Star-studded line-up for Weston Beach Race
The 2010 RHL Weston Beach Race kicks off this weekend with a star-studded entry list that is set to draw in the crowds.
New for 2010, on the Friday the RHL Beach Race will see the first Polaris side-by-side race, this will involve a number of the riders who will be competing in the solo and quad races over the weekend racing against each other in the Polaris 'Buggies'.
Twelve-time World Champion, Red Bull Athlete, Dougie Lampkin will be on hand throughout the weekend demonstrating his unique trials techniques to the crowds and wooing them with his skills and talent over the three days. He will be doing regular demos over the weekend and tackling anything that falls in his way.
There will also be no end of top riders at the 2010 RHL Weston Beach Race from all forms of motorcycle sport including Enduro, Motocross, Quad and Road Racing.
Among those competing, recently crowned World E3 Enduro Champion David Knight, who has won the established event four times, returns for another tilt at the crown. 'Knighter' is a renowned all round racer, he first won the Weston in 1999 and in 2002 he took the win on a quad and also in the solo class, he last won the solo class in 2006 and this year will be out to take his tally of wins to five. The super sized Manxman is one of the most determined racers and will going all out on his factory KTM.
Fan favourites Chris Walker and Tommy Bridewell will also be present as they turn their attention from the tarmac to the sand. One of the most popular British Superbike riders Chris Walker will once again be racing in this year's solo event; this will be Chris' tenth time racing at the well established event.
Walker has always been a fond supporter of off-road and started his career as a top motocross racer before turning his attentions to the tarmac and becoming a winner of British and World Superbike races in the process.
A newcomer for this year's RHL Weston Beach Race is one of the most likeable riders in the British Superbike paddock, Tommy Bridewell. 21-year-old Bridewell who comes from Devizes has set himself the challenge of battling it out in the sand to see how he matches up. Being a local to Weston-Super-Mare he will no doubt bring plenty of support with him to cheer him on.
On the Motocross side, one of the best world motocross riders Josh Coppins will be saying his farewell's to racing on European soil before returning to his home in New Zealand. Josh created himself a very well established motocross career finishing runner up in the World MX1 Championship in 2005 and becoming twice British Champion. Josh has taken part in the RHL Weston Beach Race twice with his best result being second.
Newly crowned British Four Stroke Champion Jamie Lewis has also committed to racing in this year's RHL Beach Race. Jamie has been a dominant force in this year's four stroke Championship; he also won the Welsh Open Championship and finished second in the KWS Championship.
Scott Elderfield has just recently pledged his commitment to riding at the RHL Beach Race and after being one of the best up and coming young riders this season he is sure to want to end the season on a high note. Elderfield won both the MX1 and MX2 classes in the 2010 British Masters Championship and had some stunning results in the Maxxis British Championship.
Last year the race was forced to be cancelled after a large crash on the start line. Sixteen-year-old Ty Kellett was taken by ambulance and police escort to Frenchay Hospital and was put in a sedated coma for three weeks. Despite the injuries Ty is making an impressive come back to this year's RHL Beach Race and will be riding to raise money for the WRVS charity that looked after his parents through the bad days.
From the Quad side multiple British Champion Paul Winrow will be competing in this year's quad race and he will line up against 2009 Quad Race winner Jason Macbeth.