All roads will lead to Blaxhall this weekend as the Suffolk motocross circuit stages round four of the Maxxis British Motocross Championship.
It’s the fourth year the Suffolk club has staged the event, this year’s date being Sunday, May 6.
For home stars like Ipswich’s Jake Nicholls and Elliott Banks-Browne, from Bury St Edmunds, success in front of local fans would be a treat, Nicholls enjoying a new lease of life, now he has given up chasing titles around the world – he is only riding in Britain.
“I have a new team and a new bike and I’m loving it,” Nicholls said.
“There is nowhere near as much travelling. I feel really at home.
“It’s good to race on a Saturday and get back home on a Sunday night. I’m fit and enjoying my racing and because of that I’m riding better. I’m feeling fit. I can’t complain.”
Nicholls and Banks-Browne have already had podium finishes in the MX1 class and both are capable of success at Blaxhall.
“It’s good that me and Elliott are coming on strong,” Nicholls added.
“We are both at the sharp end. It would be nice if we could be on those top two steps of the podium at Blaxhall.
“I’m certainly going to Blaxhall to win.”
MORE: How it all panned out at Blaxhall in 2017
Banks-Browne, however, admits his season has been a bit hit and miss so far, but is glad of one thing.
“I’m riding the same bike I was last year and that is making a difference,” he said.
“Yes, the start has been a bit up and down but the speed has been there all year, we’re looking forward carrying that speed on.”
Other local riders like Lewis Tombs, Shaun Southgate and George Grigg-Pettitt will also be in competition.
“It’s always good to race locally, especially for a British championship,” Southgate said.
“We are getting where we want to be but a broken thumb before the season started hasn’t helped.”
Richard Blyth, of Woodbridge DMCC added: “The event takes a lot of hard work and effort from those involved in the club and the event.
“Last year’s event proved to be a success and received strong 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.”
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