Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship 2008
Round 2 – Canada Heights – Preview
Canada Heights set to stage second round
 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.
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.
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