Salop Motor Club - Latest News

Dry and bright weather provided the perfect backdrop to the 10th Hawkstone Park International Motocross meeting, which was headed by Dutch rider Marc De Reuver – Martin Honda in the Open class and by Tyla Rattray – Red Bull KTM of South Africa in the MX2 category. Several thousand action hungry race fans were treated to some of the best racing seen on this famous circuit in more recent times, with track conditions being ideal for the star studded field to display their talents.

Apart from race wins by Shaun Simpson – KTM and pre event favourite Tommy Searle – Red Bull KTM, plus two consistent outings by Stephen Sword – Molson Kawasaki, all in the MX2 division, the day belonged to the foreign riders who dominated the overall places in both classes. In fact Sword was the only home rider to feature in the top five positions at the end of the day, with the ex British champion finishing as runner up in the overall MX2 results.

Reigning MX1 British champion Billy MacKenzie, making his debut on the Monster CAS Honda, started the day strongly by qualifying in second spot behind eventual winner De Reuver. The young Scots’ speed was also evident in the early part of the first MX1 moto, with Mackenzie holding the lead until lap nine before crashing out of the race totally. Ironically it was Ken De Dycker – Suzuki, who Billy replaced at CAS, who benefitted from this mistake to take the race win ahead of his team mate 2007 MX1 champion Steve Ramon. De Reuver, Josh Coppins and David Philippaerts both – Rinaldi Yamaha completed the top five on this ocassion.

It was a similar story for the ill fated Billy in the second MX1 encounter, but this time a slip on the final lap pushed him down to fourth, after having led the race from start to finish. De Reuver was on hand to collect the victory at the expense of MacKenzie to add to his third place in the first race of the day, which was enough to give the Dutch rider the overall win. Coppins and Ramon both passed Mackenzie before he could recover, leaving Philippaerts to pick up fifth spot this time out.

Shaun Simpson was by far the fastest MX2 rider on track for the first half of the meeting, with him posting the quickest time in qualifying before taking a start to flag win in the opening moto. Simpson begun the second race in similar form but crashed whilst leading on lap six, which dropped him down to outside the top thirty before a spirit fight back brought him back to twenty second spot come the finish.

Searle made up for some of his early disappointment by winning the Grand Finale, which included the top twenty riders from both classes on the day, to bring a close on another piece of Hawkstone Park history. With this in mind, Salop Motor club would like to say a massive ‘Thank You’, to everyone who helped to make it all happen once again, and who are too numerous to list on this page.

Moto One MX1: 1. Ken de Dycker 2. Steve Ramon 3. Marc de Reuver 4. Josh Coppins 5. David Philipaerts
Moto Two MX1: 1. Marc de Reuver 2. Josh Coppins 3. Steve Ramon 4. Billy MacKenzie 5. David Philipaerts
MX1 Overall: 1. Marc de Reuver 55 2. Steve Ramon 52 3. Josh Coppins 50 4. Ken de Dycker 49 5. David Philipaerts 42

Moto One MX2: 1. Shaun Simpson 2. Erik Eggens 3. Stephen Sword 4. Jeremy van Horebeek 5. Tyla Rattray
Moto Two MX2: 1. Tyla Rattray 2. Tommy Searle 3. Stephen Sword 4. Erik Eggens 5. Joel Roelants
MX2 Overall: 1.Tyla Rattray 51 2. Stephen Sword 50 3. Erik Eggens 50 4. Jeremy van Horebeek 42 5. Joel Roelants 34

MX1 / MX2 Grand Final: 1.Tommy Searle 2.Steve Ramon 3.David Philipaerts 4.Billy MacKenzie 5.Shaun Simpson

In a little over two weeks time, Britain’s most famous motocross circuit, will be alive with the sound of the World’s best riders, as the Hawkstone International marks the start of the season proper. There have been many great occasions at this wonderful track, and Sunday 2nd March 2008 promises to be up there amongst the best, with this edition marking the tenth birthday of this great meeting. Whilst the sandy Shropshire venue will welcome riders from all over the World, including Japan and America, there will be a strong British contingent that will be looking to celebrate on home soil. With this in mind, three of the leading UK riders speak about the task ahead.

