The official statement says: “Due to circumstances out of our control the Championship Comittee have had to make a decision to change venue for the Championship that was due to be held at Foxhills this weekend.

“The Championship Committee would like to thank the Cheltenham club for stepping forward and agreeing to host the event at Brookthorpe at such short notice.

“With this switch of venue taking place this also means that the usual 5 Championship races per class will be held over the weekend.”

This is the first time in our 90year history that we have aligned with any charitable organisation and we are excited about the vision Road 2 Recovery UK has for helping the riders within the UK motocross community.

The Road 2 Recovery UK Charity specifically helps with the relief of motocross and freestyle motocross riders who have suffered life altering injuries serious enough for them to stop participating in their sport or take a long period of time to recover. The Charity’s aim is to raise funds and have them available immediately if required.

Road 2 Recovery UK will be using their partnership with the AMCA to promote their work, fundraising, meeting AMCA riders/members and will be present at as many AMCA events as possible this season to give you more information on what the Charity is doing.

Jamie Dobb, 2000 World Champion & R2R UK Trustee: “I have been involved with Road2Recovery (USA) for the past 20 years. This work has helped put the foundations in place to get R2R UK established as an official UK charity which now allows us to join forces with the AMCA as an official partner. This is fantastic news, and will continue to allow the R2R Charity to help riders and their families in their darkest hour in the UK as it has done for so long in the USA.”

Steve Harvey, General Manager of AMCA: “We are pleased to welcome Road2Recovery UK to the AMCA as a partner. The model of the Charity issomething which we feel is needed within our sport. The work the US sister company has done has been fantastic and we can’t wait to work alongside the UK arm of the Charity in 2022 and beyond.”

To find out more about Road 2 Recovery UK and their work head over to www.road2recoveryuk.com

Luke Burton(Geartec Honda)    AMCA MX1 British Motocross Champion 

“In the end,2020 as turned out to be a fun race season thanks to Steve Harvey and all the AMCA team. I didn’t think we’d get racing at all this year so I’m buzzing to win my 5th AMCA British title and it’s made it that much better to bag it for such a down to earth guy as Paul Mason the Geartec team owner. There’s a lot of hard work gone in behind the scenes from everyone around me, from my fiancé all the way through to Paul Mason, Nick Owen, Timmy Alberts and Stuart Turner. I’d like to say a thank you also to Max Mx and VIP Practice tracks for letting me use their facilities in preparation for this season. This title is for all of you guys LB”.

Jamie Wainwright (Wainwright Plant and Haulage KTM)    AMCA MX2 British Motocross Champion

“It’s been a strange year racing , we had our plans set to compete in the ACU British championship And the Bridgestone Masters but after everything being cancelled due to Covid, we decided to try and defend the AMCA MX2 British title. With 10 out of 12 moto wins and the top step on the podium at every round I would say I’ve had a pretty good year…. I’ve felt very strong and comfortable with my riding as well which has made me enjoy it a lot. It’s not the way we wanted to end the championship with Round 5 being cancelled but it is what it is and we will celebrate when we can but no complaining, it’s still a great feeling right now to get another AMCA title. The AMCA have done a great job to get the racing to go ahead this year and a big thank you also to all those who have has been involved with preparations of the tracks and running the meetings. I would also like to say a massive thank you to my family members, close supporters and all of my sponsors that have been there and by my side this year and past years. It really is much appreciated. . Here’s to 2021”.

Shane Carless (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna)   AMCA 125cc British Motocross Champion

“The 2020 AMCA British Championship was a weird one for all of us! I lost my wonderful Mother earlier this year so things have been very tough for me and that made me extra determined. This AMCA 125cc title was totally for her and I was going to win no matter what so that I could dedicate it to her!

Our plan though was to try and defend my MX1 title but that didn’t happen as I dislocated my shoulder just a couple of days before the first round. Initially I had then made my mind up not to race at all this year. Mid-week prior to the Championship my FUS Team suggested that I could maybe try competing in the 125cc class instead. I had lots of treatment on my shoulder and it was feeling better every day so I decided to just give it a go and what a good move it proved to be as we ended winning another AMCA title! I have never had so much fun racing the 125cc with every position a battle for a lap or so!

I just want to say a massive thank-you to Gareth and Anthony at Marsh MX, Mike Keenan of FUS and  Steve Archer and his family, the amount of support I have received from them is unreal. They are always 100% behind me no matter what and it definitely wouldn’t happen without them that’s for sure. FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna Thank-you”.

James Lane (LRT Midwest Husqvarna)  AMCA Vets British Motocross Champion

“Coming into the championship for 2020 I had done a fair bit of preparation with practicing a fair bit and at one point we thought that might be all we were going to do! With only a few races under my belt we headed to Boraston for round 1 on a super knarly, rutted circuit .

