Maxxis British Motocross Championship - Round 1
Sunday 14th March 2004
Pre Event Info Page
Back to Early Birds 2004 page
Prices
"Gold Card" tickets are available - see below.
FREE parking
Adults - £15
Concessions - £8
Accompanied children under 14 FREE!
Working Parties
Working parties every Saturday and Sunday - all are welcome, for more info contact Alan Clarke on 01634 201268 (evening) or email him via Marge Clarke
Sponsors 2004
As well as the series sponsors, headed by Maxxis - who are an International tyre company who have generously agreed to sponsor the entire eight round series. The very considerable input from a prestige company of this caliber in terms of cash and support is a wonderful boost to not only all the clubs in the series, but for the sport of Motocross as well. More info on maxxis and other seris sponsors can be found at Britmx.com).
There are also companies helping the Sidcup & DMCC directly. These are the Kent Messenger Newspaper Group, the Kentish Times and the News Shopper. The Sidcup & DMCC would like to thanks these companies for their gracious assistance. If you would like to sponsor part of the event, advertise (banners or programme) or anything else please contact Marge Clarke.
Pre Event Press Report 1
By Honda Racing (via MX247.com)
Honda Racing - British battle begins
With the British Motocross Championship getting underway this weekend [14 March], reigning MX1 Champion Gordon Crockard of CAS Honda will have a battle on his hands to defend his title – not least from the other Honda Racing off-road riders.
The 2004 season brings new bikes, teams and riders who will be going for gold in the MX1 and MX2 classes. CAS Honda, RWJ Honda, RTT Honda and Multitek Honda are the four Honda Racing supported teams who will be taking part in the eight-round championship.
Testing and practice sessions have shown a number of Honda riders to be particularly on form for 2004 including CAS Honda’s Josh Coppins, RWJ Honda’s James Noble and Multitek Honda’s Paul Cooper. All three could prove to be potential rivals for Crockard.
In the MX2 class all eyes will be on RWJ Honda’s Jamie Dobb on the new CRF250F. The former world champion is hoping to prove Honda’s new four-stroke machinery where it counts.
All of the other Honda Racing MX2 riders will be competing on the CRF250R. RTT Honda’s Carl Nunn is riding with renewed confidence after firing a warning shot to his rivals when he showed good form at the Hawkstone Park KWS International round.
His team-mate Jason Dougan is back to full fitness and raring to go after a bout of food poisoning stopped him from taking part in the event. He looked good in practice despite feeling extremely under the weather.
The only rider who will miss out on this weekend’s opening round at Canada Heights in Kent is Jussi Vehvilainen of the CAS Honda team. Jussi has showed excellent form in the KWS International this year, winning both races at Matchams Park and the first race at Hawkstone. But a crash in the second race caused the rider to re-injure his back – a problem he suffered with last season – and this will keep him out of action this weekend.
Honda Racing Off-Road Co-ordinator Roger Harvey said: “It’s non stop for the boys from here on in. After the first British round they go straight on to GPs. There’s eight British and 16 world rounds with barely a break in between.
“I think they’re ready for it though and I’m confident the riders will claim more titles for Honda Racing in the 2004 off-road season. Our sights are set on the World Championship as well as British this year.”
Pre Event Press Report 2
By RTT Racing (via MX247.com)
RTT HONDA embark on first ever quest for national glory this weekend
Canada Heights, Kent, is the scene of the opening round of the 2004 Maxxis British Motocross Championships this Sunday and the first national event for the RTT Honda racing team.
The four-man line-up, helmed by Mick Aldous and created by entrepreneur Rob Bradley, the force behind the resurgence of the MX British Grand Prix after an absence of three years on the World Championship calendar, is spearheaded by one of the UK’s top riders Carl Nunn with promising youngster Jason Dougan also among the favourites to make an impact on the domestic stage this season. The duo, who are also competing in the 16 round World Championships that commence in two weeks at the Zolder circuit in Belgium, are backed up by Jeff Perrett and Luke Kennett as part of the quartet hoping to trouble the establish ranks of arguably the most competitive national competition in Europe.