Billy MacKenzie – CAS Honda – 2007 MX1 British Champion
“Hawkstone will be my first race with CAS and on the Honda, but I really do not want to make a big deal of it. The International is always a good chance to warm-up for the season ahead and gauge where you are in terms of preparation. I had broken my collarbone last year so I wasn’t where I wanted to be for the last edition.”

“This time around I can only hope things run smoothly in the build-up and the signs are good so far. I like the track and especially how technical it can be; the meeting is always more enjoyable if it doesn’t rain! Mainly I am looking forward to getting on the new bike and clocking some mileage before the season really starts.”

Tommy Seale – Red Bull KTM – 2007 MX2 Vice World Champion
“'The bike is really good at the moment and I have just come away with my first win at Mantova so everything is going the right way. I spent six weeks in America riding over the winter and that time in California was really useful.”

“I don't have any more races now until Hawkstone and I am especially looking forward to it because it is unlikely I will be doing the British championship - apart from the first round at Donington - so I don't have many chances to be in front of the fans. Hopefully it won't be wet and therefore it should be a lot of fun.”

Stephen Sword – Molson Kawasaki
“Hawkstone will be my second race of the season after coming back from France, but it will be my first in the UK. I am looking forward to starting the season fit and healthy because it feels like a long time since that happened. Last year was very up-and-down, but I have put all that behind me now and I expect to be running near the front.”

“The weather can really determine what kind of day it will be at the International, but it is the same for everybody. I have ridden the track in the dry and also in the wet so I know quite well how tough it can be. I have been practicing a lot on those kinds of rutty and sandy surfaces recently. It will not be an easy day because it is one of the first races of 2008 and Hawkstone really works the body and the bike; but I have to say that I am really looking forward to it!”

Sunday 2nd March will see the Hawkstone International come of age, as Salop Motor Club delivers what will be the tenth edition of their now well-established season opening event. The birthday bash looks sets to be one of the best ever with 2007 MX1 World champion Steve Ramon – Suzuki confirming his entry alongside arch rivals Josh Coppins – Yamaha and his new team mate Ken De Dycker.

Whilst these three riders, plus 2007 MX1 British Champion Billy MacKenzie - Honda and David Phillipaerts – Yamaha will be high amongst the bookmakers’ favourites, they will have severe opposition in the form of Tanel Leok and Manuel Priem – Kawaski, plus the Honda pairing of Marc De Reuver and Julien Bill to mention just a few other top names who will be on hand.

With Coppins losing out to Ramon in last year’s title race, when the likable Kiwi crashed and injured himself whilst holding a healthy lead in the championship standings, both riders will have a point to prove as they clash for the first time on UK soil in 2008. Ex MX1 British champion Ken De Dycker will revisit his second home, wanting to show that his winter move to the Suzuki squad has been the right one for the tall and lean Belgium rider, and will look to use his sand experience to take an early season win.

KTM’s rising star Max Nagl returns to the steep and unforgiving Shropshire circuit for only the second time after having made a very impressive debut here twelve months ago. A fourth and fifth place in the two MX1 motos gave him fifth spot overall, on a wet and energy sapping track, just behind the much more experienced Marc De Reuver. Other KTM runners in the form of Sven Breugelmans and Yentel Martens mean that the Orange brigade will be well represented when the international circus rolls into the famous venue just North of Shrewsbury in little over a month’s time.

Local rider Ray Rowson – Honda will be counting on plenty of home support, as he is joined by his PAR team mates Jordan Rose in the MX1 class ad Ashley Greedy plus Shane Carless in the smaller MX2 division. Other runners in the MX2 category worthy of a mention, in addition to the strong pack of British contenders, are Joel Roelants – KTM who was World Junior champion back in 2006 and Dennis Verbruggen – Yamaha who picked up the same title a year earlier.

