The Dirt Store ACU British Motocross Championship returned in style at Schoolhouse in what was an action-packed penultimate round.
To start with the premier class, and there was no stopping the exceptional Jeffrey Herlings, for he put in a scintillating showing to go 1-1.
Banking the fastest lap in both motos and impressively holding off the challenge from Conrad Mewse, Herlings’ commanding performance puts him in the driving seat to claim the title heading into the finale.
The aforementioned Mewse grabbed a strong second to underline his class yet again and that he has what it takes to keep giving the #84 a good run for his money.
A fourth and a third in the two races was enough for Josh Gilbert to claim third overall, as he keeps building momentum as the season progresses after a tough start to the year.
Taylor Hammal sealed fourth by virtue of his 3-4 moto scores to tie on points with Gilbert, with him producing a polished ride to cross the line ahead of Brad Todd, Jason Meara, Tristan Purdon, Tom Grimshaw, Bobby Bruce and Martin Barr.
Upon switching the focus to MX2, this class was littered with pulsating racing as usual. It would be Tommy Searle who rose to the occasion, however, to secure victory with an outstanding 1-1 to continue his sensational form.
Following Searle’s latest masterclass, the popular star has now closed the gap to just one point to Cas Valk atop the standings.
Despite enduring goggle issues in both motos, second overall went to Dylan Walsh, who went 2-3 to illustrate his quality fresh from racing the MXGP of Switzerland.
The final step on the podium was bagged by Joel Rizzi. Having been taken out in the opening race before admirably recovering to clinch fifth, he then finished second in the last moto to still take home a handy points haul.
Fellow championship contenders Cas Valk and Jack Chambers took fourth and fifth respectively ahead of the likes of Elliott Banks-Browne, Glenn McCormick, Jake Nicholls, Ollie Colmer, Joe Brookes, Charlie Cole, Steven Clarke, Alfie Jones and Billy Askew in this ultra-competitive division.
The many support classes ensured the entertainment didn’t end there from what was a pulsating weekend.
All eyes will quickly turn to Preston Docks for the last stop on the calendar, which looms as a captivating finale to close out what’s been a thrilling campaign across the categories.
Until then, keep up to date with all the latest on Live Motocross and RHL Activities.
Image: Red Bull KTM / Ray Archer
