| With British riders well-placed among the top-10 of the World Enduro Super Series, the addition of the UK’s Hawkstone Park Cross-Country is a fitting entry to the 2018 calendar. Taking place at one of the country’s most iconic off-road venues, the Hawkstone Park facility has played host to some incredible battles in the worlds of Motocross, Trials and Enduro over the years.
Thanks to the efforts of Paul Edmondson and his Fast Eddy Racing organisational team that tradition continues in 2018 with two days of action-packed Enduro racing for 500 amateur and professional riders in what’s set to become a welcomed festival of Enduro.
“Becoming a part of the 2018 World Enduro Super Series means a lot to our race. To have the world’s best Enduro riders come and race at Hawkstone Park side-by-side with amateur and weekend riders will really elevate the status of the event,” tells Edmondson.
“We’re hoping to see 500 riders come out in force and compete during the two-day event, with 250 lining up in Sunday’s feature race the ‘Original Fast Eddy’. Hopefully it will result in a full-house of spectators coming to watch the racing. It’ll be a festival of Enduro that the UK needs right now.”
Marking round six of WESS, the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country will feature an action-packed schedule for competitors of all abilities on September 22/23. Saturday’s highlight will be the Sprint Enduro comprising of an Enduro special test around the surrounding woodland and a Motocross test on the iconic Hawkstone Park circuit, while Sunday’s feature event will see 250 competitors go head-to-head in a two-and-a-half hour Cross-Country race. In between are races for children and hobby riders, which will ensure the action is non-stop as Paul explains…
“With races to suit all abilities during the two days, there is something for everyone. If you just want to have a go at riding the circuit you can take your bike out on Saturday morning’s practice session and ride with no pressure.
“There’s a Sprint Enduro on Saturday and then a children’s race on Sunday morning followed by the ‘Steady Eddy’ hobby race. It’s important that families can let their children race the same track as the Pro riders and then still watch the top guys go bar-to-bar later that afternoon.
“Hawkstone Park is sandy in nature and as a result will be rough and tough with 500 riders competing. Racing it for two and a half hours will be a big challenge for the riders, especially when we add in the best bits of the Motocross circuit and some gnarly woodland Enduro sections.
“The mix of terrain will suit different riders in different places, so the course will level the playing field. Physical fitness and mental stamina will play a key role in Sunday’s racing for sure. Whatever happens, we’re going to be guaranteed some action-packed racing.”
While home favourites like Billy Bolt (Husqvarna), Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna), Paul Bolton (KTM) and Nathan Watson (KTM) continue their fight to win this year’s championship, the accessibility of the WESS format will allow hidden local talent to compete against the very best Enduro riders on the world stage.
“To have five British riders inside the top 10 overall in WESS shows just how strong Enduro is in the UK. And while guys like Billy Bolt, Nathan Watson, Graham Jarvis and Paul Bolton will no doubt battle for the podium against riders like Josep Garcia, Taddy Blazusiak and Wade Young there’s going to be some spoilers in the mix too,” considers Paul.
“There is a good fast crop of local riders who will want to use this opportunity to showcase their skills on the world stage. Guys like Tom Sagar, Alex Snow, Darryl Bolter and more are going to be up the sharp end of the results, too.
“One of the best things about WESS is that a local rider can turn up, qualify and sit on the start line next to his hero. For the next two-and-a-half hours they are equals, banging bars and enjoying the track — that’s a rarity in motorsport.”
The World Enduro Super Series continues with round six at the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country in Great Britain on September 22/23.
Hawkstone Park Cross-Country Event Information
Website: www.fasteddyracing.com
Facebook: Fast Eddy Racing
Hawkstone Park Cross-Country Schedule
Saturday, 22 September
Open Practice: 09.00 – 12.00hrs
Fast Eddy Sprint Enduro: 12.30 – 17.30hrs
Sunday, 23 September
Youth Race: 09.00 – 10.00hrs
Steady Eddy Race: 10.30 – 12.30hrs
Original Fast Eddy: 13.00 – 15.30hrs |