RTT is one of several high profile British teams contesting honours at the top level of the sport. Along with the ambition behind the 2004 British Grand Prix being held on the Isle of Wight (30th May), the unit hope to match their undoubted potential with a similarly lofty set of results. Having already tested for several weeks in California and clocked some race time at the Hawkstone Park International meeting last weekend, the crew are now ready to kick off their 2004 campaign in earnest.
"We’re pretty much ready,” commented team manager Mick Aldous. “We’ve had so much help from our sponsors and they have been great. It was a bit of a struggle to be prepared for Hawkstone and to be honest we did not show our true capabilities. Young Jason has been riding superbly recently but he has been under-the-weather and carries a sore shoulder so I am not looking for results from him. I just want him to take it nice and steady because he has so much potential; I don’t want it to be wasted. With regards to Carl, a podium is within reach and would be a good result. We are expecting a top five finish at least but anything can happen in racing, there will be a lot of classy riders there like Swordy and Dobby. A top three result would be a great start.”
“Canada Heights is one of my favourites,” he continued. “The Sidcup club know how to put on a show and the track is always well prepared. The place has a good atmosphere and is a traditionally crowd-puller. I just hope the weather stays fine. There should be quite a few big teams and trucks down there and this always adds a bit of glitz for the public; the presence of these teams is definitely a step in the right direction for the series. It will be a good meeting and hopefully a successful one for us.”
The team will be using Honda 250F four-stroke machines in the MX2 category facing the likes of former British Champions Stephen Sword (factory Kawasaki) and Jamie Dobb.
“I feel like I have worked hard this winter with my training and with the testing so I am excited to be starting the Championship,” remarked Carl Nunn. “The build-up feels like it has taken so long. To get Hawkstone out the way with last week was good, even though we did not have our proper race engines it was still beneficial to see the pace of the other guys. Now we have the right kit in place and I’m feeling confident. With this class it will be all about the start and getting away in the leading positions, this is what I am aiming to do and get on the podium. I’ve liked Canada Heights in the past and I’m not sure what changes they have done to the circuit but it is normally fine, with some fast straights and tight corners. It is a horse power track and has been good for me in the past.”
“I went out and tested yesterday and I’m really pleased with the bike and the set-up we have on it,” said Jason Dougan. “I can’t wait to race now. I haven’t been round Canada Heights all that much but I like the track and did pretty well there with 6th place last year.”
“I really looking forward to Sunday,” said Jeff Perrett. “I have been involved with getting the team set up and running so it will be exciting for me to see us doing well as a group. I have always gone OK at Canada Heights. I know the circuit has changed a little but the ground is good and there is usually a decent crowd. For the race itself I hope to get a steady start and then just relax and have fun. It will be hard to get a high placing what with all these GP riders around these days! I’m 31 now and having competed for 25 years I cannot see there being too much more racing in the future after this season, that’s why I am hoping things go well for the team with Carl and Jason leading the way.”
“I like the track. It’s sandy and cuts up very nicely,” said Luke Kennett. “There are some good jumps and the terrain is grippy. I am a little nervous and ideally I want to qualify for the main race and get some points.”
Canada Heights is one of the UK’s top off-road circuits and is situated within the outskirts of Swanley, Kent. Used by the Sidcup and District Motorcycle club as a racing venue since 1938 the track underwent a revamp in 1985 to form the professional and established infrastructure that stands today. Fast and spectacular, Canada Heights is a popular place and a fitting location to open this years eight round series.
The weather forecast for the weekend is bright, cloudy with moderate temperatures
After Sunday’s activities the calendar follows:
Pre Event Press Report 3
By Brian Edwards (Sidcup & DMCC Press Officer)
With only just a few weeks until the Sidcup Clubs first round of the Maxxis British Motocross Championship at the spectacular International “Canada Heights” course near Swanley, Kent. After weeks of hard work on the track and facilities everything is like a tightly coiled spring – all set to go - with the organisers pulling out all the stops to produce another exciting and memorable start to the eight round series.
Last years first round was nothing short of sensational. The racing was breathtaking. The weather perfect - which produced massive crowds - and the fit young gladiators on their spectacular machines provided everyone with precisely what they had paid for.