Behind the scenes Salop Motor Club’s loyal band of workers are grafting hard to ensure that all other elements of the meeting match up to the star studded cast that will be descending upon their World renowned track in a few weeks time. Revisions and reworking of the circuit over the winter months mean that the riders will face a familiar challenge, but with some new twists, to keep the racing as close as possible.

Already you can tell It’s going to be another Hawkstone Park day to be remembered, and one to add to the many chapters that have been written previously about this fantastic venue, which very much remains the true home of British moto-x.

Sunday 2nd March will see the World famous Shropshire venue of Hawkstone Park celebrate its tenth running of the now well-established season opening International meeting. The testing sandy circuit with its steep and infamous hill will once again welcome some of the World’s best riders from both the MX1 and MX2 categories to do battle in their new chosen colours.

Salop Motor Club’s international bash will signal the start of the season proper with many of the riders using the opportunity to make their debut on their new mounts in front of what is expected to be one of the largest off road audiences to gather anywhere in the UK during 2008.

2007 MX1 British champion Billy MacKenzie heads the cast of home runners, with the ex factory Kawasaki teamster having shifted to the UK based CAS Honda squad over the Winter break. The young Scot will have a point to prove to his new team boss Harry Ainsworth and his rivals, after a poor showing due to injury at the same meeting twelve months ago. Billy will be joined by his experienced American team mate Mike Brown, who clinched the British MX2 title last year, and Yoshi Atsuta who is flying in from Japan to make a special one off appearance.

Whilst MacKenzie may carry the hope of the nation in terms of MX1 glory, vice World champion Tommy Searle has the duty of leading the home charge in the MX2 class. The KTM youngster produced two consistent results at the Hawkstone International last March to take fourth overall in conditions that perhaps did not best suit the highly technical rider. Once again Searle will have his older orange compatriot in the form of Tyla Rattray to gauge himself against, with the South African born rider having dominated both MX2 motos at the sandy track back in 2007.

Adding weight to the occasion, Salop Motor Club has already recruited an equally strong supporting cast to ensure that the racing will be both fast and furious throughout the day. Pascal Leuret, Brad Anderson, Elliot Banks-Browne and Jake Nicolls will form a four prong attack for the highly professional Suzuki Swift team, whilst Molson Kawasaki will be well represented by Stephen Sword, Gareth Swanepoel and Tom Church.

The foreign pretenders looking for their first taste of Hawkstone success will include the twenty two year old Portuguese sensation Rui Goncalves on his factory KTM and Jeremy Van Horebeek from Belgium, who is tipped for the top by many in the paddock. The eighteen year old from the same home land as Stefan Everts and Joel Smets, will not have missed the fact of just how important a step it is to win at this historic circuit, and will arrive with the added incentive of attempting to follow in the tyre marks of these two Hawkstone legends.

Negotiations are ongoing to secure as many other big names as possible, with New Zealand’s Josh Coppins and 2007 World MX1 champion Steve Ramon being at the top of Salop’s want list. Details of further signings will be released over the coming weeks.

A large trade village will provide you with bargains galore and will add the final ingredient in what promises to be one of the biggest days in British moto-x during 2008. Miss it and miss out.

Please call 0161 705 2280 or visit www.hawkstonemx.co.uk for ticket prices, race times and other general information.

Limited trade space and sponsorship opportunities remain available. Interested parties should call 0161 763 6660 immediately to be part of this massive occasion.

The dust may have barely settled on the memories of last year, but the gate is ready to drop on yet another eagerly anticipated season of international moto-x. Salop Motor Club once again has the great honour of opening up the proceedings on a grand scale. As always, Hawkstone Park will be the fitting venue for the club's Ninth annual International meeting on Sunday 4th March, where the World's finest moto-x riders will begin their 2007 campaigns proper. The famous sandy circuit has always played an important part in global moto-x and this year promises to be no different, with there being no guarantee at this stage of a British GP later in the season.

This could just be the only opportunity to see such a star studded line up on home soil during 2007, so get it marked in your diary and get your discounted tickets booked now.

