Take some of the world’s best riders clashing on Arenacross and SuperEnduro tracks, mix in FMX, stunts, BMX, a fun fair, music festival and lots more and you have the ingredients for the first UK Arenacross festival from 15-17 September at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire.
Headlined by two of the greatest motocross riders in the world, current Arenacross British Champion Tommy Searle and runner-up, Conrad Mewse, you’ll get to see close up action. And add in world champ Billy Bolt and his biggest rival Jonny Walker to the SuperEnduro racing, and it’s going to be an event like no other.
The line-up of riders is impressive, with the announcement the AX will include Conrad Mewse, Jake Nicholls, Tommy Searle, Elliot Banks-Browne, Jack Brunell, Jake Preston, Arnaud Tonus, Carl Ostermann, Eddie Jay Wade, Adam Chatfield, Ben Clayton, Matt Bayliss, Ashley Greedy, Stu Edmonds, Brad Todd, Scooter Webster, Adam Sterry, Joel Rizzi and Jamie Carpenter. And the Pro SuperEnduro has Burts Crayston, Lee Sealey, Charlie Frost, Radford Chugg, Billy Bolt, Mitch Brightmore, Ashton Brightmore, Will Hoare, Jonny Walker, Paul Bolton, Jack Price and Jack Spencer.
GTCi Revo Kawasaki’s Tommy Searle was the first pro to agree to racing the first-ever Arenacross Festival this summer. The 34-year-old from Derbyshire won the 2023 British Arenacross Championship in a final-lap showdown at London’s iconic Wembley Arena from current outdoor British Championship leader, Crendon Fastrack Honda’s Conrad Mewse.
Searle will also act as an official ambassador for the Arenacross brand that includes the all-new indoor series that’s set to launch at the festival this September. Searle said: “I’m really excited! Coming to a venue like Bolesworth for an event like the Arenacross Festival is so different and it gives me, the other riders, teams and most importantly fans something to really look forward to.
“We visit a lot of other venues and tracks but nothing like this! Coming to a place like this, with the amazing location, facilities and good vibe will be very special. Arenacross is already a fantastic series, but doing it in the summer with all the extra things to enjoy like things for kids and adults, live music and everything else is going to be amazing.”
Triple British MX2 motocross champion Conrad Mewse also quickly confirmed to be headlining the Festival this summer. Mewse will again represent the Crendon Fastrack Honda Racing team led by triple World 500 Motocross Champion, Dave Thorpe, Britain’s most successful racer.
Mewse said: “The British Arenacross Championship was an amazing experience and I couldn’t wait for more! I’ve been blown-away by the venue and can’t wait to carry on my battle with Tommy Searle outdoors later this year – it’s going to be something very special.
“I’m also delighted to confirm I’ll be back for the 2024 Arenacross Tour, where the only goal is to go one step higher in the results and take the title away from Tommy!”
David Thorpe said: “We’ve always supported Arenacross and I’m delighted to say the team will be part of this exciting new event. It’s great for both motocross fans and newcomers to the sport to experience it at such an amazing venue – it’ll be a real showpiece for the calendar and a great addition to the British race scene.”
Sam Houghton, Motorcycle Marketing Manager for Honda (UK) said: “We are thrilled to be supporting the Arenacross Festival. 2023 has been a fantastic year for Honda and the CRF in both domestic and overseas championships; a fitting celebration for the 50th anniversary of the CR/CRF range. We are looking forward to seeing many of the motocross community at the Bolesworth event where we have an exciting announcement for our plans going into 2024.”
The eagerly awaited all-electric Stark VARG will make its racing debut at the Arenacross Festival, spearheaded by former British Champion and multiple Grand Prix winner, Switzerland’s Arnaud Tonus. Tonus will be alongside young German racer and former Arenacross Rookies Champion, Carl Osterman, together with young British talent and former youth champion, Eddie Jay Wade.
The Stark VARG is the first electric motorcycle to be the performance leader within its category. The VARG will reorientate the industry with its patent technology and design features, to inspire riders and racers towards sustainability.
In order to outperform traditional technology, the Stark VARG has been developed from the ground-up, building the power train and chassis to work perfectly together for a flawless riding experience, and optimising every component for its purpose. The VARG represents the pinnacle of electric motorcycle technology, boasting unrivalled acceleration, precise control, and a sustainable, zero-emission design.
With the backing of Stark Future Factory efforts, Stark will redefine the limits of what electric motorcycles can achieve in the world of Arenacross.
Arnaud Tonus said: “I’m super excited to be part of Stark Future! Stepping into my first Arenacross on the VARG is really exciting. It’s a chance to ride and showcase the impressive capabilities of the VARG. I’m thrilled to contribute to the changing industry, both in terms of electric performance and the positive impact it has on our sport, environment, and communities.”
With race action taking place in Bolesworth’s International Arena all day and evening, you’ll get to witness the best Pro riders, Amateurs and Youth competitors from as young as six-years-old.
Event Promoter Matt Bates said: “Our number one priority is to give as many festival visitors the opportunity to experience riding off-road for the first time; that’s why we’re linking up with multiple off-road bike manufacturers in setting up experience tracks for children and adults… that’s motocross, eMountain bikes, electric motocross, trail, trials, enduro and adventure riding! The countdown to the event is well and truly on and excitement is already building with plenty of people already getting their tickets for what promises to be an amazing weekend.”
The FMX shows will take place throughout the day, in both the Action Sports Zone and the Main Arena during the Arenacross events. And the Moto Trials area will featuring triple world championship-winning medallist, Steve Colley, who’s sure to blow your mind with some of the most stunning skills on two wheels.
AX Fest is throwing down two kinds of BMX action across all three days of the Festival… the crazy Dirt Jump contest with some of the best BMX riders in the UK, double backflipping and forward flipping their way to AX Fest Gold, plus Lee Musselwhite performing the insanely difficult Flatland BMX. You have to be there and tickets are still available from HERE