Although there have been some tweaks made to the race format by the ACU this year the new formula still promises to be exciting. Concerned by the fact that a number of spectators started to leave before the final big race was over, in their wisdom they have scrapped this in favour of a new two race format - two open and two 125 races – each of 30 minutes duration. In addition to this there are the support races. This format will be tried this year and only time will tell whether it will do the trick.
The thundering new four-stroke machines continue to increase in numbers and make their mark. Last years event saw young Billy MacKenzie debut the new super trick Yamaha YZ250F. In addition to this there was the appearance of several other manufactures latest models. The new Yam soon showed its potential by winning the first race. These new four-strokes are extremely high tech, amazingly light and staggeringly quick and sound like motorbikes, with the added bonus that they don’t emit smoke and fumes like two strokes.
Last years overall 125cc victor at the Heights and Maxxis series Champion – now carrying the coveted number one plate - was Team Albion KTM Steven Sword who will be out to make a good start to the season, while number two Tom Church will surely try to put a spanner in his works. With American rider Jeff Dement - who finished runner up in the 2003 Championship - not contesting it this year, Jason Dougan and Adam Lyons will be hoping to get closer to that exalted top spot, however one must not forget that behind them in hot pursuit are a whole bunch of wild men snapping at their heels and at the sensational "Canada Heights" course anything can - and often does – happen on the day.
Team Yamaha Dixon Racing’s Billy MacKenzie took his new Yamaha to a fine first race win, but could not repeat it in the other races. However he still ended his day with a third place overall. American Jeff Dement, Team TAS Suzuki Danny Smyth, Adam Lyons and Jason Dougan all made their last seasons intentions quite clear with excellent results.
While all the riders gave of their best last year - for me - man of the meeting must surely have been Ulsterman Gordon Crockard, the open class winner on the day. With the exception of a few laps in one race - which were led by Japanese rider Yoshitaka Atsuta - “The Crock” romped home to three fine victories on the day and eventually was the seasons open class Champion. Vehvilainen and Yoshi ended the season opener in second and third places in the standings. Excellent results at the first round were also posted by Chris Burnham, Paul Cooper and Mark Hucklebridge.
For 2004 there has been some bike swapping. Finland’s Jussi Vehvilainen has changed from the open class to a 125 while Estonian rider Tanal Leok will be moving from the 125’s to open class – still I believe – with No fear Bruforce Racing.
To give the Championship added interest the series has again attracted an excellent entry of Continental riders who have signed up for the whole British series. In addition to Finlands Jussi Vehvilainen - already mentioned - are three young men a long way from home, South African’s Tyla Ratray and Andre David and Australian Andrew McFarlane all on 125cc machines. Expected to put up a terrific challenge on the day is British ex-World 250cc Champion James Dobb.
Joining Japans Yoshitaka Atsuta and Estonian Tanal Leok in the open class is International rider Josh Coppins from New Zealand. At this time the club are still in negotiations with further International Wild Card riders.
Expecting great crowd support will be local riders Ben Taylor from Purley, Horsham’s Chris Lillywhite, Martin Cuddy from Dartford and Ben Lambert Williams from Kidbrooke all in the 125 class. While open class runners Danny & Jody Smyth would also like to hear cheers from the crowd as they roar past.
Renowned for its additional attractions, the Sidcup Club has again organised a great array of trade stands who will all be keen to lighten your wallet. You can also be assured that you will not go either hungry, or thirsty and the clubs regular caterers - Weaver Bros - will tickle your taste buds with a wide variety of food and drink. For the gentlemen there will also be the popular beer tent.
The Sidcup Club has always considered the event to be a family day out and there will be some childrens entertainment available on the day.
The outstanding "Canada Heights" course is easily found from Junct 3 at the M25/A20 Swanley interchange where it will be clearly signposted and an early arrival is recommended to avoid queuing.
The action kicks off with free practice at 9.30am followed by qualifying and racing at 12.0 noon. Admission is £15 adults. £8 OAP’s and children under 14 free. This represents extremely good value in comparison with other major sporting events.