The 2007 season marks a new era in World moto-x with the old guard of Stefan Everts and Joel Smets having now bowed out of the sharp end of racing. Their retirement leaves an exciting opportunity for the younger contenders to make their mark on the international stage and to take their first steps to becoming legends in their own rights.

The closed season has created the usual session of swapping saddles, but few Winter periods have resulted in such dramatic changes and such an eagerly awaited line up of top riders on new mounts. Josh Coppins heads the list of transfers, having replaced Everts at Rinaldi Yamaha. The likeable Kiwi will have a point to prove after having sat out most of 2006 through injury, and there will be no better place for him to put down his mark than on the famous Hawkstone hill.

British hero Billy Mackenzie could just be the man to upset Coppin's plan, with reports of the GP winner looking very at home on the factory Motorex Kawasaki during pre season testing. Billy Mac faces a double challenge having both swapped bikes and class, but the confident young Scot will know exactly what he has to do to stamp his authority in the MX1 category, and the Shropshire sand could just be the stage for him to cause a stir. Established Geboers Suzuki runner and 2006 vice World champion Kevin Stijbos will be joined by his team mate Steve Ramon, as both look to make yellow the winning colour.

Through in the MX2 class there is a volatile mix of youth and experience that is sure to produce some real fireworks out on the track. Reigning British champion Carl Nunn will be Bike-It Yamaha mounted in 2007, and will make his first return to Hawkstone Park since clinching his domestic title there, back in September of last year. On that occasion Nunn saw off the strong challenge of emerging star Tommy Searle. The taste of revenge could be sweet for Searle as he looks to give his factory Red Bull KTM a victorious debut. The battle for MX2 supremacy will not be restricted to a two way fight. The return to our shores of seasoned campaigner Mike Brown on a CAS Honda, plus the reappearance of crowd favourite Stephen Sword in the MX2 class following his horrific crash early in 2006 will only serve to fuel the widely predicted explosive track action.

A large trade village will provide you with bargains galore and will add the final ingredient in what promises to be one of the biggest days in British moto-x during 2007. Miss it and miss out. Visitors can save up to £5.00 per ticket by booking in advance and can take advantage of an incredible family offer that will not be available on the gate.

Please call 0161 705 2280 or click here for discounted tickets, to reserve onsite camping, to gain general information and to explore the limited trade opportunities still remaining.

Salop Motor Club wishes to take this opportunity to say special thanks to all the organisations, sponsors, spectators, riders, officials and to anyone else who has supported SMC and Hawkstone Park this season.

Camping from Friday- £10 per unit for the weekend . Concourse Competition on Friday evening

Camping Sat. night only, £10.00 per unit.
No public allowed on circuit area Saturday.

Sunday
Tickets: Adult £20.00
Under 14yrs free.
OAPs £10
Free program for each paying adult

Pre 1960
Unlimited
Pre 1965 upto 350cc
Pre 1965 over 350cc
Pre 1974 upto 250cc
Pre 1974 over 250cc

The British Fourstroke, Under 21 and Quad motocross championship moves to the historic Hawkstone Park on Sunday May 7th.

The fourstroke series is building up as contenders Mark Jones, Wayne Smith, Glen Phillips and 05 No.1 Brad Anderson build up steam.

The under 21 series sees a bundle of contenders hunting Tommy Searle's 05 crown and the treasures it could bring in recognition and fame. Ashley Greedy, World Youth Champion Stephen Clark, Ray Rowson, Lewis Gregory and Alex Snow will once again battle it out on the extreme tough sand of Hawkstone.

The Quads go into action for the first time this year, champion elect Paul Winrow, Jason Macbeth, Chris North all go into the unknown at Hawkstone Park where the going is much more suited to solo racing. Big whoops, hills and berms await the cream of British Quad racing

Salop Motor Club started their 80th anniversary celebrations in style by hosting their most successful ever International moto-x meeting last Sunday. Virtually a Grand Prix all but in name, the event attracted an audience in excess of fifteen thousand people despite the wintry conditions that prevailed in the days immediately prior to the meeting. The club worked around the clock to ensure that the snow and heavy frosts that besieged the region for most of the build up week did not wreck their months of planning and preparation.

