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.
The hugely successful Apico 2-Stroke Festival, featuring the Red Bull Pro-Stroke Nationals, will return to Sellindge in Kent in 2024, with the promoter announcing plans for it to be the biggest yet.
For 2024, the Festival will extend to three days and will continue to celebrate the joys of the two-stroke, but will continue with its development programme of embracing the many different fun aspects of motocross. An August weekend, which will be confirmed in the next few weeks, is pencilled in the diary.
Friday will have a heavy focus on youth racing, with plenty of track time on the main Sellindge track for youngsters mounted on 65cc-plus machines.
Two-stroke riders and Clubman classes will have the opportunity to shine on Saturday and Sunday with several ACU British Championship titles up for grabs. And, as in previous years, the gate will drop on Sunday for the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals – a firm fixture on the UK MX race calendar – where there’ll be a substantial prize purse, with healthy payouts across the board.
Looking ahead to what is anticipated to be a busy 2024 season, organiser Dave Willet said; “We’re putting together a winning package that promises to be an amazing weekend for all involved. By running over three days, we can provide plenty of track time for all levels of rider, and with support from the likes of Apico Factory Racing and Red Bull, alongside many other partners, we can ensure the riders are rewarded for their efforts. Our Youth racing will follow the EMX format, and our Try Out Experience will also be extended.
“Join us for the Apico 2-Stroke Festival featuring the Red Bull Pro Stroke National and help create some unforgettable memories. We look forward to seeing everyone at Sellindge next year.”
More information will be available soon. Check out the 2-Stroke Festival’s social media and website – 2strokefestival.com.
Image: Both Apico and Red Bull will return in 2023 to support the ever-evolving 2-Stroke Festival. Image credit: Adam Duckworth Photography.
The hugely successful Apico 2-Stroke Festival, featuring the Red Bull Pro-Stroke National, returned to Sellindge in Kent last weekend, Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd of July.
Over 300 riders, including reigning and former British Champions, rocked up for the event which featured packed start-lines and non-stop action across a two-day celebration of all old-school style two-stroke motocross and modern-day four-stroke racing. It included ACU British Championship status for the 2-Stroke 125, Open, Evo and Super Evo classes. Its Over 40s Open 2-stroke attracted a packed field and, the Red Bull Noughties welcomed riders with machines from 2000 to 2008. The programme also included youth classes catering for 125, 250F, BW and SW85s.
Energy drinks giant Red Bull is once again supported the Festival over both days, with the Red Bull Pro-Stroke National Clubman MX1/MX2 and the Red Bull Pro-Stroke National, with classes for Pro/Expert MX1 and MX2.
With serious prize money and top-quality products up for grabs the racing was tight and competitive across all classes, giving the record Festival crowd plenty to cheer.
Saturday’s schedule was cut short due to a heavy dump of the wet stuff. The decision was supported by all riders as, thanks to the pre-event preparation and overnight maintenance, the track was in prime condition for the full set of racing on Sunday.
Conrad Mewse, Josh Gilbert and Tommy Searle were the ones to beat in the Red Bull Pro-Stroke National MX1 group. Mewse won both races in convincing style with Gilbert taking the runners-up slot and Searle third in both. Brad Todd was fourth and Martin Barr, who also contested and finished third overall in the British Open Two-Stroke Championship, was fifth.
In his adult debut, youth MXY2 star Billy Askew, is proving to be the one to watch. Having won the first Youth 250F race on Saturday. He fired out of the gate to go second and first and take the Red Bull Pro-Stroke National MX2 overall on Sunday. Dylan Walsh was second overall with a third and second and Josh Spinks, with an opening moto win followed by a sixth, rounded out the podium. Dylan Woodcock finished fourth, followed by Ollie Beamish in fifth.
On the British Championship front, Glenn McCormick cleaned up in the ACU British 125 Two-Stroke Championship with three wins from three starts. Young Wal Beaney took a third and two seconds and Rob Holyoake a second and two thirds. Twenty-seven riders packed out the grid for this popular group which saw former MotoGP race winner Bradley Smith take a solid fifth.
The ACU British Open Two-Stroke Championship was won by local rider Raife Broadley with a fourth place and two wins. Josh Coleman was runner up in all three races with MX1 Apico-supported Martin Barr topping off a busy and productive weekend with a seventh, fourth and third to secure third overall. The opening race of this British Championship class on Saturday was won by Matt Bayliss with Josh Coleman second and Tommy Searle, having a bit of fun and enjoying the sounds and smells of the smokers, in third.
