A thrilling final round of the Dirt Store ACU British Motocross Championship took place at an absolutely packed Preston Docks, as Jeffrey Herlings secured the MX1 crown and Cas Valk banked the MX2 title.
With all to play for heading into the finale, Herlings deserves immense credit for battling through the pain barrier to overcome his broken ribs and arm burns to reign supreme.
Claiming the win by virtue of his 2-1 moto scores, this was enough for him to wrap up the championship at Preston Docks. “P1 today at the last round of the British Championship. It was a great experience to race the British Championship this season, and to win it is the cherry on the cake,” he explained.
Mewse’s outstanding performance also warranted plenty of praise, for the Crendon Tru7 Honda ace won the first moto and bagged the fastest lap time in both races on his way to second overall.
While he ultimately couldn’t achieve his aim of powering to the title, there’s no doubting he should be satisfied with his campaign duking it out with the Red Bull KTM legend. Rising to the occasion regularly to beat and match it with the #84, Mewse will be eager to translate his form to Team GB at the upcoming Motocross of Nations on home soil.
Behind the dynamic duo was Josh Gilbert, who impressed again to go 3-3, as this served as a quality hit-out for him ahead of the MXGP finale in Spain next weekend.
Tristan Purdon then took home fourth following 4-4 moto finishes to cross the line in front of Bobby Bruce, Taylor Hammal, Brad Todd, Tom Grimshaw, Martin Barr and Jason Meara.
Meanwhile, the fascinating tussle for MX2 title supremacy, which four riders could claim heading in, was won by the tremendously talented Cas Valk.
Producing a statement ride to triumph in both motos by over 20 seconds, the Gabriel SS24 KTM speedster ran out a deserved victor. “Perfect day today with 1-1 scores to take the championship win! Thanks to the team and everyone who helped me! This one feels good,” insisted a delighted Valk.
Although Dirt Store Kawasaki star Tommy Searle fell just short of glory, his 2-2 was still a strong effort, as he grabbed second in the standings.
Dylan Walsh notably ended his term in style by finishing third overall in this stacked class just ahead of young gun Billy Askew.
Championship contender Jack Chambers rode to fifth, in what was a tough day at the office for the American, ahead of Jake Nicholls, Charlie Heyman, Glenn McCormick, Alfie Jones and Joel Rizzi, who had a day littered with setbacks to admirably fight to 12th.
The many support classes ensured the interest didn’t end there from what was an enthralling weekend, as Reece Jones (250cc), Josh Vail (125cc), Hayden Statt (85cc Big Wheel), Arthur Moore (85cc Small Wheel) and Cohen Jagielski (65cc) notably clinched their respective championships.
That’s a wrap on an exhilarating 2024 British Championship, which featured scintillating action at every round and delivered a superb spectacle for the fans, with this year’s excitement-filled edition sure to be remembered for many years to come.
Image: Supplied