After months of winter gloom why not drag yourself away from the armchair and Telly, come out of hibernation and get out in the fresh air for a totally awesome, colourful day out. LET US ENTERTAIN YOU!
Enquiries to Marge Clarke on 01634 201268 (evenings) or email her or email the webmaster.
Pre Event Press Report 4
By Brian Edwards (Sidcup & DMCC Press Officer)
With only a few weeks to go now to the first round of the Maxxis British Motocross Championship on March the 14th at the spectacular “Canada Heights” course near Swanley, Kent everything is like a tightly coiled spring – all set to go – and after weeks of work on the track and facilities the club is again set for another exciting and memorable start to the eight round series.
Last year’s round was sensational. The racing was breathtaking. The weather perfect – which attracted massive crowds – and the super fit young gladiators on their spectacular machines provided everyone with precisely what they had paid for.
This year the ACU have made some tweaks to the race format in the hope that it will encourage the spectators to stay to the end. Gone is the final race and in its place are two 125 and two open class races, which are of 30 minutes duration. This format will be tried for this season and only time will tell if it will be a success. In addition to these prestige races are of course the support races.
The thundering new four-stroke machines continue to increase in numbers and make their mark. At last years event Young Billy MacKenzie took the super, very trick new Yamaha YZ250F to a magnificent win in the first race showing its potential. In addition to this there were several other manufacturers latest models. These machines are incredibly light, staggeringly quick and as an added bonus sound like motorbikes, unlike the smelly squeaky two-strokes.
Last years overall 125cc Champion Steven Sword - now carrying the number one plate - will be out to make a good start to the season. Tom Church, who starts in second place, due to American Jeff Dement – runner up in 2003 - not contesting the Championship, will surely be trying to put a spanner in his works while behind them team TAS Suzuki Danny Smyth, Jason Dougan and Adam Lyons will be hoping to get closer to that exalted top spot.
Man of the meeting last year must surely have been Ulsterman Gordon Crockard who romped home to three fine wins culminating in being the seasons overall open class Champion. With the exception of one race - which was briefly led by Japans Yoshitaka Atsuta - he eclipsed everyone.
For 2004 Crockard will have to be on his mettle as behind him are a whole bunch of wild men snapping at his heels, including Estonian rider Tanel Leok who now steps up to the open class, Britain’s Chris Burnham, Paul Cooper and Mark Hucklebridge all set to give their best and at the sensational “Canada Heights” course anything can – often does – happen on the day.
The series has again attracted several foreign riders. Finlands Jussi Vehvilainen is back, but this time on a 125/250F also Yoshitaka Atsuta who has changed to the open class. In addition to these are several young men a long way from home. South Africa’s Tyla Ratray and Andre David will join New Zealander Josh Coppins and Australian Andrew Mc Farlane.
Expecting good crowd support will be local riders Ben Taylor from Purley, Horsham’s Chris Lillywhite, Martin Cuddy from Dartford and Ben Lambert Williams from Kidbrooke all in the open class, while 125/250F class runners Danny and Jody Smyth will also want their share of the applause.
The course is renowned for its superb viewing areas where you can get safely really close to the all the action, in addition to which the Sidcup Club has again organised a great array of trade stands - all keen to lighten your wallet - and during the day you can be assured that you will not go either hungry or thirsty with the caterers tickling your taste buds with a wide variety of hot food and drink. Considered to be a family day out there will also be some children’s entertainment.
The outstanding Canada Heights course is easily reached from junction 3 at the M25/A20 Swanley Interchange where it will be clearly signposted (map here). An early arrival is recommended.
The action kicks off with free practice at 9.30am followed by qualifying and racing at 12.00 noon.
Admission is £15 adults, £8 OAP’s and accompanied children under 14 free.
Why not put the winters gloom behind you and come out for an awe inspiring day out. Let us entertain you.
Enquiries to Marge Clarke on 01634 201268 (evenings) or email her or email the webmaster.
Pre Event Press Report 5
From The Sunday Life (Website) - full story here.
Motorcycling: Gord's out to scale Heights
...as marvel Mac races back
By Harold Crooks
NEWTOWNARDS motocross British Champion Gordon Crockard begins the defence of his title at Canada Heights today, confident that he can retain the crown even at this early stage.
