Easter weekend sees the eagerly awaited opening round of the 2018 Westermans BWMA British Women’s Motocross Championship. During the winter, promoters Howard Marriott and his daughter Vicky have worked very hard to further raise the profile and entry levels of this super series which is now in its second year. And, their efforts look to have been duly rewarded with nearly a full line-up on the main Open Elite Adults class and over fourteen girls also contesting the new Youth 85cc class.
So with title sponsors Westermans International putting up a massive overall prize fund of nearly £3,500 and backing again from Belray Oils, Ducksmart Bike Cleaner and new for 2018, ProActive Resolutions and Duke Energy Drink, everything is in place and it’s time to go racing! Hosting the opening round will be the Devizes MXC at Grittenham, Wiltshire with a total of six races for the Ladies spread over two days and part of a very busy AMCA programme.
In the Elite Adults class, Bethany Farmer will be looking to defend her title but will surely come under far more pressure in 2018 from a line-up full of quality! Aboard a new Honda supplied by Redline Motorcycles, expect Chelsea Gowland to be one of those major contenders in a series that spans eight rounds, the finale being held at Norley in Cheshire on September 23rd. Also looking to put the pressure on, top three finishers in 2017,Leonni Tighe and Catherine King both go glory hunting again in 2018.
With a super entry and an impressive sponsors list, the BWMA Championship is now without doubt the top UK series for female racers! So get along to Grittenham on the 1st and 2nd of April to give the girls the support they deserve as they begin their challenge for the big 2018 BWMA title. The Wiltshire circuit will be signposted from Junction 17 of the M4 with the postcode being SN15 4JW. Words and pic by Mike Wood