The final round of the Dirt Store ACU British Motocross Championship will take place at Preston Docks this weekend, in what looms as a fascinating end to the season.
With the captivating battle royale between Jeffrey Herlings and Conrad Mewse set to reach its climax, much of the attention will be on this tussle for MX1 supremacy, as well as the fiercely-competitive MX2 championship fight (more on that later).
With the Red Bull KTM star confirming after the MXGP of China he’s suffering from two broken ribs that occurred in Turkey, it’ll be intriguing seeing how the ultra-tough #84 fares dealing with this painful ailment.
Meanwhile, expect Crendon Honda hotshot Mewse, who was recently selected to Team GB for the Motocross of Nations alongside Max Anstie and Tommy Searle, to come out swinging fresh from going 1-1 at the Bridgestone Masters to do everything in his power to close the 15-point gap to Herlings in the title duel.
“I really had to think about how to get close to the fastest man on the planet, which is a first for me. But it’s been good, as it has taken me to a whole new level. I feel like I’m better in myself this year. I’m 15 points behind going into the last round, but anything can happen,” said Mewse after Schoolhouse.
Meanwhile, SS24 ace Josh Gilbert will be eager to keep up his solid form following his strong recent MXGP results and impressive third overall at the penultimate stop on the calendar in the British Championship.
Having grabbed fourth at the previous event, Taylor Hammel will be one to watch too, as the likes of Brad Todd, Jason Meara, Tristan Purdon, Tom Grimshaw, Bobby Bruce and Martin Barr will be snapping at his heels for a top-five finish as well.
Then, in the MX2 class, expect a dramatic finale, with Cas Valk leading Tommy Searle by just one point heading into Preston Docks.
Joel Rizzi and Jack Chambers aren’t far off either, with both still in with a legitimate chance of glory in this stacked category, which sees the top four separated by only 13 points.
The momentum, however, is unquestionably on Searle’s side, as he’s triumphed at the last two rounds, recently won the Fastest 40 and the VMXdN and has also been named to Team GB for the upcoming MXoN on home soil.
He certainly won’t have it all his own way, though, for the other contenders will be chomping at the bit to rise to the occasion and flex their muscles.
The many support classes, such as the 65cc, Small Wheel 85cc, Big Wheel 85cc, MXY1 and MXY2 will duly add to the entertainment on show.
With so much to be decided at Preston Docks to close out the campaign and the racing sure to be littered with thrilling action, this is a round not to be missed.
Until then, keep up to date with all the latest on Live Motocross and RHL Activities.
Image: British MX