Before setting out for the Kent venue, he told me: "I had a great month of warm weather training in America before last week's opening round of the Ken Winstanley series in England.
"Although I didn't win any races, we learned a lot more about the CAS Honda, which is proving to be very good.
"However there are so many parts we want to change to get it the way I want it, especially for the World Championship. That takes a great deal of time to sort out.
"You get one thing to work, and then move on to something else, and the whole performance alters. Getting all the pieces of the jig-saw to fit is the trick.
"I like a bike that has loads of power low down the rev range, and usually power is associated with higher revs, so we have been working on that a lot, and it is now coming together.
"I used the KWS meeting as a test session really, but had a couple of spills as well. Sunday will be an important day for the team, not only for me. I want a good start to both the British and World Championships.
"I'm confident I can retain my British title, and am aiming to be in the top three in the World Championship, after the first three or four rounds.
"This year's series has been increased to 14 rounds, four more than last year, so I need to be scoring high places right from the start. It's going to be a very busy season with the World and British championships, plus a number of International meetings.
"Unfortunately this means I will not be able to ride at home as much as I would like. I always enjoy riding here as the atmosphere is totally diffferent, with so much less pressure.
"Performing in front of your home fans can be demanding but there is always more time to socialise, and I enjoy that, especially with the guys that I know, and with whom I started racing at places like Ballykelly."
Pre Event Press Report 6
Article from here
Crockard Aims To Make A Point
Motorcycling By Dermot James
GORDON Crockard begins the defence of his British Motocross title at Canada Heights in Kent on Sunday.
The Newtownards rider is confident that he can collect his fourth British Championship in five years.
Crockard has already had what he regards as a couple of warm-up races in England.
"I would be the first to admit that my results weren't exactly inspiring but it was taking part that mattered," explained 25 year old Crockard.
He added: "Those outings were really a test bed for my Honda and at the same time my own fitness was under examination.
"On both counts I was happy although there is still further work to be done to the bike before the world championship starts in Belgium on Sunday week."
Handicapped by a variety of injury problems last season, Crockard has put all of those ailments behind him.
"It's important to score on Sunday because that will put me in good form for Belgium the following week," stressed Crockard.
"The world title has got to be my ultimate goal but at the same time it's important for both myself and my sponsors to hold on to the British crown."
Honda's racing off-road co-ordinator Roger Harvey said: "It's non-stop for the boys from here on in. After the British round they go straight on to the Grand Prix scene. There is eight British and 16 world rounds with barley a break in between."
Cookstown's Richard McKeown will also be riding a Honda in Sunday's open races while Adam Lyons and Wayne Garrett make up the Classic Glass KTM Team.
Lyons, who was 10th and 13th at the big international last weekend in Hawkstone Park, is aiming for a top three in the 125 British championship.
Track report
Working parties are progressing every weekend and extensive fencing repairs have been carried out as well as the creation of a new section of track (more details to follow).
Gold Card Tickets
A day out at the races!
As in recent years the Sidcup Club is operating a "Gold Card" scheme for spectators at the Earlybirds British Championship Moto-Cross on Sunday 14th March. Holders of Gold Card passes will enjoy: -
Special treatment including VIP enclosure parking and all day entry to a restricted access marquee, which will be serving tea and coffee throughout the event. A silver service three course meal, introduction to all the teams and the opportunity to watch the racing from a private viewing platform.
Consider offering your clients a different corporate day out, you can be assured that they will see exciting racing with the benefit of their being pampered in luxury surroundings and a warm dry hospitable retreat should the weather be poor.
Additionally there is the chance to network with influential members of the motorcycle fraternity, local business's and politicians. Any of which could benefit your business or that of your clients.
Cost is being maintained at £35 per person and must be pre booked, To facilitate your client's stress free day maps tickets and details of nearby accommodation can be supplied directly to your clients.
Apply by email or send an application form (here in PDF - Get Acrobat Reader here) to Marge Clarke.
More Information
For more information on the whole British motocross championship series go to MXGB.info