With already nearly 300 riders entered, this Sunday’s AMCA Weymouth Beach Motocross looks set to be another outstanding event. And, promoted by the hard-working Purbeck MXC in conjunction with the local Weymouth and Portland Lions Club, the 2017 bash has certainly attracted a very interesting starting list!
Topping the Expert entry will be Dorset’s very own star, Sam Sunderland the winner of the 2017 Dakar Rally. The Red Bull KTM rider though will certainly face a very stern test in the two planned motos! Leading the challenge will be two young ACU Maxxis British Motocross Championship aces in another Dorset resident Jake Shipton who is also the defending Weymouth King and Cab Screens Husqvarna ace Dan Thornhill. Also looking to be right in the mix are Tommy Alba, runner-up in 2016 and a whole host of major AMCA Championship front runners such as Josh Waterman, Jack Waterman, James Dodd, Paul Neale, Matt Ridgway, Luke Mellows and Jack Timms.
Proving just how popular this event is and now in its 33rd staging, many riders return year after year to contest the quick-fire action on the soft, Dorset sand, this year’s entry typically including 2016 winners Jake Parker(Seniors) and Callum Ford(Juniors) amongst others. The format for the meeting is that the entry is split into three Unlimited groups of Experts, Seniors and Juniors with all riders getting two extended races each, all commencing with a dead engine start.
Spectators can line the Weymouth seafront promenade and watch the racing FREE of charge although they will be invited to either purchase an event programme or donate to one of the many bucket collections made throughout the day. All monies raised will be going to local Dorset charities.
Practice starts at midday with the first race due to go off at 1pm sharp. So make sure you’re there early to secure a good vantage point for the race action then afterwards enjoy the fantactic Weymouth bars and restaurants, it certainly promises to be another memorable sand-blasting cracker!
By Mike Wood. Photo by Mike Wood and KTM Images.