Ipswich motocross ace Jake Nicholls has just one thing on his mind this weekend – to star in front of his home fans at Blaxhall.
The Maxxis British Motocross Championship, round four, takes place at the picturesque Suffolk circuit on Sunday.
And local fans have their home hero currently leading the MXI series.
Nicholls has the ‘red plate’ after winning at Canada Heights two weeks ago in round three. A former Grand Prix star, he has turned his back on the worlds to concentrate on his riding in England.
He feels it is paying dividends.
“It was the right decision for me to do, 100%, to stop racing in the worlds,” Nicholls, who lives in the town, said.
“I enjoyed it while I did it, but it was alot of travelling. I’m enjoying the change. I like the fact I can now pull up in my van on a Saturday, race my socks off, but be home by Sunday night.
“That was never the case racing all over the world.”
A more relaxed Nicholls is clearly reaping the benefits of that decision as he looks ahead to Blaxhall.
“There is still pressure on me, but pressure has never been an issue to be honest,” he said.
“I want to win. Simple as that. Always have done.
“I’ve never won the British Championships and I’m going to Blaxhall to win. I’m going to enjoy, ride sensibly, but I’m thinking about the podium.
“Winning the title is definitely on my mind. It’s been a goal of mine for years and I can concentrate fully on it now.”
It’s the fourth year Blaxhall has staged such a big event and a big crowd is expected to be in attendance.
MORE: Nicholls warms up for Blaxhall with double win
Nicholls and fellow Suffolk racer Elliott Banks-Brown have already had podium finishes in the MX1 class and both are capable of success on Sunday.
“Me and Elliott go back years. We started off much the same time,” Nicholls said.
“Yes, he’s in good form too and it’s good for local fans that hopefully they will have plenty to cheer about, not just in our class of racing, but in all the classes.”
Richard Blyth, of staging club, Woodbridge DMCC said: “Last year’s event proved to be a success and received praise from riders, teams, spectators and the media alike. Over the winter we have been working hard as a club to redesign a large section of the race track and produced a new layout.”
For more information head to: www.mxgb.co.uk
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