HIMX confirmed this week that the Suzuki World MXGP Team are the first of the big hitters to confirm their intention to race at the Be Wiser Hawkstone International on February 7, 2016.
The Suzuki MXGP team were out in force for the 2015 edition of the race where Kevin Strijbos bossed it – taking the overall MX1 class and going on to take the Super Final win too.
He sustained a couple of injuries during the 2015 season but has confirmed that he will be back in 2016 to defend his Hawkstone title. “Hawkstone Park is a track I enjoy riding at a lot and I am looking forward to going back there in February,” said Strijbos. “I had a good result there this year and will be fighting for the same result in 2016.”
Strijbos isn’t the only Suzuki MXGP team pilot in attendance at the 2016 Be Wiser International on February 7, Suzuki’s new recruit, Ben Townley will be in attendance along with Jeremy Seewer, Brian Hsu and Bas Vaessen across the MX1 and MX2 classes. Ben Townley will make a welcome return to the MXGP series in 2016 and Hawkstone will be one of his first major events.
The former World MX2 Champion retired from full-time racing in 2013 and has since only taken part in races in New Zealand and Australia. He had a stunning ride at the Motocross of Nations in France in September and has made the decision to make a welcome return to the GP Championship.
Ben Townley said: “I’m really looking forward to restarting my career in the UK at Hawkstone Park. I’ve got a huge amount of friends and family that will be there for my first race back! Hawkstone will be a key event on my calendar as I prepare to tackle the MX GP World Championship again in 2016 with Suzuki. It will give me an indication of my physical form and bike set-up a few weeks in advance of the first GP in Qatar.”
The team has just gained the services of one of the most successful motocross riders ever. Stefan Everts has joined the Suzuki World MXGP team as their new team manager. “I am very happy to return to Hawkstone Park,” said Everts. “It will be my first big appearance with the Suzuki team so it is going to be very special!
Adding: “With the return of Ben Townley it will be very cool to go back racing with him.”
New to the Be Wiser Hawkstone International is Jeremy Seewer. “I have heard that the track is fun to ride. It is going to be an interesting race and really good preparation for the next MXGP season,” said Seewer.
Tickets are £25 on the gate. Free parking. Free access to the riders paddock. £20 per pitch for camping (tent / motorhome / caravan). MX1, MX2 and MXY2 entries are now open by contacting Gary Ford ford542@btinternet.com.
