Everts, Smets, Alessi lead Hawkstone line-up.
For the seventh year in succession, former British Motocross Grand Prix venue Hawkstone Park will stage one of the biggest pre-season International Motocross meetings on March 6, when off road stars from all corners of the globe will be making the journey to the Shropshire circuit - including eight-times world champion Stefan Everts.
For the seventh year in succession, former British Motocross Grand Prix venue Hawkstone Park will stage one of the biggest pre-season International Motocross meetings on March 6, when off road stars from all corners of the globe will be making the journey to the Shropshire circuit - including eight-times world champion Stefan Everts.
The Yamaha legend will be heading the MX1 (250cc two-strokes and 450cc four-strokes) entry, but will face some fierce competition from five-times world champion Joel Smets, who will be making a welcome racing return after a tough 2004 season in which the Suzuki hero suffered both injury and a serious illness.
Meanwhile, reigning British Motocross Champion Josh Coppins will be putting his CAS Honda through its paces - and the number three in the world will be another hot favourite for possible race wins.
Former British Champions Gordon Crockard and Paul Cooper will also be hoping to upset the order while Motovision rider Neville Bradshaw will be making his debut appearance in the MX1 class.
The MX2 (125cc two-Strokes and 250cc four-strokes) class is looking just as tough with former AMA Champion Mike Brown leading the field, while the Hawkstone fans will also get to see the much hyped Alessi brothers, also over from America.
The 15 and 16-year-old brothers have certainly got tongues talking with their displays of awesome riding skills. Mike, the eldest of the pair, finished third in his second ever Pro-AMA National last year and both are expecting big things this season.
Belgium rider Cedric Melotte will also be a hot Hawkstone favourite, the Belgian has stepped down from the MX1 class for 2005 and will surely be pushing the MX2 field hard.
KTM mounted Carl Nunn, a Supercross Championship winner and current MX2 British number two, is expected to lead the British charge while current British Under 21 Champion Graeme Gowland and runner up Lewis Gregory are also hoping to perform in front of the home crowd.
Meanwhile, local rider Ray Rowson - Youth Champion in the KWS, BYMX, YSMA and the BSMA Championships last year - will be making the step up and fighting it out with the 'big boys.'
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