Completing the British Championship classes were the ACU British Evo groups with combined Evo and Super Evo classes. Another local rider Steve Bixby made the British Evo his own by taking all three wins in the Evo Championship. Jon Barfoot went three-two-two to take second and Scott Allen’s sixth, second and fifth earned him third overall. From the world of Quad racing, Sheldon Seal was the runner up in Saturday’s first race. The British Super Evo saw the top three take the same finish positions in each moto with Josh Spinks, who was on fire having also secured third overall in the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals MX2, victorious in first place. Rob Holyoake, backing up his British 125 2-Stroke third place with another British podium placing in second and popular Welshman Glen Phillips in third.
Elsewhere in the Apico 2-Stroke Festival field, the Over 40s was won by Michael Chesney with three wins, followed by Paul Moore and Mike Allport. The Red Bull Noughties also had a clear winner with Charlie Nudds taking the honours, Josh Mayo second and Tom Brown third.
Sticking with the Red Bull featured classes, over 40 riders raced the mixed Pro Stroke Clubman MX1 and MX2. Ben Lambert, Paul Barrand and Chris Chapman completed the MX1 podium while Rheis Morter, John Waghorne and Connor Disano took the top steps in the MX2 class.
On the Youth scene, with over 60 riders booked in for the Youth 125 and 250F, the classes were split into A and B groups with qualification on Saturday deciding the grids. The 125 A class was won by Levi Saunders with Travis Laughton second and Max Corke third. Riding in the same group, the 250F was won overall by Liam Bennet, with Jake Cappa second and Reece Hall third. Billy Askew took the win in race one. Blake Monks, Jamie Taylor and Shane Woodsford were the 125 B top three.
The big-wheel and small-wheel 85s rode were out on track together. In the big-wheels, Charlie Richmond took the first two wins and Jamie Keith the third. Robbie Daly posted three third place finishes. The small-wheels was won by Ralph-Jay Holloway with triple wins, Harley Ince was second and Mason Doe third.
In a first for an ACU-supported national motocross event, some 60 junior riders across Autos A and B, Electric E4 and Electric E5, alongside Revvi balance bike 12” and 16” models had a blast on a purpose-built track where they could contest their own races safely away from the main arena. This an area Festival promoter Dave Willet intends to grow and will be working closely with manufacturers and major players within this expanding industry.
Commenting on the seventh successful running of the Apico Two-Stroke Fesitval featuring the Red Bull Nationals, Willet said; “It’s been an absolute insane month. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to get everything ready and while it’s been a lot, it’s been so worth it. I can’t express how much I appreciate all the patience and support we’ve had from everyone.
A big thank you to all the individuals, sponsors, and supporters who have helped us out. Without all of you, we wouldn’t be able to bring these events to life. I’m such a big supporter of UK motocross and I’d love to see our island become the go-to place for all things on two wheels.”
The Lee Dunham Racing (LDR) experience will attend the Apico 2-Stroke Festival at Sellindge, Kent, this weekend, July the 22nd and 23rd, offering tuition and try-outs on a small range of Kawasaki motocross bikes from the extensive LDR training range.
The taster lessons will be run using Kawasaki KLX140 small wheels (age 10-15) and KLX140 big wheels (age 13-plus). They are suitable for novice riders and those who want to improve their riding skills. LDR will offer professional coaching to help beginners get started with the basics of off-road riding, such as understanding the motorcycle, its components, and how to approach riding.
For riders who have already caught the motocross bug, and are already competing, the LDR sessions will offer guidance on how to take their riding to the next level.
LDR will be on hand throughout Saturday and Sunday. Booking in early each day is advised to secure a slot.
Commenting on the LDR initiative at this year’s Apico 2-Stroke Festival, promoter Dave Willet said; “We know getting started on a dirt bike can be a little intimidating, so we’re offering a safe and comfortable environment for beginners and new riders to enjoy the experience. Lee is an expert and will guide riders through every aspect of off-road riding, dishing out a whole load of confidence on the way.
“We look forward to seeing huge grins when visitors to the Festival either get on two wheels for the first time or improve their riding skills!”
A pay-on-the-gate option is available to spectators, but money-saving advance tickets can be bought online right up until 6pm on Friday, 21st July – BOOK HERE.
Pictured: Lee Dunham was on hand to help Team GB at the recently held FIM World MX Junior Championship.
