Month: November 2023

The ever-popular annual Apico 2-Stroke Festival has sealed a deal with the newly-renamed Fastest-40 Championship, previously known as the MX Nationals, to include and enhance the official ACU Apico 2-Stroke Festival British 125cc 2-Stroke Championship.

The 125cc 2-Stroke class has been a passion of the Apico 2-Stroke Festival organiser Dave Willet, a former 125cc 2-Stroke British Champion and avid campaigner, for the ‘almost-forgotten’ MX two-stroke category.

Willet launched the 2-Stroke Festival in 2017 with unwavering support from off-road parts and accessories distributor Apico Factory Racing, and it has increased in rider and spectator popularity.

The Festival format has expanded from its original two-day event to a new three-day format planned for a weekend in August 2024. And now the 2024 Apico 2-Stroke Festival partnership with the Fastest-40 will see an eight-round, ACU-sanctioned British 125cc 2-Stroke Championship. The Festival at Sellindge in Kent will include a Saturday/Sunday double-header, providing two rounds of the series. The Fastest-40 will run the other six rounds on a nation-wide basis.

The idea of the series is to provide an open platform for all 125cc two-stroke riders, whether they are youngsters with aspirations to shine on the world MX stage, novice riders getting out on the track for the first time or veterans getting back in the saddle.

Fastest-40 Championship organiser Paul Irwin explains: “I’m really excited to be working on this concept with Dave Willet.

“Our goal is to create a championship for 125cc two-stroke riders as a stepping stone to the official FIM European EMX 125 series. Riding a 125cc machine can be incredibly challenging, but we believe that introducing this championship series will help ease the transition up to the European series.”

Dave Willet, Apico 2-Stroke Festival promoter, added: “I’ve always believed that 125cc two-strokes should be given more exposure, with the potential for more talent to be discovered and developed. I’m really happy that Paul and I have come together to create a clear path for the next generation of riders.

“With our combined resources, I’m confident we can make a real impact in the UK and Europe.”

Further details will be posted soon.

Pictured: Paul Irwin (left) and Dave Willet (right) shake on the new collaboration.

The team behind the Apico 2-Stroke Festival featuring the Red Bull Pro Stroke National has confirmed its biggest-ever rider support for its 2024 three-day event.

Promoter Dave Willet and long-standing partner Dylan Brown of Apico Factory Racing have agreed a £15,000 deal for the increasingly-popular summertime race weekend which has become a firm fixture on the calendar for riders of all abilities, whether just-for-fun or fast-paced and competitive motocross.

The extended collaboration is expected to open the doors to the many high-end brands distributed by the Burnley-based trade firm, delivering more opportunities for rewarding riders across the ranks.

Commenting on the significant prize pot, Willet said; “Ever since my first event, one of my main concerns has been to support those who support us. After opening the event up to more riders and classes at short notice last year, I quickly realised I need to try and give back to more riders. Dylan and his partner Anna have been brilliant over the years and recognised I need the type of investment that will allow us to achieve just that!”

Speaking on behalf of the Apico team, Brown added; “Anna and I absolutely love coming to the Festival each year. Witnessing the riders and spectators enjoying themselves and the positive energy that comes with it is really inspiring. We feel it’s the best event to give back to the motocross community and, as such, we take great pleasure from being in a position to increase our level of support.”

A confirmed date, entry details and ticket information will be released very shortly at www.2strokefestival.com

Pictured: Jamie Law at the 2023 Apico 2-Stroke Festival. Image credit: Adam Duckworth Photography.