The Maxxis British Motocross Championship is supported by News Shopper photo by Mark Greenwood
By John Powell
THE Sidcup Motor Cycle Club staged the first round of the British Motocross Championship at Canada Heights on Sunday and after months of preparation the first day of spring greeted the enormous crowd at the popular Swanley circuit.
All the best British riders were present along with some of the best riders in Europe and America as the competitive British series is now recognized as one of the best series in the world.
The only real disappointment was Scotland's Stephen Swords' no show, who has not fully recovered from an injury picked up last year.
As the Mayor of Dartford arrived, the morning qualifying determined grid positions and fans saw the dirt fly as riders put in record breaking laps as they stormed around the newly designed track.
The day's competition was non stop as four races counted towards points for the championship in two classes and the unlucky non-qualifiers had two consolation races.
In the MX2 class 17-year-old ace Tommy Searle from Tonbridge was hot favorite but a second corner crash had Tom dead last and his race back past 36 riders was truly outstanding.
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While Tommy was fighting through the pack, Scotland's Shaun Simpson took full advantage and held on for his debut win from Englishman Gareth Swanpoel and Northern Irelands Martin Barr which completed a truly British Podium.
The second race of the MX2 class saw Tommy Searle make no mistakes as he went on to a demonstration win as he held off the determined American Mike Brown.
photo by Mark Greenwood
By now the crowd had witnessed some brilliant close racing and now it was time for the heavy metal in the shape of the MX1 class.
The sensible money was on Belgium's Ken De Dycker but he got caught at the start and came from last to seventh on lap one but by then the leaders had a huge lead.
The race at the front was between Scotland's Billy MacKenzie and Northern Ireland's Gordon Crockard, with the popular Irishman taking the lead three laps from home andDe Dycker eventually making it up to third.
The second MX2 race had the lanky Belgium taking control at the front with Durham's Brad Anderson second and MacKenzie third but it was a tight battle right till the end of the 34 minute race.
Mark Eastwood from Swanley picked up 24 valuable points, David Williams from Norwood picked up two points but Ben Lambert-Williams from Kidbrooke had a day to forget as the Gremlins won the day.
So a happy sun-drenched crowd left the circuit and now look forward to the second round at Landrake near Plymouth on March 25.
Full results and more pictures can be found at sidcupmcc.co.uk.
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