Conditions out on the track itself were heavy, but still produced some fantastic racing to mark the start of the season proper. In the blue ribbon MX1 category Stefan Everts dominated proceedings by winning both of his races and displaying the style that confirms why he has nine World titles to his name. Only a minor mishap in the mixed class final prevented him from making a clean sweep, here Everts had to settle for second place behind his fellow Belgian counterpart Kevin Strijbos.

In the smaller MX2 category the British boys were making the most of the home soil advantage. Reigning national champion Carl Nunn took the overall win with a first race victory followed by a runners up berth in race two. Nunn did not have it all his own way and only narrowly managed to defeat a hard charging Billy Mackenzie and teenage sensation Tommy Searle.

Steeping up to the podium to collect his trophy, Everts praised the club for their efforts and the fans for turning out in their masses on a day that included one heavy snow storm. As expected Everts added yet another great chapter to the history of Hawkstone Park by signing off with a performance that will be remembered for decades to come. Whilst his compatriot Joel Smets could not match him out on the track, Smets said a fond farewell to Britain's most famous moto-x circuit and received warm applause from his many English fans during what was his final ride at the unforgiving Shropshire venue.

Salop Motor Club would like to express their most sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to what was a truly memorable day. That includes the many thousands of race fans who reinforced why Hawkstone Park is just so special, the loyal sponsors who contribute in so many different ways, the traders who continue to support this event, the helpers - volunteers - officials, without whom it simply would not happen, and last but by no means least the kind land owners who provided the many fields for car parking.

The season has only just started at Hawkstone Park, with other events planned throughout the coming months. April sees a visit by the AMCA championship, before the under 21 years old and sidecar series follows in May. Moving through to the summer months and the circuit will host a DEP 125 round in June, then it is the turn of the classic brigade in mid July before the World trials championship descends once again later in the same month. The year ends with a British moto-x meeting and a twin shock event, both being held in September.

Just when UK race fans thought that it could not get any better, Salop Motor Club have added even more weight to their incredible entry list. Joel Smets being the latest legend to add his name to the series of celebrity status riders who will line up at Hawkstone Park on Sunday 5th March 2006. The International meeting will probably be Smets' last ever competitive outing in the UK, with the five times World champion planning to bring his racing career to a close during the course of the forth coming season.

Smets will join his Belgium compatriot and fierce rival Stefan Everts in bidding farewell to Britain's most famous moto-x circuit, both having had their fair share of success on Shropshire's steep and sandy track. With fourteen World titles between them, it is not hard to understand why these two legends remain amongst the most popular public figures on the modern moto-x scene, the dominant duo having pretty much made the sport their own during the last decade.

Not listed to ride at the opening Grand Prix in Zolder, Smets is only due to make a limited number of appearances during 2006, the International meeting at Hawkstone Park being perhaps the most important and fondest stop on his retirement tour. With Smets being a true favourite amongst British fans, he is sure to receive a 'goodbye' to remember on the UK leg of his schedule.

Whilst nicknamed the 'Belgium Lion' due to his fierce and uncompromising style out on the track, Smets is a real gentlemen when the racing stops, and he continues to have a warm smile and kind word to the many autograph hunters that besiege him where ever he rides in the World.

Sunday 5th March will see a epic era come to a close, and in doing so will add yet another chapter to the rich history that continues to make Hawkstone Park a 'must visit venue'. Only those present on the day will experience the full magic of this once in a life time occasion.

For the first time ever, public entry tickets and camping bookings are available in advance. To guarantee your attendance and to gain express access to this famous circuit, or to take advantage of a discounted family ticket (only available in advance) - call 0161 763 6660 - all major credit / debit cards accepted. Entry prices, which remain the same for the third year running, include a complimentary full colour programme (produced in association with the UK's leading off road magazine - Dirt Bike Rider) and free on site car parking. A new 'park n pay' system will be used to improve traffic flow into the venue.

