Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship 2008
Round 3 – Torrington – Sunday 13th April
The championship fight moves to Devon
 Sunday
13th April will see the third round of the 2008 Maxxis ACU
British Motocross Championship take place at a revamped Torrington
circuit, as the action shifts south to Devon. It has been
several years since the venue last hosted a top-flight meeting,
so much work has been done in preparation to ensure that the
high standards the championship demands are delivered.
Whilst much of the tried and tested circuit remains, Justin
Barclay who created the new MXGP track at Donington Park,
has worked his magic to bring some exciting new elements to
an otherwise traditional track. With excellent viewing opportunities,
the track has two distinctive halves, a drier upper section
and a damp lower part. These elements will combine to create
one of the toughest physical challenges for the riders in
the season to date.
Reigning MX1 British champion Billy MacKenzie – CAS
Honda will arrive in Devon with his 100% record intact after
having dominated all four motos so far. Such has been MacKenzie’s
speed at the opening round it is difficult to see who can
stop him charging on to retain his crown with some ease. That
said the nature of the Torrington circuit may just unsettle
the young Scot, and provide his rivals with the opportunity
to upset the form book.
Currently it is Brad Anderson – Swift Suzuki who is
closest to MacKenzie in the title fight, and is one such rider
who will no doubt relish his visit to Devon. Other British
riders who may also be more suited to this traditional venue
are Mark Jones – Kawasaki, Tom Church – Molson
Kawasaki and James Noble – KTM. The latter who will
be hoping to put an end to his poor start to the series by
his own high standards. Kenneth Gundersen – UTAG Yamaha
who appears to be getting stronger every week, will once again
head the overseas challenge.
The battle for supremacy in the MX2 class is a far more complicated
affair and one that is sure not to be decided until the final
race of the last round of the season. Crowd favourite Stephen
Sword – Molson Kawasaki is the man who currently heads
the championship standings, thanks to some consistent showings
at the opening two rounds.
Whilst Sword may have the crowd behind him, it is Shaun Simpson
– KTM UK who is very much the man of the moment after
having won both motos at Canada Heights both with style and
speed. Simpson is third in the series at the moment, but sits
only four points behind Martin Barr – UTAG Yamaha at
this early stage of what is sure to be a long and tough campaign.
2007 MX2 British champion Mike Brown – CAS Honda will
be hoping for better fortunes at Torrington, having endured
two dismal performances in the first two rounds. He will be
amongst a victory hungry chasing pack that is sure to include
the likes of Pascal Leuret – Swift Suzuki and Gareth
Swanepoel – Molson Kawasaki to mention just two.
The packed programme will start at 9.00am with time training
for the MXY2 youth class. All the top riders will take place
in an official autograph session just ahead of the first race
at 12.15pm, which will signal the start of the action proper.
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