Sunday sees the 32nd staging of the always popular AMCA Weymouth Beach Moto-cross event which has again attracted a massive entry! Hosted by the hard working Purbeck MXC in conjunction with the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, the aim is for everyone to enjoy a fun, end of season meeting whilst raising as much money as possible for local charities. Each and every year, the thousands of spectators who line the Esplanade can watch the action for FREE, the only ask being that they either purchase an event programme or donate to one of the many bucket collections throughout the day.
The format of the event is three Unlimited classes for riders of either Juniors, Seniors or Experts ability, each having two moto’s apiece. Yes the Weymouth circuit is shorter and far less complicated than Weston, but the ultra-soft, axle deep Dorset sand always guarantees a very stern test ahead for all of the willing warriors!
In the 2016 Experts class, local Maxxis British Championship rider Jake Shipton returns to defend his Weymouth crown and will certainly start as favourite. In the fast, sand-blasting Experts battles run over two moto’s of a tough 25 minutes duration, Crescent KTM mounted Shipton will have a whole host of AMCA Championship boy’s looking to hunt him down! Leading the challenge will be the reigning AMCA MX2 Champion Josh Waterman along with the likes of James Dodd, Clinton Barrs, Luke Mellows, Paul Neale and Matt Ridgway who finished in a fantastic 12th spot during last weekend’s big Weston bash. Also defending his 2015 title will be Seniors class winner Brett Moore whilst female riders Gemma Holtham and the talented Wiltshire sisters of Camilla and Catherine King will again be tackling the Weymouth Beach contest.
So, get down to the Esplanade on the gorgeous Weymouth seafront for an afternoon of great beach racing. Remember it’s FREE to spectate with practice starting at Midday and the first race due to blast off at 1.00pm. Words and pic by Mike Wood.