Pontrilas - THE LOWDOWN

September 11, 2007

Saturday 15th September was already looking to be an action packed day at the final round of the 2007 Maxxis ACU Motorcross Championship to be held at Howton Court, Pontrilas, and that was even before further spice was added to the series show down. Now that both factory Kawasaki MXGP rider Tanel Leok and MX2 KTM World star Rui Concalves have confirmed their entries there is sure to be even more sparks flying.

Leok could play a vital part in deciding the outcome of the MX1 title, with his De Groot Kawasaki team mate Billy MacKenzie currently holding a slim eight point lead over 2006 champion Ken De Dycker - CAS Honda. There will be no team orders, with MacKenzie leaving the green camp at the end of the season, as he switches to Honda and the CAS team for 2008.

Further intrigue has been added by the fact that MX2 series leader Mike Brown – CAS Honda has been entered in both classes for the final round. The smart prediction would be that Brown will only appear in the second MX1 moto to try and assist his team mate De Dycker, having hopefully already claimed the MX2 crown earlier in the day, but who really knows?

That said, Brown still has work to do to claim the MX2 championship, given Tommy Searle’s – KTM UK recent Grand Prix form. Brown will also have to fend off a second orange attack from Concalves if the experienced American is going to grab the quarter litre four stroke crown.

With so much pride at stake, the respective battles to become Kings of the two classes are sure to be an enthralling encounter and are both destined to be decided during the very last motos of the season long campaigns.

In addition to some guaranteed great racing, Howton Court has much more to offer, with a new championship paddock, an extended rhythm section, the Ladies British Motocross Championship on the following day (Sunday 16th September), music on Saturday night, kids rides and entertainment, plus free camping and not to mention presentations for both the British Fourstroke and Under 21 Championships.

Howton is situated on the A465 Abergavenny to Hereford road between the villages of Pontrilas and Wormbridge. The final round of the 2007 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship has a packed schedule in store that will run from 9am right through to 5.30pm, which includes two MXY2 races to add to the normal four motos of championship action.

Howton is situated on the A465 Abergavenny to Hereford road between the villages of Pontrilas and Wormbridge.

Circuit
The circuit is situated on a hillside facing the Golden Valley and is essentially natural terrain with some man made Tabletops, Jumps and Whoops to enhance the layout of the track. The track is built on grassland that is hard surfaced. The start line is uphill and turns into a left-hander and immediately over a jump. There is a tunnel to access the centre of the circuit, which has good visibility all-round.

The venue has been used for the British Motocross Championship over a number of years from MX1 and MX2 through the Four stroke, Under 21, Sidecar and Quads down to the British Youth Championships. 2007 will again see Howton Court stage BYMX and CCM British MMX rounds prior to the Maxxis round in September.

Where to stay:

Hotels
Pengethley Park, Ross-on-Wye01989 730211

The Ore Pool Inn & Motel, 01594 833277

Alltyr Ynys Country Hotel & Restaurant, Walterstone, 01873 890307

Belmont Lodge & Golf, Belmont, 01432 352666

The Bay Horse Inn, Hereford, 01432 273351

The Green Dragon, Hereford, 01432 272506

B&B
Mill Orchard, Kingstone, 01981 250326

Shenmore Cottage B&B, Madley, 01981 250507

Olchon Court, Hereford, 01873 860356

Hollybush House B&B, Hereford, 01981 580334

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