The battle to be Britain’s best goes East

Published: 25th April 2008

Author: G2F

Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship 2008 Round 4 – Lyng – Sunday 4th May

Norwich Vikings have the honour of hosting round four of the 2008 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship. This will take place on Sunday 4th May and will mark the halfway point in the series as it continues its tour of the UK mainland before it moves on to Northern Ireland for the next encounter in late June.

The Cadders Hill circuit near Lyng, Norfolk is the furthest point East on the campaign, and is always a popular stop on the tour for both riders and fans alike.

The rolling grass valley, with its sandy track surface has been home to British championship meetings in their various different disguises for over twenty years. In addition to being a loyal supporter of the domestic series, Lyng also hosted a 125 Grand Prix back in 1993.

Although over half the season remains, few would bet against reigning MX1 British champion Billy MacKenzie – CAS Honda retaining his title. MacKenzie has been faultless in the opening three rounds, taking six start to flag wins in as many races. Billy’s total domination of the MX1 class has not only given him a 100% record, but also a massive forty-four point lead over his rivals  before the second half of the series has even begun.

The Kawasaki pairing of Mark Jones and Tom Church are currently the best of the rest and find themselves locked on one hundred and six points apiece in second place in the overall MX1 standings. Mark Hucklebridge – Motoextreme Kawasaki was the surprise package at the last round, taking third place overall to hoist himself to eighth position in the championship.

Stephen Sword – Molson Kawasaki currently heads the battle for the MX2 title, with the twenty eight year old having narrowly out pointed his main rival Shaun Simpson – KTM at a very muddy Torrington. Sword last won the MX2 domestic series back in 2004, before two injury hit seasons temporarily sidelined the young Scot.

Ironically it is a fellow Scotsman in the form of Simpson who is proving to be the strongest threat to Sword recapturing the MX2 crown. The twenty year old from St. Andrews started strongly in 2007, but an injury prevented him competing in three rounds and wrecked his title chances. Simpson currently trails his more experienced counterpart by sixteen points, but will be looking to close this gap as the action shifts east. UTAG Yamaha rider Martin Barr completes the leading trio in this class, and remains very much in contention for the championship at this stage in the series.

The day will begin with MX2 practice at 9.30am, this will be followed immediately by MX1 practice before the riders autograph session at 11.30am. The first MX2 encounter is scheduled for 1.05pm, with action right through to the last MX1 race at 4.30pm.The Cadders Hill track is situated one mile North of the A1067 Norwich to Fakenham Road, or three miles from the A47 Norwich to King's Lynn Road and will be signposted from these major roads on the day of the event. For those with the luxury of satellite navigation systems, the track can be located using the postcode NR9 5AL.

For further information and all the latest series news please visit www.mxgb.co.uk