MX Diary: AMCA Action
By Mike Wood on 5th Apr 17
The 2017 AMCA British Motocross Championship kicks off on Sunday (April 9) at Minchinhampton in Gloucestershire and what a series it promises to be with all classes MX1, MX2, Two-stroke and Vets stacked full of fast riders!
New riders come into the series powered by Datatag and supported by Dunlop and existing riders switching classes and teams have added extra spice to the championship and the opening round is on a brand-new circuit so no-one will have the added advantage of knowing the track.
In MX1 reigning champion Luke Burton (FUS Husqvarna) goes again in defence of his title.
"It's been a very good off-season for me this year,” said Luke, "working with Justin Morris and friends Rhys Meakin and Luke Ursell. Rhys has helped me in his gym – Shreds Fitness – and I can say I am feeling 100 per cent and certainly ready for the new season.”
Burton's challengers include Gary Gibson, James Dodd, Richard Cannings, Ryan Crowder, John May, Luke Meredith and Adam Harris. You can also throw into the mix riders of the calibre of Shane Carless and Curtis Blamey plus 2016 MX2 contenders Paul Neale, Zac Stealey and Adam Wells along with last year's two-stroke champion Ben Saunders.
Defending his MX2 crown, Josh Waterman (JD Racing/IDS KTM) is ready for another tough challenge ahead.
"Preparation for this season has been weird as I picked up a hand injury in September which then took three months to heal,” said Josh. "Once fit the wet winter weather then stopped me from getting out on the bike so I spent a lot of the time in the gym instead.
"I feel ready but know that MX2 is definitely going to be as strong and competitive as ever. I now can't wait to get behind the gate and go racing.”
Top-three finishers in 2016, Jansen Day and Lewis King both go again but are now team-mates racing for TMC Kawasaki. Bradley Tranter, Cory McShane and James Wainwright will also be out to challenge Waterman along with Ray Rowson, Jack Gardner and Lee Truman.
Dropping down from MX1 to try their luck on the 250F machines are 2015 champion Luke Dean and Clinton Barrs while Jack Cox, a double MX2 champion, returns after injury.
With Saunders moving up to MX1 the two-smoker class will see a new champion this season. Finishing second and third last year, James Lane and Richard Lloyd will fancy their chances as will Rory Jones, Sam Callow, Jamie Powell, Matthew Nash and Jack Waterman. Dropping down from MX1 are Brad Turner, Scot Bates and Sam Smith.
Vets champion Matt Gordon is a non-starter this time around so Simon Lane and Terry House look to be the pre-season favourites to take home the 2017 title!
The circuit can be found just off the A419 Cirencester to Stroud road. Racing gets under way at 11am and the postcode is GL6 8HS. Admission is £7 for adults and £2 for OAPs and under 12s.
With the organising Dursley MXC also providing Saturday night live music and a bar there will be overnight camping available for £5.
