March 24 was a significant day for British Motocross as the new BPC championship was launched. Schedule changes made to the MX Nationals forced the Phoenix Kawasaki team to look for an alternative championship to sit alongside the British Championship. Oakhanger was the setting for the opening round and the track, known for getting rough, did not disappoint. It was all change for Phoenix Even Strokes Kawasaki this year, with 2023 MX2 MX Nationals and Scottish Champion Carlton Husband moving to the MX1 class and newcomer Charlie Cole joining the team in MX2.
Carlton Husband worked hard throughout the winter to prepare for his rookie MX1 season. Due to the challenging Oakhanger circuit, he needed to be in top condition. Gating just outside the top five, Husband worked his way up to fourth position and was closing on Brad Todd in third. Husband was putting in consistent lap times and a strong pace throughout the race, and near the end, his fitness shone through and closed the gap to just under a second, but he ran out of time to grab third. It was a similar story for Husband in Race Two, with John Adamson, Tristan Purdon and Todd finishing one, two and three and Husband just behind Todd again in fourth after trading positions with Liam Knight in the race—a solid opener for Husband aboard the new KXF450.
Charlie Cole had a breakout year in 2023, culminating in racing in his first MXGP race. In 2024, Cole decided to stay on a Kawasaki and settled in quickly. Race one went to plan, with Cole gating well in sixth and working his way up to fourth by mid-race. Cole ground out the laps and came home in fourth place. Race two was a different story. The race was pushed forward, and the team were unaware after not hearing the announcement as the PA system was challenging to listen to. The first Cole knew of Race Two was when he heard the roar of the MX2 start. Cole joined the race forty seconds down and was obviously in last place when he took to the start straight. Oakhanger is a challenging track, and Cole set about picking riders off by lap seven. Cole managed to pass fifteen riders and finally worked his way up to tenth place at the finish flag.
Husband took the option to miss the Superfinal race due to a concern about a back injury; with no points on the line, it was the smart choice. Cole opted to race and started well, gating in the top ten against the 450s. However, a mistake on lap two pushed Cole back to twenty-first place. Cole worked his way up to seventeeth at the end.
Barry Moore – Team Owner
What a difference a year makes! It was like arriving at a different venue! The track was prepared like a GP circuit, and the paddock area was great. Qualifying was good for both Carlton and Charlie, giving them good gate picks for the races. I was pleased with both riders’ race speed, and with some luck, we would have had one podium. It was great to start the season back under the awning with good people doing the sport I love!