I felt good that day on my 350F having had  alot of experience on the more technical tracks. I scored 1- 2-1 and got the overall which I was well pleased with for me and our sponsors. It could have been a maximum as I was leading the second moto too but a tip over cost me meaning that I had to come from last to 2nd which was great so I knew my speed was good .

Round 2 we were at Long Lane which produced the same results 1-2-1. I was again leading the second race but my brother Simon passed me on the last corner, making up ground on me after having doubled the whoops which I rolled through.

Round 3 at Warmingham and I knew Simon, Paul Burn and Jamie Powell would be fast. Jamie would be wanting to make a statement being the 2019 Vets Champ and having his first ride of 2020 but I knew I wanted to beat him straight up on a new Husky 350 which I felt I was riding better than the Honda. We went 1 1 4 which got me the overall and managed to beat all my rivals in the first 2 moto’s. Moto 3 was also going well, moving into 2^nd reeling in Jamie good only to crash twice and drop back to 4^th.

Round 4 and a return to Long Lane was really wet. I decided to run my 2stroke which was lighter and more instant power but it proved hard to ride in the end as the track dried out. But 1-1- 2 score gave me enough points for the Championship win. Once again the last corner at Long Lane after the whoops I crashed whilst leading letting Simon through on the last corner that stuffed me for the maximum but I was happy with the overall!

All in all at 42 years young I was happy with my riding and the great result for me , my mechanic Grant Reed and our team. I love helping Simon run LRT and I was pumped that me and Simon went 1 and 2 in the championship He certainly didn’t make it easy for me !!!!

Kevin Rogers (Morris Oils KTM)   AMCA Vets Over 50’s British Motocross Champion

“Having not raced competitively in motocross for 15 years, my daughter Ellie wanted me to return to racing  but as my wife was diagnosed with cancer and then passed away Oct 2018 that meant Ellie was dependant on me for all her care and transport. Motocross therefore at that time was just too much of a risk if I got injured!.

However, once Ellie had passed her driving test that removed the dependency on me so I thought that I would now like to return and have a go at the AMCA Vet’s Championship with the hope of a top 10 position, never imagining getting on the podium or finishing top three.

After entering the series, I was informed that within the Vet’s there is the over 50s which as I am 53  I was in that one too. The first round at Boraston was such an eye opener, after the first race I almost collapsed with exhaustion, The second race I crashed and ended upside down on my head. but after this I managed to improve my bike fitness and went on to achieve my best results.

Most pleasing was my podium at Long Lane  alongside both Simon and James Lane. Back in 2002 I finished 3^rd in the AMCA MX1 class which qualified me to represent the Country in the IMBA European series which was one of my all-time ambitions.                 

This year has though topped that by achieving 1^st overall in the over 50s Championship so at long last my other ambition has been fulfilled in being a Championship winner. I ride a standard KTM 450SXF 2020 which was purchased two weeks before the first round. I’m a privateer with support from the Shrewsbury based Morris Lubricants which I can’t thank Stuart Holloway enough for. They supply me with all my oil’s and lubricants.

I must say the older I get the more I enjoy racing. I have had so much enjoyment racing with fellow Vet’s that I have not seen for many years and would like to thank them all for the relaxed and friendly reception.

Also, I would like to thank all at the AMCA and the organising clubs for the hard work they put in to ensure the events and Championship was run.Here is looking forward to 2021!”

Joel Fisher (MRS/Suomy KTM)   AMCA Youth 85cc Champion

“I came into the 1st round not knowing what to expect but after I scored maximum points I was really confident. Going into round 2 Yarin(Evans) was riding really well but I was on course for the overall again until I got a puncture in the last race when leading. That dropped me back to 2nd in the Championship.

At round 3 I managed to get all 3 wins at Warmingham and close the gap to be only 4 points behind Yarin so at Long Lane I knew I had to give it my all as we were uncertain if the final round at Brookthorpe was going to run. On the second visit to Long Lane I again bagged all 3 wins and was now crucially leading the Championship.

 I cant thank everyone enough who has helped me this year, Malcolm Rathmell Sport, Suomy Helmets, Fist Handwear, OnesevenoneAB, AD modular, Tech4mx, Rikki Priest, ELoils, my family and friends and anyonelse I forgot”.

Words and pics by Mike Wood

After the deluge of wet weather, the rain had thankfully ceased in the Telford area before the commencement of Sunday’s proceedings. Yes the going was naturally heavy early on but the sand-type prevailing soil had soaked up the water forming a whole host of ruts and line selection helping to produce some close, exciting racing as the day unfolded. In MX1, having already bagged a maximum at Long Lane earlier in the series, Luke Burton started the day with a classy gate to flag victory in the opening clash. Taking 2^nd was a new boy to AMCA competition, James Mackrel from Northern Ireland who got home ahead of Tommy Alba, Neville Bradshaw, Ashley Greedy, Josh Waterman, Scooter Webster and Luke Hawkins. The day did not start too well though for expected front runner James Dodd who found himself a distant last in the early stages, eventually getting home in 16^th.