Organisers recommend visitors to arrive early on the day to avoid congestion as a record crowd is expected, with Salop Motor Club having assembled its strongest ever entry in this their 80th anniversary year. The venue will be AA sign posted from both the A49 and A53.

Salop Motor Club has appointed G2F Media Ltd as sole and exclusive commercial agents and as the people to manage all PR, promotional and advertising activities relating to their International event.

Companies who wish to take advantage of the last remaining trade stands or to explore sponsorship or other mutually benefiting opportunities should call G2F Media Ltd immediately, as availability is now very limited.

Only six weeks separates British race fans from one of the biggest moto-x meetings that the UK will host during 2006, and one that will open the new international season in a spectacular fashion. The World's greatest moto-x rider of all times, namely Stefan Everts, headlines an entry list that includes all the best names in the business. Everts visit to the famous sandy Shropshire circuit will be an emotional one, as he bids farewell to a venue that he has made his own, at the start of what will be his final year of racing.

If the lure of the last chance to see Everts in action at Britain's most famous moto-x is not enough of a draw alone to make the pilgrimage to what has become a Mecca for the sport, then the supporting cast is sure to provide you with 'a can't miss' reason to be at Hawkstone Park on Sunday 5th of March.

Everts' fiercest rivals in the form of Josh Coppins, who was runner up to Stefan in the 2005 - MX1 World championship, and Michael Pichon, a double World champion himself will be out to take 'first blood' at the 'Hawkstone International'. However the battle the MX world is really waiting for is the return to Europe, after several seasons in the USA, of Seb Tortelli against his old sparring partner Everts. If history is anything to go by, then sparks will definitely fly.

The attack on the nine times World champ will not be restricted to just this leading trio with the likes of Cedric Melotte, Steve Ramon, Kevin Strijbos, Pascal Leuret, Julien Bill and Ken de Dycker having all confirmed their place on the sandy starting gate.

Whilst the event will have a truly international flavour, home fans will have plenty of opportunity to get behind the British riders. Kawasaki factory racer Stephen Sword will make his UK debut in the highly competitive MX1 class having shifted to the bigger capacity category over the Winter. In the MX2 field, 2005 National Champion Carl Nunn will be looking to stamp his authority, against opposition that includes the 'flying Scotsman' Billy Mackenzie and sand specialist Marc de Reuver.

Salop Motor Club has appointed G2F Media Ltd as sole and exclusive commercial agents and as the people to manage all PR, promotional and advertising activities relating to their International event.

For many the venue itself is reason enough to visit Britain's most famous moto-x circuit, but for those looking for an extra incentive to make their way to Hawkstone Park on 5th March 2006, there can now be no bigger draw. In his last competitive season, nine times World champion, and the legend that is, Stefan Everts will begin his final campaign with an emotional farewell to a circuit that he has made his own in more recent years.

Whilst the demanding Shropshire track has a rich history packed with a long list of truly great riders that have graced Britain's most feared hill over several decades, in the modern era it is Everts who stands alone. The steep, sandy and often rough circuit is kind to no one, irrespective of their status, but stood tall on his footrests in his own unique style, Stefan has shone smoothly in the process of defeating those that dare to challenge.

Although at home in the sand, Everts' farewell appearance at the 'Hawkstone International' will be anything but easy for the reigning World champion, with three of the riders who pose the biggest threat to his crown all looking for an early opportunity to dethrone the King. Whilst Stefan will already know the danger that Coppins and Pichon will bring, the return of his old rival Seb Tortelli from the States is perhaps the most highly anticipated battle of 2006 on this side of the Atlantic.

With one era coming to a close, there is an equally exciting new one on the horizon with Stephen Sword making his UK debut on the factory Kawasaki in the MX1 class, having moved up to the bigger category over the closed season. The young Scot is sure to relish the opportunity to make his presence felt against his new rivals, especially with the home crowd to roar him on.

Sword will not be alone in flying the British flag, with National MX2 champion Carl Nunn headlining the smaller capacity class, in a field that will include GP winner Billy Mackenzie and the hotly tipped Tommy Searle, to mention just two of Nunn's main contenders.

