The highly anticipated 2024 Dirt Store ACU British Motocross Championship kicked off in style at Lyng in what was a riveting round of action to breathe life into the new season.
While the wet and muddy conditions threw up a challenge, there was no denying excitement was aplenty at the opener, with Red Bull KTM star Jeffrey Herlings reigning supreme in the MX1 class and Gabriel SS24 KTM ace Cas Valk victorious in MX2.
To start with the premier class, and the battle for supremacy was gripping between heavy hitters Herlings, who was making his return to Lyng for the first time in three years thanks to the support of Stebbings Car Superstore, GoggleTek and Norwich Vikings MC, and Crendon Tru7 Honda speedster and defending champion Conrad Mewse, as the dynamic duo shared moto victories.
Setting a rapid pace at the head of the pack, the fans were treated to a real spectacle watching the Brit and Dutchman duking it out, but it was ultimately Herlings that took the win by virtue of his smashing second moto victory.
Having mentioned on the podium he broke four ribs at the MXGP round in Sardinia, this made The Bullet’s triumph all the more impressive and served as yet another testament to his toughness, skill and insatiable appetite for racing.
Rounding out the podium was Gabriel SS24’s Josh Gilbert with 3-4 moto scores, ahead of Jason Meara, Brad Todd and the charging pack behind that featured the likes of Martin Barr, Sam Nunn, Carlton Husband, Tristan Purdon, Dan Thornhill and Tom Grimshaw.
Meanwhile, MX2 provided immense entertainment for the fans as well on a weekend where Valk edged out Jack Chambers for the overall.
Winning the first moto comfortably, all eyes were on the second stanza to see if Chambers could go 1-1 on a track he clearly enjoys, but it was Valk who stormed to glory to seal the win courtesy of Chambers claiming third due to being forced to valiantly surge through the pack without goggles.
Dirt Store Kawasaki hotshots Tommy Searle and Joel Rizzi then banked third and fourth in this extremely competitive category. Heading down the list, it’s clear just how stacked MX2 is, as Dylan Walsh, Alfie Jones, Ben Mustoe, Taylor Hammal, Jamie Wainwright, Ollie Colmer, Jake Nicholls, Joe Brookes, Charlie Cole, Charlie Heyman and Billy Askew placed fifth to 15th.
The blistering action at the opener notably extended to the Veterans, 250cc and 125cc classes, where Brad Anderson, Reece Jones and Jamie Keith were victorious in their respective divisions.
Thrilling, engaging and full of fascinating storylines, the first round of the British Championship certainly delivered a day to remember for all.
The series now heads to Canada Heights for round two on the 26th of May, which looms as another captivating stop on the calendar, and one that’s definitely not to be missed.
Until then, keep up to date with all the latest on Live Motocross and RHL Activities.
Images: Conway MX