Burton took victory again in moto two, moving up from 4^th and passing the hard charging leading trio consisting of another AMCA debutant Luke Hawkins, Neville Bradshaw, racing his big Red CR500 Honda in its final event and Tommy Alba. With Burton taking control on lap five, early pace-setter Hawkins went down to 6^th as Bradshaw got home in 2^nd despite very close attention from Alba whilst Mackrel struggling with a reoccurring shoulder injury was 4^th. On this occasion, Burton’s closest title rivals Greedy and Waterman had to settle for 5^th and 7^th places respectively.

What a great race the final MX1 moto of the day was to be as Mackrel led for eight laps. In the early exchanges, Hawkins and Greedy were putting the pressure on with Hawkins getting through but all eyes focussed on Burton as he was on a serious charge after gating in 8^th. Gradually picking off his rivals, Luke moved into 2^nd on the final lap and was just a couple of bike lengths down on winner Hawkins at the flag. So on the podium it was Burton taking the top step joined by Mackrel and Alba earning a richly deserved maiden AMCA podium. In the title chase, Burton leads the way on 553 points from Waterman 509, Greedy 502, Adam Chatfield 471 and Dodd 461.

Although Jamie Wainwright was to suffer his first defeat of the season in MX2, he still took the overall win on the day and thus extend his Championship advantage. Slipping off on the opening lap of moto one, Jamie was quickly back on-board his KTM, only losing a couple of places and dropping down to 7^th spot. At the front, both Henry Williams and Ryan Crowder took turns to lead before Williams finally stamped his authority on proceedings. On a charge, Ray Rowson returning from injury then came through to move up into 2^nd and insert heavy pressure on Williams in a scrap that raged all the way to the chequered flag. Following his rare, early slip, Wainwright took 3^rd from Crowder, Luke Dean, Rory Jones and Jordan Eccles.

Unfortunately in the first attempt to run MX2 moto two, Rowson crashed heavily requiring medical attention, get well soon Ray! In the rerun, Jansen Day grabbed the holeshot before quickly being replaced by Jordan Eccles. Making no mistake on this occasion, Jordan sailed on to nail his first AMCA Championship moto win as Wainwright took 2^nd after gating 5^th. The super consistent Williams, Crowder, Josh Coleman, Lewis Dowdeswell and Day were next up.

Stretching that throttle wire to the max, Crowder on the 2T KTM grabbed a glorious last MX2 moto holeshot but before the completion of the opening lap that man Wainwright was on his tail. Quickly moving through, Jamie put the hammer down to then glide onto a big win as Crowder followed him home. Williams completed another good day earning 3^rd just ahead of the FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna boy’s Eccles and Dowdeswell. That left the MX2 podium featuring some rather familiar faces as Wainwright, Willams and Crowder took home the honours. In the Championship table, Wainwright on 592 points looks on course to retain his title with Crowder 520, Williams 506, Coleman 482, Eccles 450 and Day 440 chasing.

One rider who would certainly not have been fazed by the wet, heavy track at Long Lane is Matt Ridgway. Using all of his top level Enduro experience to the max, Matt posted the fastest 125cc qualifying time and proved to be a major contender when the racing started, eventually taking the overall runners-up spot behind Shane Carless. In 125cc moto one, Matt grabbed the holeshot and led for seven laps before Carless came through for the win. Also in the mix during the opening clash were Travis Steels, Jimmy Margetson, Jonathan Roderick-Evans, Clinton Barrs and Aaron Colley. Indeed that 4^th place earned by Championship contender Margetson was particularly impressive after initially gating down in 18^th.

After that comeback, Jimmy was quickest away in moto two before being passed on lap one by both Carless and Ridgway. In this one, Steels took 4^th from Damon Strydom who had gone out of the opening clash when in 8^th place. With Matt Ridgway in 2^nd, his brother Jordan was also right on it, taking 9^th just behind Barrs, Roderick-Evans and Jordan Wright.

In the final 125cc moto it was Carless all the way from Matt Ridgway, Strydom, Margetson, Steels and Luke Newman. On the Long Lane podium that super maximum man Carless took top slot from Ridgway and Margetson. With that haul of another big 150 Championship points, Shane sits on a nice total of 582 from Margetson 515, Strydom 448 and Steels 435. Having bagged two successive podiums, Ridgway is in 8^th and still in with a mathematical chance of earning a final medal position.

