As the Michelin MX Nationals team moves to the Sidcup club’s iconic Canada Heights motocross track for round four of the championship this weekend there is good news and bad news.
First off, the good news is that lots of the top pro riders are back from injury. Last year’s MX1 champion Jake Nicholls (Buildbase Honda) gave his injured leg a try-out at a Suffolk event the other day and declared he’s ready for the Nationals and it’s the same with Elliott Banks-Browne (Geartec Husqvarna) whose injured wrist is back to full strength.
Cab Screens Deos Group Honda has been without any riders for the last couple of weeks but the good news is that this weekend series leader and so far unbeaten Harri Kullas is back and looking to continue his winning streak.
On the downside, Lewis Tombs (Buildbase Honda), Ryan Houghton (RHR Yamaha) and Gert Krestinov (Phoenix Tools Apico Kawasaki) are all non-starters through injury but Jason Meara is taking over Krestinov’s ride while he is out and along with his brother John will move up a class from Expert to pro MX1.
Brad Anderson (Verde Substance KTM) will be making the trip down to Kent with his two-smoker and Dutch racer Lars van Berkel will be bringing his 450 Husqvarna over to race in the Pros.
Martin Barr (Crescent Yamaha) will be again making the long trip over from Northern Ireland to continue his battle with Josh Gilbert (Buildbase Honda) for the lead in the Pro MX2 class with only three points separating the pair.
With Jason Meara’s move to Pro MX1, pressure will be eased for Gavin Stevenson at the top of the Expert MX1 class but Richard Bird and George Simmutch are both within striking distance of the number one spot.
Ben Clark and Aaron-Lee Hanson will be once again racing for the lead in the Expert MX2 division but, currently fourth in the championship, Joel Rizzi will be missed as he will be in Italy representing his country in the FIM Junior World Championship.
It’s also the time of year when we come together to pay tribute to our fallen friend and respected champion Steven Lenoir and all present will be asked to gather on the start line to pay their respects with some of Steven’s family and friends making the trip over from his native France.
An adult pass for the weekend is only £12 online and £15 on the gate with children under 12 getting in for free. Camping is £10 for the weekend.
[more-from heading=”More Motocross” category=”motocross”]
