Team Dirt Store Kawasaki have been working since the start of the year, and a lot has happened in a short space of time! It’s been a great start to the year, and the team would like to provide an update about what they have been up to.

Starting off with the Arenacross UK series, which has been a hit with Motocross fans and even with the general public, Dirt Store Kawasaki would like to thank the organisers and everyone involved for their efforts to pull the series together.

Kicking off the season, Dirt Store Kawasaki had some unfortunate news, after both KX450 riders; Tommy Searle and Mel Pocock, were forced to the sidelines with injury. Thinking quickly, the team appointed a French triplet of riders, in the form of Thomas Do, Pierre Lozzi, and previous Arenacross UK Champion Cedric Soubeyras. The three Frenchmen went on to secure multiple wins and podium places across the rest of the series. The most notable mentions being the 1-2 team finish in Birmingham (Soubeyras & Do), and Soub’s win in front of a packed crowd in Wembley to round out the series. 

Dirt Store Kawasaki were also proud to take part in a giveaway of Tommy Searle’s Arenacross UK race bike, that of which was given away on the night to one lucky winner. A great achievement with the help from Tommy, Dirt Store and all involved to push the team brand awareness forwards. Thank you to the team, sponsors and all riders for their efforts.

Moving into the beginning of the outdoor season, young gun Joel Rizzi took to the stage amongst some of the World’s best at the infamous Hawkstone Park, for the International. Featuring the reigning World Champion, the MX2 class was stacked with some of the brightest and fastest MX2 names in the sport at the moment. Despite the difficult conditions that Hawkstone International often offers, Rizzi managed to score 8-4 in the Moto’s, coming away with 5th Overall. A great achievement for his first race on the new bike brand, team, and calibre of riders. He continues to work hard heading into the start of the season.

Following HIMX, more good news, with Tommy Searle and Mel Pocock now back in training following from their injuries sustained at Arenacross UK. Mel tried his hand in racing under the lights once again, this time at the final round of the FIM SuperEnduro in Newcastle, alongside his friend, Billy Bolt. Despite it being his first ever attempt at anything of the sorts, Mel brought home a top 10 finish in the support class, and a great experience too!

Tommy also headed back on the bike recently, after a successful surgery on his thumb to repair some of the damage to ligaments. After training a few times on his KX450, Searle has recently made the decision to switch to the MX2 class in 2024. This does not come as a shock to many, with Tommy openly admitting he has always personally preferred to ride a 250cc machine, and anyone that is aware of his career will know he has had great success in MX2. He has now adopted the “250Tom” nickname, which the team are excited to see come back to fruition.

With Round 1 of the Fastest 40 MX Championship fast approaching (30th March), Tommy, Mel and Joel are all stepping it up a gear to become ready for the season ahead.