So far this campaign, the fast starting Paul Burn has provided the major threat to the dominance of the Lane Brothers in the AMCA Vets contest. But on Sunday, Paul was a non-starter as James and Simon again took the top two positions to thus almost guarantee that they will be earning the gold and silver medals in this class. Electing to ride a 250cc 2T Husqvarna instead of his trusty, big 4T mount, series leader James looked set to start round four with a win by coming through to pass his brother Simon with two laps remaining of moto one. However in a late twist, Simon fought back to retake the lead on the final circuit and with just one turn remaining. Taking 3^rd was Kevin Rogers from Anthony Bennett, Brian Staples and Andrew Watkins.

In Vets moto two, the Lane boys again swapped positions before James claimed the win after Simon had suffered a late fall. Taking 3^rd was Rogers with regular top ten finishers Bennett, Staples, Rich Tudor, Watkins and John Barnes in the mix. Kev Rogers then got the final Vets moto holeshot before being passed by Simon Lane and eventual  winner James Lane. Having his best ride of the day, Barnes took a great 3^rd in this one just ahead of early leader Rogers. On the podium it was James, Simon and Kev Rogers. That result means James tops the title table on 584 points just 15 ahead of Simon whilst Rogers has now leapfrogged Burn up into 3^rd on 477.

Going into Sunday’s event, just 4 points separated Yarin Evans and Joel Fisher at the top of the Youth 85cc standings. In a dramatic moto one though that was to change as Evans found himself in a distant last place on the opening circuit. With a terrific ride though, Yarin got right back up to 4^th behind winner Fisher, Lewis Roden and Caleb Greaves with Oakley Kettle, Oliver Rigby and Tyler Smith in the frame.

After that moto one effort, Evans then grabbed the holeshot in both moto’s two and three before Fisher came through for the wins. On each occasion, Roden got home in 3^rd and Rigby 4^th. On the podium it was Fisher, Evans and Roden who are also the title chasing top three.  Going into this weekend’s final and deciding round, Fisher now tops the table 9 points clear of Evans with Roden a further 63 points in arrears.

Words and images by Mike Wood

This weekend it’s a return to Long Lane, near Telford and as expected it’s certainly very tight at the top of a MX1 class stacked full of quality. Luke Burton leads the way just 6 points clear of Josh Waterman with Ashley Greedy a further 23 points in arrears. On the first visit to Long Lane, Burton scorched to an immaculate maximum so he certainly knows the fast lines around the venue and will be looking for a repeat podium topping performance on Sunday! Waterman and Greedy though are also top riders and will be pulling out all of the stops to ensure that they go to the finale still right in contention for that MX1 crown. Out to try and stop the current top three and reel them back in will be the likes of Adam Chatfield, James Dodd, Corie Southwood, Tommy Alba and Neville Bradshaw.

Nine races and nine wins, Jamie Wainwright is certainly the boss in MX2. Currently holding 2^nd in the standings is Ryan Crowder, a place he has certainly earned with consistent top rides and podiums at both Boraston and Warmingham Lane on his rapid 2T KTM. Below Ryan, just 10 points separate the hard charging trio of Josh Coleman, Henry Williams and Luke Dean. In this very competitive MX2 class which always produces close, on the edge racing, Jansen Day, Jordan Eccles and Lewis Dowdeswell are next up.

With three podiums and five moto wins, Welsh ace Shane Carless tops the 125cc standings. At present, Shane is 48 points clear of Jimmy Margetson with Damon Strydom in 3^rd. Looking at the Championship table, the current top three have forged a little bit of breathing space for themselves but in this class anything simply could and probably will happen! The fast starting Nathan Bache, Jonathan Roderick-Evans, Travis Steels, Luke Newman and Jordan Wright are next in the standings. Looking for potential spoilers on Sunday, then how about Clinton Barrs and Matt Ridgway who have both produced some very strong performances during the last two rounds. Indeed Ridgway is right on it and will have certainly been buoyed by a podium placing last time out! 

The Lane Brothers James and Simon still hold the top two places in the 2020 Vets title chase. Although they suffered their first moto defeat of the season at Warmingham when 2019 AMCA Vets Champion Jamie Powell got the better of them, the Lanes are definitely in control of their own destiny. After three rounds, James sits on 437 points, 12 ahead of Simon with the fast starting Paul Burn in 3^rd. Going into the Long Lane event this weekend, next up in the Vets are Kevin Rogers, Anthony Bennett, Chris Jones and John Barnes.

After bagging a Warmingham maximum, Joel Fisher has closed the gap on Youth 85cc leader Yarin Evans to just 4 points. With Fisher and Evans looking likely to go head to head for the title glory, the battle for bronze could be equally intriguing. Lewis Roden, Caleb Greaves, Oliver Rigby, Falon Baillie, Harley Prickett and Oakley Kettle have already shown that they are right up for that particular challenge!

Words and images by Mike Wood.

