The Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship supported by Pro Clean heads to the superb Blaxhall circuit in Suffolk for round six on Sunday.
Returning to the championship calendar in 2015 after a long absence, the flowing sand track made an immediate impact and last year the Woodbridge & DMCC was awarded the coveted Maxxis Organiser of the Year award.
With five rounds down and three to go it’s Graeme Irwin (Buildbase Honda) who holds a healthy 39-point lead in MX1 from Gert Krestinov (Phoenix Tools Honda Racing).
Following last month’s tragic death of Steven Lenoir, who stills sits third in the table, it’s two-time champ Brad Anderson (Verde Sports Racing KTM) who’s next in line 59 points off the pace with Elliott Banks-Browne (Geartec Husqvarna) in fifth 85 points behind.
Irwin is the big-bike rider on form at the moment having taken maximums at the last two rounds and will start favourite but EBB, who will be the local hero at Blaxhall, is also in great form and will hope to end the Irishman’s win-streak.
Krestinov also goes well in the sand and needs to reduce Irwin’s lead if he’s going to stop the Irishman taking the championship a round early at Preston Docks at the end of the month.
Ando’s a force to be reckoned with on any surface and was second overall at Desertmartin. If he can put himself between the two leaders he could play a part in where the championship ultimately ends and if either slip up you can be sure he’ll be ready to take advantage.
Down in MX2 it’s Ben Watson (Hitachi KTM UK) who has led the series since the opening round and he currently enjoys a 41-point lead from Martin Barr (Buildbase Honda) who heads into Blaxhall on the back of his first Maxxis win of the season at Desertmartin.
Harri Kullas (MVR-D Route 77 Husqvarna) has slipped to third in the title hunt a further 16 points adrift of Watson and he’s 24 points ahead of Todd Kellett who’s enjoying a breakthrough year in just his second full season as a pro.
Kellett’s has signed for Hitachi KTM UK for the rest of the season which could be worth a few extra seconds a lap as he chases down his first Maxxis podium.
There’s serious talent in depth in MX2 this year so don’t be surprised to see Mel Pocock (REVO Husvarna UK) pushing for the podium along with Micky Eccles (Putoline Planet Husqvarna), Josh Gilbert (DTHORC Honda), Lewis Tombs (Lings Husqvarna) and Josiah Natzke (Hitachi KTM UK).
Brad Todd (Putoline Planet Husqvarna), Jake Millward (Verde Racing KTM) and Liam Knight (Hobbs Racing Kawasaki) have all under-performed this year but could turn their seasons around on Sunday.
Blaxhall will also stage round three of the Maxxis ACU British Two-stroke Championship where Dutchman Mike Kras (GL12 Racing KTM) is currently unbeaten.
With Lewis Trickett (ASA Honda) out for the season Nev Bradshaw (DB Racing Honda) will be looking to step it up and take the fight to Kras on his ’02 CR250. James Dunn (GL12 Racing KTM) should also be a threat.
The action gets under way at 9am with the first race at 11.55am. Admission is £20 for adults and £5 for children with family tickets priced at £45.
Blaxhall is signposted off the A12 from Woodbridge. Postcode is IP17 1LG.