In a year that will see Salop Motor Club celebrate their 80th anniversary, the committee are working hard to ensure that this is there best ever 'Hawkstone International', with the best line up of riders, on the best moto-x circuit and with the biggest crowd the now established March meeting has ever seen.

For the first time ever, public entry tickets and camping bookings are available in advance. To guarantee your attendance and to gain express access to this famous event, or to take advantage of a discounted family ticket (only available in advance) - call 0161 763 6660 - all major credit / debit cards accepted. Entry includes a complimentary full colour programme (produced in association with the UK's leading off road magazine - Dirt Bike Rider) and free on site car parking. A new 'park n pay' system will be used to improve traffic flow into the venue.

Salop Motor Club has appointed G2F Media Ltd as sole and exclusive commercial agents and as the people to manage all PR, promotional and advertising activities relating to their International event.

Companies who wish to book trade space or to explore sponsorship or other mutually benefiting opportunities should call G2F Media Ltd immediately, see contact section, as demand is sure to out strip availability once again.

Following on from the huge success of this year's meeting, Salop Motor Club are proud to announce details of their next International Moto-X, which will take place at their World famous circuit on Sunday 5th March 2006. Now in it's eighth year, the 'Hawkstone International' as it has become known, is recognised and respected as one of the most important season opening events on the modern off road sporting calendar. The invitation only - entry of World class riders racing on Britain's most famous moto-x circuit is a truly mouth watering prospect and one that brought a record crowd to the sandy Shropshire venue earlier in the year.

Former World moto-x champion Sebastian Tortelli has already been confirmed by Salop Motor Club as the first name on their starting list, the French sensation having recently returned to Europe after several seasons of racing in the USA. Hawkstone regular and multi World champion Stefan Everts looks likely to confirm his entry very soon, to set up a return battle with his old rival Tortelli. Revenge will be high on Everts' list as he looks to get an early advantage over the French rider who stole the World title from him during a final round show down back in '98, which was the last time these guys went all out in a head to head fight.

Far from being a two rider race, New Zealander and runner up in the 2005 World MX1 class, Josh Coppins has also agreed terms along with the rest of the mighty CAS Honda squad to be amongst the contenders at Hawkstone Park next March. Other top names will be added over the coming weeks, as riders confirm their own contracts with teams for the 2006 season. The home fans are also sure to have plenty of reason to cheer, with MX2 British champion Carl Nunn, Yamaha's Billy Mackenzie and Kawasaki's new recruit to the MX1 class Stephen Sword all being very much on Salop's shopping list.

Not wanting to rest on the massive success of their 2005 International, Salop Motor Club have begun work early on their 2006 venture to ensure that it is the biggest and best yet. Plans include an additional programme of live entertainment to slot between the racing out on the track, plus an extended trade area where the latest bikes will be on display and visitors will be able to buy a wide selection of clothing and accessories at bargain prices. Basically this will be the meeting that kicks the new season moto-x into action and one that any serious off road fan will not dare to miss.

For the first time ever, public entry tickets and camping bookings are available in advance. To guarantee your attendance and to gain express access to this famous event, or to take advantage of a discounted family ticket (only available in advance), or simply to buy someone a truly unique Xmas present - call 0161 763 6660 now - all major credit / debit cards accepted. Entry includes a complimentary full colour programme (produced in association with the UK's leading off road magazine - Dirt Bike Rider) and free on site car parking. A new 'park n pay' system will be used to improve traffic flow into the venue.

Salop Motor Club has appointed G2F Media Ltd as sole and exclusive commercial agents and as the people to manage all PR, promotional and advertising activities relating to their International event. With a proven pedigree, G2F Media Ltd is the company who was responsible for similar aspects of the highly applauded World trial GP held at Hawkstone Park back in July of this year, and who will bring World trials back to Shropshire in 2006.

Companies who wish to book trade space or to explore sponsorship or other mutually benefiting opportunities should call G2F Media Ltd immediately, as demand is sure to out strip availability once again.

For further information please contact G2F Media Ltd or visit the official event website - www.hawkstonemx.co.uk