Leading Championship positions

MX1 (Top ten) 1 Luke Burton (Geartec Honda) 406 points 2 Josh Waterman 400 (IDS Transport/Hardcore Racing Yamaha) 3 Ashley Greedy 377 (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna)  4 Adam Chatfield 374 (Wulfsport/ Meredith MX Suzuki) 5 James Dodd 366 (JSR Thunderroad Honda)  6 Corie Southwood 357 (Langmead & Hay Kawasaki)  7 Neville Bradshaw 309 (500cc Honda) 8 Tommy Alba 309 (The Grafix Shack KTM) 9 Will Hughes 275 (SRH Racing) 10 Mark Roberts 263  (FastEddy KTM).

MX2   1 James Wainwright 450 points (Wainwright Plant & Haulage KTM) 2 Ryan Crowder  387 (Hazport/Sandiford KTM)  3 Josh Coleman 367 (Wulfsport/Meredith MX Suzuki)  4 Henry Williams 366 (Apex KTM UK)  5 Luke Dean 357 (5 Two Racing KTM) 6 Jansen Day 335 (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 7 Jordan Eccles 320 (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna) 8 Lewis Dowdeswell  306 (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna) 9 Cory McShane 294 10 Mark Young 294 (JSR Thunderroad Honda).

125CC 1 Shane Carless 432 points (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna) 2 Jimmy Margetson 384 (Wulfsport Maico) 3 Damon Strydom 362 (Apex KTM UK) 4 Nathan Bache 315 (KTM) 5 Jonathan Roderick-Evans 307 6 Travis Steels 306 (ANSA Redline KTM)  7 Luke Newman 306 (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 8 Jordan Wright 296 (Rikki Priest Yamaha) 9 Clinton Barrs 294 (DK Offroad Kawasaki) 10 Matt Ridgway 262 (Midwest Husqvarna).

Vets   1 James Lane 437 points (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 2 Simon Lane 425 (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 3 Paul Burn 399 4 Kevin Rogers 344 (Morris Lubricants) 5 Anthony Bennett 339 (K & F Racing Kawasaki) 6 Chris Jones 339 (JSR Thunderroad Honda) 7 John Barnes 317 8 Brian Staples 289 (Redline KTM) 9 Gareth Dunsford 276 (D&G Master Builders) 10 Andrew Watkins 255.

Youth 85cc 1 Yarin Evans 429 points (J4M54 Pratice/SRH Racing KTM) 2 Joel Fisher 425 (MRS/Suomy KTM)  3 Lewis Roden 366 (Kenda Tyres) 4 Caleb Greaves 353 (Dirtshifter/Devotion Ink) 5 Oliver Rigby 343 (Tom Arnold/Lucas Oil) 6 Falon Baillie 305 (MDMX Apico Factory Racing) 7 Harley Prickett 294 (M P Highclass) 8 Oakley Kettle 287 (Rikki Priest Academy) 9 Cameron Woodburn 263 (Gritty People/Putoline UK) 10 Jonas Brown 258 (Phil Morris Racing). 

“Unfortunately, due to communication from the Harm Reduction and Operations from Gloucestershire Police, both events running at Cheltenham this weekend will be CANCELLED.

“According to Gloucestershire Police going ahead with running the events will be deemed as unlawful and the organisers and the riders could receive fines if they attend.

“To be able to run in Gloucestershire we need to be registered with an organisation called DCMS – we were only made aware of this today. Unfortunately, we have been unable to make gain approval today and therefore, to protect the AMCA and our riders, the decision has been made to cancel the events. A further statement will be issued, detailing the possibility of rescheduling the events.”

Photo: Mike Wood

In MX1, 2018 Champion Josh Waterman has got off to a flyer, making a very determined start and showing that he certainly means business in the shortened 2020 title chase. At round one, Josh blasted his Yamaha to top spot on the podium with a 1/1/3 scorecard. Joining him on the box was Nev Bradshaw piloting a 1998 500cc CR Honda and the always consistent James Dodd. This class boasts plenty of high quality and potential moto winners so expect the likes of Luke Burton, Adam Chatfield, the fast starting Ashley Greedy, Tommy Alba, Corey Hockey,Andrew Smart and Will Hughes to start turning up the heat. Having made his MX1 Championship debut at Boraston with a fantastic 4^th overall, Corie Southwood will also be another major podium contender.

Having started the MX2 campaign with another classy maximum score, the big question is can anyone stop Jamie Wainwright? You can be sure that experienced 2017 Champion Ray Rowson will certainly be giving it a right old go along with the equally determined challengers Josh Coleman, Henry Williams, Jansen Day, Mark Young and Cory McShane. Currently on the edge of the top ten, Lewis Dowdeswell and Jordan Eccles did not quite earn their desired results at round one so unable to lose  any further ground on the leaders you can expect them to be right on it when the gate drops at Long Lane! Making this MX2 class a truly intriguing affair and looking to stop those 250F pilots from gaining an advantage, Ryan Crowder (3^rd) and Luke Dean (4^th) on the KTM 2-Smokers were on fire at Boraston and go to Long Lane full of confidence and after more success!

