TMX Grand Prix Great Britain – Round 8 FIM Trial World
Championship 2007
Hawkstone Park 28/29 July 2007
 The
opening round of the 2007 FIM Spea Trial World Championship
held in Spain earlier this month provided a great preview
to the campaign ahead and the fantastic battle that is sure
to unfold as the Worlds best trials riders fight to become
the new King. Although the series will not visit the UK until
late July, preparations are already underway to ensure that
the TMX Grand Prix Great Britain keeps its place as one of
the best events on the tour, as it has done over the last
two years. The famous Hawkstone Park circuit will once again
host Britain’s most prestigious trial, which will take
place on 28/29 July.
British interest in the title race, not only in the World
pro class, but also in both the Junior and Youth classes could
not be higher, with the prospect of a home winner in all three
categories being a real possibility. Twelve times World champion
Dougie Lampkin continues to lead the charge in the top class,
and his third place at the opening GP confirms that his dream
of an eighth outdoor crown remains within his reach.
Commenting about the 2007 season Lampkin said. “I think
some people thought I would be just making up the numbers
this year, but hopefully after finishing on the podium in
Spain they will realise that I am as committed as ever to
winning. I know it is going to be difficult to out ride by
younger rivals, but I have experience on my side. You have
got to take each round at a time, but I can’t help thinking
about winning my 100th Grand Prix and coming to Hawkstone
Park with a real shout of taking the title. Winning there
in 2005 ranks as one of my best victories ever, and with no
British round planned for 2008 and 2009, this year might just
be my last ever home GP.”
Lampkin will be backed up by reigning European champion James
Dabill in the World pro category, the youngster from Leeds
proving to be the sensation of the first round with a career
best sixth position, a result he may secretly be hoping to
improve on when he visits home soil later in the year. Flying
the flag equally high in the Junior class is Dabill’s
ex team mate Michael Brown. The Beta rider romped to a massive
victory in Spain to confirm to his main rivals that he is
serious about taking the title this season, after he slipped
to third in 2006 despite leading the series during the first
part of the year.
Having won the 2006 World Youth championship Alexz Wigg has
elected to move up to the Junior class a year early, with
his age restricting him to compete on a 125cc machine against
the larger capacity bikes of his older competitors. Despite
this disadvantage Wigg secured an incredible third spot at
the first GP, and will be relying on some loud home support
to urge him up the steep Shropshire sections later in the
year. Ross Danby took the same position in the Youth category
in Spain, and completes the pack of British riders with a
real hope for success in 2007, especially when the action
arrives at Hawkstone Park.
The TMX Grand Prix Great Britain will take place over two
days once again, with the trial itself taking place throughout
Sunday. Saturday’s programme will be packed with autograph
sessions with the top riders, official practice and an extended
version of the Mini Masters trial, which was received so well
on its introduction last year. Adding extra weight to Saturday
and new for 2007 will be public test sessions, with all the
manufacturers pledging their support to supply bikes and personnel
so visitors can actually ride the latest models – more
details regarding this unique opportunity will be released
over the coming months.
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