The seventh running of the Apico 2-Stroke Festival featuring the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals gets underway this Friday, the 21st July. The gates to the Sellindge track in Kent will open at midday on Friday for competitors to pitch up, park and get ready for a weekend of fun in the sun and enjoy a packed schedule of uber-hot racing.
With the best part of 300 Pro-to-Youth riders signed up for the event, the early entry time will be welcomed by riders travelling a longer distance as well as for those who like to be organised and get set up well ahead of race day.
The best of British MX will contest the Festival classes with Tommy Searle, Conrad Mewse, Josh Gilbert, Dylan Walsh, Josh Spinks, Martin Barr, Dylan Woodcock, Ollie Beamish, Callum Mitchell, James Dunn, Brad Todd, Micheal Ellis, Glenn McCormick and Jordan McCaw all in the mix. Top road racer Bradley Smith is also racing and, while taking a short break from World Superbikes, Scott Redding will be at Sellindge in a team manager role to his Shredxtv 125cc riders Brad Jones and Josh Daniel.
Youth MXY2 star Billy Askew will, in his adult debut, go up against the pro riders in the weekend’s Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals, and is sure to give team-mate and mentor Searle a run for his money!
On the youth front, and fresh from contesting the FIM World Juniors, Robbie Daly will contest the BW85 class going up against the likes of Charlie Richmond and Jamie Keith.
Saturday’s schedule will start at 9am with the first ACU British Open 2-Stroke Championship class practice. Twenty-minute practice sessions will follow for all classes with the BW/SW85s out last. The racing will kickstart with the ACU British 125 Open 2-Strokes at 11am.
Sunday’s timetable will also start with a 9am 25-minute practice session for the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals MX1 and MX2. The practice block will host 10-minute sessions for the rest of the classes, finishing at approximately 10.35am. Sixteen classes which are guaranteed to provide non-stop race action will follow.
Spectators will be spoilt for choice with so much to watch and are advised to rock up early to enjoy what is anticipated to be the best weekend of motocross racing in the South East this summer.
A pay-on-the-gate option is available to spectators, but money-saving advance tickets can be bought online right up until 6pm on Friday, 21st July – BOOK HERE.
The Apico 2-Stroke Festival, incorporating the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals, gets underway this weekend, Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd of July, at the Sellindge track in Kent.
Ringing the changes once again, the Festival’s promoter Dave Willet is introducing a Youth Mini Track for young and novice riders to actively take part in structured races alongside, yet separate, to the main races.
While the older youth racers and adults will be battling it out on the challenging old-school-style, fully-graded MX track, Junior 65s and Auto riders will have a specially-prepped track in the woodland section. Riders of Electric balance bikes will also get the chance to compete within the environment of a national race event as a small circuit will be set aside for their own exploration races.
Each class will have a maximum of 10 riders. If more riders sign up, then additional groups will be added into the programme to satisfy demand and give everyone the opportunity to ‘have a go’. There will be three races per day, per class, providing plenty of track time for the young wannabe ‘pros’.
“We’re introducing these introductory-level races to open up the Festival to everyone that fancies a go at racing,” said Willet. “Quite often, very young riders are given a few laps of a flat field to race on, however, we’ve built a proper circuit which will test their skills and hopefully give them a taste of what it’s like to compete within a professional arena.”
Interested guys and gals can enter via Go Race MX, with entries open right up until Saturday the 22nd of July at 7.30am.
The Apico 2-Stroke Festival, featuring the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals, is proving to be the UK’s premier destination for up-and-coming youth motocross talent with the introduction of a new qualifying system.
Thanks to the popularity of the Youth 125cc group, the team behind the Festival has decided to give more riders in the 125/250F class the chance to race by hosting a timed morning qualifying session which will result in A and B Group races. The addition of qualifying will create a new classification which, in turn, will free up an extra 20 places and allow the growing list of reserve riders the opportunity to participate in the expanding Festival.
“The weekend is a fantastic platform for young riders to showcase their skills and gain experience,” said Apico 2-Stroke Festival promoter Dave Willet. “We know that with hard work and dedication, there’ll be plenty of future champions amongst our riders and we want them all to enjoy the Festival.”
The Apico 2-Stroke Festival returns to the traditionally-styled motocross track at Sellindge, Kent, over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of July 2023.