Jordan Wright, Jimmy Margetson and Shane Carless all took a 125cc moto win at Boraston in a class which yet again served up some top class entertainment. All three of the above lads also took the podium places with Wright the victor following a 1/2/4 scorecard. That battle for top slot looks set to rage again this Sunday with Chris Povey, the 2019 125cc runner-up also joining the fray after being forced to miss the opener at Boraston. Having got stronger as the day unfolded  during round one, Damon Strydom could be a major challenger this time around along with the likes of Luke Newman, Nathan Bache, Travis Steels and Clinton Barrs who’s hoping to have gained a little extra power and be mounted on a 150cc! Having had by his usual very high standards what was an extremely disappointing day at Boraston, expect Matt Ridgway to bounce back in style this weekend!

LRT Midwest Husqvarna riders James and Simon Lane dominated the opening Vets round and are certainly going to be very difficult to now remove from their lofty positions. James the younger of the Gloucester based brothers leads the title chase with Simon in 2^nd and just a further 3 points in arrears. Having grabbed three holeshots at Boraston, Paul Burn should again be taking the challenge to the Lane boy’s along with Sean Smith, Andrew Watkins, Chris Jones, John Barnes and Anthony Bennett.

Joel Fisher made the best start possible in his quest for Youth 85cc honours in 2020 by bagging a superb maximum score at Boraston. In all three moto’s, Yarin Evans followed him home with Lewis Roden in 3^rd. Other lads starting the campaign in style were Caleb Greaves, Oliver Rigby, Harley Prickett, Harry Bebb, Cameron Woodburn, Falon Baillie and Charlie Hucklebridge.

Championship Standings

MX1 (Top ten) 1 Josh Waterman 145 points (IDS Transport/Hardcore Racing Yamaha) 2 Neville Bradshaw 136 (500cc Honda) 3 James Dodd 133 (JSR Thunderroad Honda) 4 Corie Southwood 125 (Langmead & Hay Kawasaki) 5 Luke Burton 121 (Geartec Honda) 6 Ashley Greedy 115 (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna) 7 Adam Chatfield 113 (Wulfsport/ Meredith MX Suzuki) 8 Tommy Alba 109 (The Grafix Shack KTM) 9 Corey Hockey 95 (Apex KTM UK) 10 Andrew Smart 93 (JSR Thunderroad Honda).

MX2   1 James Wainwright 150 points (Wainwright Plant & Haulage KTM) 2 Ray Rowson 139 (SWS Geartec Honda) 3 Ryan Crowder 125 (Hazport/Sandiford KTM) 4 Luke Dean 121 (5 Two Racing KTM) 5 Josh Coleman 121 (Wulfsport/ Meredith MX Suzuki) 6 Henry Williams 119 (Apex KTM UK) 7 Jansen Day 111 (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 8 Mark Young 96 (JSR Thunderroad Honda) 9 Cory McShane 93  10 Lewis Dowdeswell 93 (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna).

125CC 1 Jordan Wright 140 points (AG Recycling/J W Oils Yamaha) 2 Shane Carless 138 (FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna) 3 Jimmy Margetson 136 (Wulfsport Maico) 4 Damon Strydom 131 (Apex KTM UK) 5 Luke Newman 125 (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 6 Nathan Bache 112 (KTM) 7 Travis Steels 108 (ANSA Redline KTM) 8 Shane Holmes 105 (Team Park Lane/IDS KTM) 9 James Angel  95  10 Jordan Ridgway 90 (Unity Road Motorcycles Yamaha).

Vets   1 James Lane 147 points (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 2 Simon Lane 144 (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) 3 Sean Smith 133 (Wulfsport KTM) 4 Paul Burn 131  5 Andrew Watkins 119 (MDMX Apico Husqvarna) 6 Chris Jones 117 (JSR Thunderroad Honda) 7 John Barnes 109 8 Anthony Bennett 105 (K & F Racing Kawasaki) 9 Kevin Rogers 102 (Morris Lubricants) 10 Robert Prosser 94 (AJP/ESP Husqvarna).

Youth 85cc 1 Joel Fisher 150 points (MRS/Suomy KTM) 2 Yarin Evans 141 (J4M54 Pratice/SRH Racing KTM) 3 Lewis Roden 135 (Kenda Tyres) 4 Caleb Greaves 125 (Dirtshifter/Devotion Ink) 5 Oliver Rigby 123 (Tom Arnold/Lucas Oil) 6 Harley Prickett 107 (M P Highclass) 7 Harry Bebb 105 8 Cameron Woodburn 96 (Gritty People/Putoline UK) 9 Falon Baillie 96 (MDMX Apico Factory Racing) 10 Charlie Hucklebridge 96.  

Words and pics Mike Wood.

