The MX Nationals is poised and ready to embark on its 2019 season, and a number of international racers are gearing up, ready to enter the fray, and join the ProX Fastest 40 this weekend, the 3rd of March at Sherwood MX Park, Nottingham.
Harri Kullas, the super-fast Finn and former MXGP contender joins Cab Screens Honda for the upcoming season in the Pro MX1 class, whilst Estonian champion Gert Krestinov returns to the MX Nationals field in the same class with Phoenix Tools Apico Kawasaki. Multi-Icelandic MX champion Eythor Reynisson will also be out to beat the Brits when he lines up with his MSR Redline Yamaha crew.
With his international racing experience, Kullas could certainly upset the Pro MX1 order of play – he last contested the MX Nationals in 2015 and finished fourth. Krestinov has competed in the series for the past three years, taking a championship sixth in his first outing and then fourth in 2017 and 2018, he can never be discounted and will be in the thick of it with the leading pack.
Whilst the ‘international’ tag may be pushing it a little when referring to popular Northern Irish champs Martin Barr and Glenn McCormick – both contesting the Prox MX2 class – they are from ‘across the water’ …. Barr is a former MX Nationals class victor; he won the Pro MX2 championship in 2016 and then switched to MX1 for 2017 when he rounded out the championship podium in third. He had a chequered 2018, thanks to injury, but is now raring to get out and reclaim his MX2 crown in 2019. McCormick is the Ulster MX2 champ; young, ambitious, and tipped to be up amongst the top runners. Both guys are fresh from contesting the six-round 2019 Arenacross Tour and now hungry for some outdoor success.
Next weekend’s schedule starts on Saturday with timed practice for each class from 9am. It’s then straight into the Experts, followed by the youth classes and Clubman. Sunday will kick off with Fastest 40 free and timed practice. The first Pro Race starts at 12pm and the presentation at 5.30pm
Spectator weekend tickets, representing amazing value for the level of racing on offer, are just £12 when bought in advance from www.mxnationals.co.uk or £15 on the gate. Children aged 12 and under go free. Camping is available from Friday onwards for only £10. There’ll be on-site facilities as well as refreshments and trade stands.
2019 MX Nationals Championship calendar
Round 1. March 2nd/3rd – Sherwood, Nottinghamshire
Round 2. April 20th/21st – Hawkstone Park, Shropshire
Round 3. May 18th/19th – Lyng, Norfolk
Round 4. July13th/14th – Canada Heights, Kent
Round 5. August 24th/25th – Cusses Gorse, Wiltshire
Round 6. September 21st/22nd – TBA
The Sherwood venue will be signposted from both the B6035 and A6075, the postcode for those wishing to use Satnav is NG21 9HL.