Maxxis round two at the Heights

March 18, 2008

With hardly time to pause for breathe, the 2008 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship moves swiftly on to its second point of call, with the riders preparing themselves to resume battle at the fantastic Canada Heights circuit on Sunday 23rd March. The undulating and highly spectacular track set on a Kent hillside over looking the M25 is always one of the high points of the series year on year.

With just one round completed reigning MX1 British Champion Billy MacKenzie – CAS Honda has already established himself as the firm favourite to retain his title. The black clad 450 of MacKenzie was a lone figure at the opening round at Donington Park, with Billy taking two convincing start to flag race wins.

The chasing pack that was left in MacKenzie’s wake at round one was headed by a rejuvenated Kenneth Gunderson – UTAG Yamaha who is still recovering from an off season operation. A 2-3 showing by Gunderson was enough to grab second overall ahead of Brad Anderson – Swift Suzuki. This duo plus Tom Church – Molson Kawasaki and James Noble – KTM UK look the main contenders in upsetting Billy’s 100% record when the battle recommences in the South.

The name that is currently at the top of the MX2 general standings will sadly be absent at round two, with Tommy Searle – KTM UK having opted out of competing in the entire championship this season. Searle’s focus is on winning a World title, and judging by his speed at Donington he could just do that, and is probably a welcome absentee from his rivals point of view.

Stephen Sword – Molson Kawasaki will no doubt be glad to pick up the mantle from Searle, and will feel that he has a real chance of taking the MX2 crown through consistency alone. Sword’s return after two injury-marred seasons is an inspiration to all and he would be a worthy and popular winner if he can remain in the hunt until late September.


Image by Ray Chuss

The chasing pack in the MX2 class is a real haven of talent, with several riders being capable of race wins on their day. Pascal Leuret – Swift Suzuki took third spot overall at the opening meeting but will have to fend off the challenge of the likes of Shaun Simpson – KTM UK, Gareth Swanepoel – Molson Kawasaki, and Martin Barr - UTAG Yamaha to mention but a few if he is to reach the podium again.

2007 MX2 British champion Mike Brown – CAS Honda will see Canada Heights as the place to restart the defence of his crown following his poor showing at the opening encounter that has him trailing Sword by thirty points already. Brown will have a point to prove this time out, and just could be the man on the move.

The action starts at 9.30am with MX2 qualifying being first out on track, this will be followed by the MX1 qualifying session ahead of the riders’ autograph session at 11.30am. The first championship race is scheduled for 1.05pm, which marks the start of pretty much nonstop action right through to 5.00pm. With free car parking and concessions on kids entrance tickets, Canada Heights is the place to be.

For further information and all the latest series news please visit http://www.mxgb.co.uk

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