At this Boraston opener, Josh Waterman (IDS Transport/Hardcore Racing Yamaha), Jamie Wainwright (Wainwright’s Plant and Haulage KTM), Jordan Wright (AG Recycling/J W Oils Yamaha), James Lane (LRT Midwest Husqvarna) and Joel Fisher (MRS/Suomy KTM) took their respective class wins.

Following a week of unsettled weather, the Boraston circuit which was initially wet in places then became a true rut city producing numerous lines in just about every corner. The drying conditions also meant that there was plenty of tack and grip to greet the first big MX1 clash of the day, a class full of high quality and potential moto winners. In the opening clash, it was FUS Marsh MX Husvarna pilot and 2019 Weston Beach race winner Ashley Greedy who led for the majority of the contest before being passed by Josh Waterman two laps from home. Taking 3rd was James Dodd ahead of impressive MX1 debutant Corie Southwood, Neville Bradshaw on a 1998 500cc Honda CR two-stroke machine, Luke Burton, Adam Chatfield and Tommy Alba.

In MX1 moto two, Greedy again led the way but his progress was to be halted four laps in due to a rear wheel puncture. Managing to get back to his pit bay, Ashley made a quick wheel change and thus rejoin the race, eventually going onto earn 20th place. Taking the win again was the supreme Waterman with another accomplished display followed by Dodd, Bradshaw, Burton, Chatfield and Southwood.

Proving that he is already right on the MX1 pace, Southwood quickly go past Dodd in the final moto and led for several laps until arm pump set in. Now taking control was Bradshaw on his ‘big red  5’ Honda and there he remained, punching the air in delight as he crossed the line just a couple of bike lengths clear of a hard charging Greedy. Confirming a much deserved overall win, Waterman got home 3rd with the gallant Southwood having to settle for 4th.

In the MX2 Class, it was to be pretty much business as usual with defending AMCA Champion Jamie Wainwright reeling off three impressive wins. After Ryan Butler had claimed the moto one holeshot, Championship debutant Jordan Eccles surged to the front. Putting the hammer down, Eccles then led until just two laps from home before Wainwright who had initially gated in 9th came through for victory. Making a comeback after a 12 month lay-off, 2017 AMCA MX2 Champion Ray Rowson was to make an impressive start taking 2nd in this one with Eccles having to settle for 3rd ahead of Josh Coleman, Ryan Crowder and Jansen Day.

Moto two and Luke Dean on the KTM 250cc 2T led the early charge before the classy Wainwright took over at the front. Also on a KTM 250cc 2T, Crowder had a super ride to get home in 2nd with Rowson, Dean, Henry Williams, Coleman and Day next up. For Eccles this race was to already deliver a serious blow to his potential title aspirations as a rear wheel puncture forced him out on lap three when inside the top ten after having worked hard to haul back  up from an early 21st spot.

MX2 moto three and Dean stretched that KTM throttle wire to the max again as he led the pack away before being passed by Rowson. Ray’s advantage though was to last for just two laps as Wainwright now surged to the front before racing off to claim his hat-trick of moto wins. Rowson eventually got home in 2nd but had to work very hard for his points after first seeing off a very determined Williams then repelling a late challenge from Dean and Eccles. Also inside the top ten again in this one was Coleman, Crowder, Day, Mark Young and Cory McShane.

The big news in the 125cc Championship class before Sunday’s event came with the announcement that MX1 Champion Shane Carless would now be competing. After a week of intensive treatment on a dislocated shoulder, Shane realising that holding onto a big 350F in MX1 would be a struggle made the brave decision to switch over to the eighth litre class and give it a go! And, what a move that was to be having his first ride for 15 years on a 125cc machine he went onto earn a great 2nd overall with a 4/3/1 scorecard behind the very quick victor, Jordan Wright.

With rain falling and conditions at their worst, the super Wright led 125cc moto one all the way as Ross Millard, Conner Challinor and finally Luke Newman held 2nd spot. On completion of a typically frantic 125cc contest, Jimmy Margetson moved up from an early 13th to take 3rd from Carless, Damon Strydom, Shane Holmes and Nathan Bache.

Showing that he definitely meant business, Wright was quickest away in moto two. However on this occasion, the hard charging Margetson was right on his tail and three laps in he took control. In a great scrap for top honours, Jimmy just about held on for victory with Wright 2nd, Carless 3rd, Strydom 4th, Newman 5th and Travis Steels 6th. In a thrilling final 125cc moto which had been restarted due to a red flag incident, Bache, Strydom and finally Carless took turns to lead. The fast Wright had to settle for 4th this time around as Margetson, Steels and Newman were again in the mix. AMCA 125cc Champion back in 2011, Holmes proved yet again that he has still plenty of gas in the tank by taking 8th with another impressive ride. This class also included several of last year’s top Youth 85cc runners who all gave a good account of themselves on their 125cc Championship debuts.

