Let's get it on
By TMX Archives on 17th Mar 03
Make a date for KWS British International MX series Top riders plus top tracks plus top prize-money equals top entertainment - that's the simple formula that KWS British International Masters MX promoter Ken Winstanley is working with for his '03 series. The six-round championship, kicking off over the weekend of February 22/23 at Matchams Park, caters for all classes of rider from 65cc Juniors through to Open class Pros with a liberal sprinkling of world class wildcards thrown in for good measure. The rounds will be filmed by Kenny Kay for broadcast later in the year on Men and Motors and, almost certainly, Eurosport. Negotiations are also taking place with Channel 4 to screen the youth races on terrestrial television. Ken is optimistic that the KWS Masters, now in its second year, will continue to grow. "I'd like to see this championship build and build and draw in sponsorship from outside," he explains. "I want it to be the biggest and the best and with the people we've got behind us I think we can do it. We've got a great team and they're all professional - they all know what they've got to do and how to do it. It's the way forward." The biggest hurdle to pushing motocross into the mainstream is the lack of outside sponsors - something Ken is keen to remedy. "I don't think the riders are getting what they deserve and I don't think the teams are getting what they deserve. It's hard for teams - they struggle to get sponsorship and money and I want to put something back. "We're bringing outside sponsors in and hopefully they're going to look at teams, like what they see and want to have their names on the shirts - this way I think we can generate more sponsorship." Last year's defending Pro champions - Stephen Sword and Jamie Dobb - will be in action at Matchams along with the likes of Ken's son Matt, Tom Church, Billy MacKenzie, Neil Prince, James Noble, Mark Jones, Rob Herring and Mark Hucklebridge. Spectators will also see Carl Nunn making his MJ Church Kawasaki debut alongside team-mate Marko Kovalainen while German GP star Pit Beirer will compete as a wildcard. And as dbr went to press Ken was confident that US rider Ryan Hughes will also take up a wildcard ride in the Pro 125cc class. While the Pro classes are the obvious draw, Ken's got a full line-up of the country's top youth riders - something he sees as vitally important for the development of the sport. "The kids have some great prize packages and can win bikes and tyres," says Ken. "At the end of the day they will all benefit from it and there's also the exposure in front of potential sponsors." Another driving force has been the AMCA who sanction the KWS MX series - and Ken feels their support has played a vital role. "The AMCA and Don Green have been absolutely fantastic - they've backed us all the way. You ask Don a question and he'll give you a straight answer which suits me and suits him. It's the way to get things done." After kicking off at Matchams, the action moves to Southport's Leisure Lakes, then a new venue on the Isle of Man before pitching camp at the former British GP track at Foxhill. Next up is Lisburn in Northern Ireland before the series signs off at Donington Park. "We need to go to different tracks rather than the same old tracks every year," adds Ken. "And if the tracks are not good enough quality when we get there, by the time we've finished with them they will be. "One of our biggest advantages is the support of Hydrex Komatsu - without them we couldn't go and develop the tracks. We also use Paul Malin and Rob Herring to help with the circuit design and, obviously, Matt and Stephen Sword have some input." Admission charges are £15 for adults, £5 for five to 14-year-olds and free for under fives - although dbr readers can cut out the coupon on page 15 and save a fiver. There will also be free camping and a bar and disco on the Friday and Saturday nights. For more information contact the info lines on 01942 866669/07774 217932 or check out the website at www.kwsmx.com