Rider entries are still open via Go Race MX – HERE
The Team GB FIM Junior MX World Championship crew rode their hearts out for their country last weekend in Romania. They pitted their strengths against the best youth riders in the world to finish 10th out of 36 countries.
The top three countries were Italy, the Netherlands and France. Only 13 countries had a finish in each of the 125cc, 85cc and 65cc classes and, if a machine fault hadn’t halted the progress of young Casey Lister in the 65cc class, Team GB would have been a cert for fifth overall ….
With such a huge turnout out for the highly-revered World Juniors, the competition was always going to be tough and closely fought.
Ollie Colmer was the highest-placed Brit in the 125cc group, finishing 16th overall. Robbie Daly was ninth overall in the 85s, while Casey Lister was 18th in the 65cc class.
This was the first outing for the new Team GB Juniors under the guidance of Dave Willet, with help and support from ex-racers-turned-trainers Glen Phillips, Ashley Wilde and Lee Dunham.
Reflecting on the weekend, his support network and young warriors, team manager Willet said; “I’d like to thank all riders and their parents, our sponsors, and every member of the team for their hard work and dedication. This weekend was an incredible and inspiring experience for us all.
“It was a challenging yet rewarding experience. The riders worked tirelessly to stay focused, and the efforts put in by every single person involved on, and off, the trace was inspiring.
“The dedication and commitment that these riders have each demonstrated has been remarkable. They were always determined to put their best foot (wheel) forward and really put their all into this event.
“I’m sure that the riders will take what they’ve learned this weekend and apply it to future events. It’s been an unforgettable experience that we’ll all cherish for a long time.
“We’d like to wish Jake Walker a speedy recovery. He was fired up and ready to go out to Romania but got injured the weekend before at the British Championship at Schoolhouse. It’s such a shame because the track at Bucharest would have suited his style and, obviously, all his stuff was already in the truck.”
Team GB was supported by Armor Vision, ACS Scaffolding Ltd, MGP Steel Erection Ltd, Paul Grimshaw Vehicle Movements, ZERO9 Motocross Graphics, and MotoHead Magazine.
Next up for Willet and crew is the Coupe de l’avenir in Belgium over the weekend of the 30th September and 1st of October.
Ends.
Pictured: Team GB World Juniors showing support for missing team member Jake Walker #99.
The Apico 2-Stroke Festival is gathering speed as the UK’s top adult and youth racers sign up for the two-day event which will be held on Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd of July at Sellindge, Kent.
Money-saving advance spectator tickets can be booked on-line for just £10* per person for the whole weekend, saving the hassle and additional cost of paying on-the-gate. Under-12s can gain admission free-of-charge and overnight Friday/Saturday no-frills, space-only camping is just £10.
The weekend is set to witness incredible and close racing across a range of classes that cater for young small-wheel 85cc riders right the way through the ranks to reigning British MX Champions – Tommy Searle and Conrad Mewse – together with Pro level competitors, each vying for a share of the considerable prize money. With £12,000.00 on the table for the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals, paying out to 10th place per race across both MX1 and MX2 classes, they’ll take no prisoners when the start gate drops.
Elsewhere, there are ACU-sanctioned British Championships to be won for novice and clubman-level 2-Stroke enthusiasts, which will also attract prize money. For the youth contestants, there is the chance for two riders from the 85cc and 125cc classes to earn ambassador status, and a top-value £2,500 prize, with high-end MX clothing and protection specialist Leatt.
Sticking with the affordability angle, the individual rider entry fee for all Apico 2-Stroke and Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals classes is just £62.50.
As well as the competitive on-track action, there’ll be a fun mechanics/pit bike race, try out sessions on a purpose-built taster track, Traxxas remote-controlled vehicle have-a-go, trade stands, and catering available throughout the weekend.
Racing starts from 9am each day.
Classes – Saturday and Sunday:
ACU British 125 two-stroke
ACU British Open two-stroke
ACU British Evo two-stroke
ACU British Super Evo two-stroke
Red Bull Pro Stroke National Clubman MX1
Red Bull Pro Stroke National Clubman MX2
Red Bull Noughties (age 25 + machine year 2000/2008)
Over 40s Open 2- stroke
Youth 250F
Youth 125
Youth BW/SW85
Sunday only:
Red Bull Pro Stroke National MX1/MX2
On-line spectator booking is now available CLICK HERE!
*Plus booking fees.
Pictured: #426 Conrad Mewse at the 2022 Apico 2-Stroke Festival.
