The second round of the 2024 Dirt Store ACU British Motocross Championship didn’t disappoint at Canada Heights, as the many fans in attendance were treated to some sensational action.
With the stage set for Jeffrey Herlings and Conrad Mewse to battle it out for MX1 supremacy again, the Bullet prevailed over the Brit. Going 1-1 in fine style, the Red Bull KTM star masterfully navigated the demanding track to reign triumphant over the Crendon Tru7 Honda speedster, who went 2-2.
Securing the fastest lap time in both motos, there was no stopping Herlings on his way to victory, in his quest to get back to a level resembling his best.
Coming in third was SC Sporthomes Husqvarna’s Tristan Purdon, with him bouncing back brilliantly after an unsatisfactory opener. Having also shone in the recent Fastest40 encounter, things are positively heading in the right direction for the #41.
Then came Gabriel SS24 KTM’s Josh Gilbert, Martin Barr and Jamie Carpenter to round out the top six on what was a quality day in the premier class.
Meanwhile in MX2, and this stacked class produced even more tremendously exciting action. Rising to the occasion and handling the conditions with aplomb, Jack Chambers emerged victorious by virtue of his 2-1 moto scores. Looking terrific on the Canada Heights surface and negotiating the plethora of fierce battles, the American came up trumps to gather some crucial momentum ahead of the upcoming MX2 hit-out in Germany.
Dirt Store Kawasaki hotshot Joel Rizzi also enjoyed a memorable weekend at the office too by claiming an exceptional first moto win, where he took the holeshot and led every lap, before getting fifth in the second race following some adversity, to finish second overall.
“What a day. I got my first British race win in race one with a perfect race – holeshot and leading every lap. But frustrated how race two panned out – messed up the second corner then came from outside the top 10 to fifth. Couldn’t for the life of me make the pass for fourth even though I was quicker. But finished second overall and I’m getting better every race and proud of getting myself to where I belong,” Rizzi explained.
Cas Valk continued his promising form, for the talented Dutchman rode to third overall even though he had the pace for more, which was illustrated by him banking the fastest lap in moto two, only for poor starts to cost him.
Behind them was a host of heavy hitters such as Tommy Searle, Taylor Hammal, Dylan Walsh, Elliott Banks-Browne, Jake Nicholls and Joe Brookes occupying positions four to 10.
The entertainment extended to the 250cc, 125cc and the BW85 support classes to amplify the spectacle for the big crowd on hand.
Following an exceptional second stop on the calendar at Canada Heights, that was littered with storylines and key takeaways, all eyes will now turn to round three at Monster Mountain.
Expert fireworks aplenty here too, as the series is starting to take shape and develop some strong contenders across the classes.
Image: Red Bull KTM / Ray Archer
