest rider in the world and loves sand so he starts as favourite on Sunday but could have a fight on his hands if his compatriot Glenn Coldenhoff comes out swinging on the new factory Standing Construct GasGas.
Coldenhoff ended last year’s world championship with a run of podiums to emerge as a threat to Herlings and on paper, he looks capable of causing an upset.
So who else is likely to be in the mix? Well, there’s no shortage of candidates…
Starting with the leading overseas-based riders, Hawkstone will mark the big-bike debuts of Calvin Vlaanderen (Gebben Yamaha) and his new team-mate Thomas Covington.
The South African-born Dutchman was fast enough to get on the podium in MX2 GPs last season, while Covington is returning to Europe after an injury-hit year back home in the States.
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France’s Benoit Paturel (JM Racing Honda) will race alongside his Belgian team-mates Yentel Martens and Julien Lieber and 2014 MX2 world champion Jordi Tixier (VHR KTM) from France will also be in action, along with Belgium’s evergreen Kevin Strijbos (KSR Suzuki).
Want to cheer for a homegrown rider? You’ll be spoiled for choice – although it’s a tough call predicting who will come out on top out of the Brit pack.
British MX1 champ Tommy Searle (Buildbase Honda) will make his debut for his new team on Sunday alongside Jake Nicholls while Shaun Simpson (SS24 KTM) will also be showing off his new colours for the first time.
Then there are riders of the calibre of Jake Millward (Chambers Racing Husqvarna), Martin Barr (BRT KTM) and Mel Pocock (MSR Redline Honda) to consider – and don’t forget Adam Sterry (JD Gunnex KTM) who is moving up to the 450 class this season.
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Now factor in Russia’s Evgeny Bobryshev (PAR Homes RFX Husqvarna) and Estonia’s Harri Kullas (CAB Screens Deos Group Honda) and you’ve got all the ingredients needed for a great day at the races!
The MX2 class is equally as stacked with Denmark’s 2019 vice-world champion Thomas Kjer Olsen (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) heading the field, flanked by team-mates Jed Beaton from Australia and Holland’s Kay de Wolf.
Last year’s world No.3 Jago Geerts (Monster Energy Yamaha) should also be pushing for the top step of the podium and French teenager Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM) will fancy his chances.
Josh Gilbert (PAR Homes RFX Husqvarna) will be aiming to impress following his off-season move and don’t be surprised to see Steven Clarke (Buildbase Honda), Gilbert’s replacement on Dave Thorpe’s team, running near the front.
Of course, there are plenty more riders capable of making their presence felt including – but not limited to – Taylor Hammal (RHR Yamaha) and veteran Brad Anderson (Verde Substance KTM) who will be racing a 250 two-stroke.
Support races come courtesy of a high-quality EMX125 field that will kick off the on-track action with practice and qualifying at 8.55am.
Admission is £30 for adults and £5 for children aged five to 15. Hawkstone Park is located just off the A49 and A53 north of Shrewsbury. Postcode is SY4 4NA.
2020 Hawkstone International Essential Info
Hawkstone Park weather
For Sunday, the forecast looks wet and very windy (at the moment) with a high chance of precipitation – temperature around 13°C. But it has been dry leading up to the event and the organisers are assuring fans the event will happen.
How much are tickets for the Hawkstone International?
Tickets are available on the gate. Adults £30 and children (5-15) £5, under 5s get in free. Free access to riders paddock.
Is The Hill in?
Just the same as every year, HIMX will make the call on the day and even if/when they decide to use The Hill, it could get pulled if riders express concern for their safety.
Camping
Anyone wishing to camp at the event will need to arrive before 7pm Saturday evening, and the organisers have said that there is sufficient space for anyone who turns up throughout the day – no one will be turned away! It is £30 per pitch.
Are dogs allowed at Hawkstone International?
Yes, dogs are allowed. But they must be on a lead at all times!
Can I watch Hawkstone International via live streaming?
Sadly, no. Hawkstone International does not carry a live streaming feed.
2020 Hawkstone International Timetable
Each class has Qualifying and MX1 and MX2 have two motos each, while EMX125 has three races. Last but certainly not least there is the Superfinal for MX1/MX2. Note: All times are GMT.
Saturday February 8
14.00 – 16.00 Technical Control
Sunday February 9
07.45 Technical Control
08.55 – 9.20 EMX125 Practice & Qualifying
(Up to five minutes start, five minutes free and 15 minutes timed)
09.25 – 10.00 MX2 Practice & Qualifying
(Up to five minutes start, 10 minutes free and 15 minutes timed)
10.05 – 10.40 MX1 Practice & Qualifying
(Up to five minutes start, 10 minutes free and 15 minutes timed)
10.45 EMX125 Race One
(15 minutes plus one lap)
Interval
12.00 MX2 Race One
(25 minutes plus one lap)
12.40 MX1 Race One
(25 minutes plus one lap)
13.20 EMX125 Race Two
(15 minutes plus one lap)
13.45 MX2 Race Two
(25 minutes plus one lap)
14.25 MX1 Race Two
(25 minutes plus one lap)
15.10 EMX125 Race Three
(15 minutes plus one lap)
15.50 MX1/MX2 Superfinal
(25 minutes plus two laps)
Presentation
Top Three MX1 and MX2, Top Three Superfinal, Georges Jobe Trophy Winner, Vaughan Semmens Memorial Trophy, Best British Rider, Top Five EMX125
Which riders are racing at the 2020 Hawkstone International?
Hopefully you’ve just read our preview but as a reminder, there are three packed classes (MX1, MX2 and EMX125) for the event on Sunday with a roster of international stars.
Hit the link below for the complete pre-entry list.
Hawkstone International 2020 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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