It’s the final chapter of the enthralling 2018 AMCA British Motocross Championship this coming weekend, Sunday, September 9th at Long Lane in Shropshire. Going into this last round of a series again powered by Datatag and supported by Dunlop, Josh Waterman(MX1), Luke Burton(MX2), Richard Cannings(2T), Simon Lane(Vets) and Charlie Palmer(Youth) lead the respective title standings.
In MX1 Waterman has been in fantastic form and requires just 78 points to confirm his first AMCA big bike crown. Whilst Waterman could have the job done with one moto still to spare it going to be a straight shoot-out between Shane Carless, Ryan Crowder, James Dodd, Gary Gibson and Ray Rowson for the remaining medal positions available.
Having bagged four previous AMCA titles, Luke Burton is well on course for yet more silverware in 2018. Leading the MX2 class by a big 115 points, Luke is within touching distance of glory as Lewis King currently holds 2nd, 29 points clear of Jack Gardner. In the MX2 contest, Clinton Barrs, Lee Sealey and Matt Ridgway are the only other riders who can now break into the final top three places.
Despite just about totally dominating the 2018 2T series, leader Richard Cannings still has a little work to do before going home with the crown. The determined Yorkshireman currently holds a 84 point advantage over an equally consistent and quality challenger in the form of Sean Eckersley. Holding 3rd and a further 132 points in arrears is Bradley Doyle. The 2T class as proved to be not only very well supported but also highly competitive and entertaining with James Lane, Ashley Beniston and Adam Hill all still in contention for that 3rd place currently occupied by Doyle. In the separately scored 2T MX2 class, Hill has already secured top slot.
Still regularly producing top class performances, Simon Lane requires just a further 43 points to secure another AMCA Vets title. At present Sean Smith sits in 2nd with Gary Jones in 3rd, the only riders mathematically able to destroy their top three finish dreams being Colin Conduit and Brian Staples. Aboard his little 2T Yamaha, Conduit has enjoyed a simply fantastic campaign whilst Staples is just one ride away from bagging his fourth Vets Over 50 title win.
New for 2018 as been a Youth 85cc/150cc contest which as produced plenty of interest within the AMCA ranks. With just Long Lane to come, Charlie Palmer holds a 32 point advantage over Joseph Brookes. Such as been the total domination of these very talented top two riders that 3rd placed Matt Tolley finds himself a big 170 points in arrears! In any Championship consistency is certainly key if you are going after a final top three slot and Tolley has certainly produced the goods in that department meaning that now only Joshua Main and Harry Ridgway can deny him at least a bronze medal.
So if you want to see how the 2018 AMCA British Motocross Championship titles are either won or lost then get along to Long Lane, near Telford and watch the action unfold.The circuit can be found just off the A442 with the local postcode being TF6 6HR.