Returning to the AMCA Championship scene, Paul Burn grabbed the holeshot in all three of the Veterans clashes at Boraston before the LRT Midwest Husqvarna duo of brothers James and Simon Lane took total control. Indeed the dynamic duo were in simply irresistible form on Sunday with James taking the overall win going 1/2/1 and Simon taking the runners-up slot on 2/1/2. Next best in this class was Sean Smith from Burn and former AMCA Champion Andy Watkins.

In the opening clash, Burn led for 2 laps before being pushed back to 4th behind James Lane, Simon Lane and Smith as Watkins, Kev Rogers, Chris Jones, John Barnes and Anthony Bennett started strongly. There was then to be drama in moto two as James Lane in the early exchanges found himself in trouble and down to last place! Undeterred he got up, brushed himself down and charged all the way back to earn a remarkable 2nd behind brother  Simon.

Burn was again fastest away in the final moto before being passed by first Simon Lane then eventual winner James Lane. Also having a very consistent day, Smith got home in 4th with Watkins, Jones, Bennett and Barnes next up.

Starting the new Championship campaign in the best fashion possible, Joel Fisher stormed to three impressive wins in the Youth 85cc class. On each occasion, Yarin Evans got home in 2nd with Lewis Roden 3rd. With the above three lads dominating, Caleb Greaves, Oliver Rigby, Charlie Hucklebridge, Harry Bebb and Harley Prickett were the next best in moto one.

All of the above lads were again right in the frame during moto two with Falon Ballie also joining in the fun. In the final moto, Greaves had his best ride of the day to earn an impressive 4th. Likewise Cameron Woodburn got stronger as the event unfolded, taking a super 5th ahead of Rigby, Harry Bebb, Prickett, Ballie and Logan Jay Powell. 

What the riders said:  

Josh Waterman MX1 Winner

 “We were out first for qualifying so was unsure on how the track would turn out. It was tacky in places and slippy in the woods. Managed to put in a good lap for pole position! Race 1 had an ok start. Got through and took the lead with just over a lap to go. Race 2 I had another ok start but in turn two I nearly went down in the mayhem and ruts. Got myself going and pulled through to the lead by lap 4 and won. Race 3 I gated 4th dropped back a few positions then pushed through to 3rd but didn’t have enough in the tank to catch the front two. I would like to thank all my family, sponsors and supporters who made it happen.”

Neville Bradshaw  MX1 Runner-up

“Had a super fun weekend. Really enjoyed riding the big 500 and got better as the weekend progressed. The win in race 3 felt amazing. Well done to the club on some awesome technical conditions and the AMCA for getting everyone back racing.”.

Jamie Wainwright MX2 Winner

“It’s nice to be back racing in the AMCA again after the plans we made didn’t happen due to the Covid-19 pandemic but all in all I had a solid day and felt very comfortable! The track was very deep and technical but also a lot of fun. P1 in qualifying started the day off nice. Race one I made a small mistake on lap two costing me some time but got my head down and pushed through to win the race. Race two I got a better start and moved myself into the lead, staying fully focused put me 13 seconds out front to the chequered flag. Race three was very similar to race two feeling comfortable and strong again taking it over the line for the overall. Would like to say a massive thank-you to all involved.”.

Ray Rowson  MX2 Runner-up

“We went on Sunday with no expectations after not being behind a start-gate for nearly 12 months. We would have been over the moon with a top 5 placing bearing in mind with had done no training and had very little bike time! Jamie was on a different level the weekend but hopefully towards the end of the season we can get somewhere near his pace and have some good racing. What a pucka weekend this was though, the track was awesome and it was nice to get back behind the gate and racing.”

Shane Carless  125cc Runner-up

“Starting the 2020 championship was a weird one because of this covid19! I honestly didn’t think the season was going to happen, so with no riding/training and eating what I liked, the AMCA then announces that the season is kicking off in 6 weeks time and at this point we were still in lockdown! So I began training hard and riding, everything was looking good until I dislocated my shoulder one week before the championship. I initially decided on the Monday that I wasn’t going to race but by the Tuesday I had a chance to enter into the 125 class, so the team pulled it all together and got me a 125 to race, the last time I rode a 125 was 15 years ago.
I wasn’t sure if I could even ride a bike never mind race as I hadn’t even tried since my accident. We went out for practice with no pain but the shoulder was just very stiff. We ended up 4th in qualifying and then went 4/3/1 for 2nd overall on the day. I was feeling better and stronger but still nowhere near 100%. I absolutely loved the 125, thank you to the team for making this happen, I am now really looking forward to round 2.”

Luke Newman   125cc 5TH Overall

“ I am happy with my weekend. I went 2-5-7 for 5th overall. Coming in I felt good on and off the bike, this has been the first season in a long time I haven’t been starting with an injury. Qualifying went well, I have never been known to be a good qualifier so 6th position was a good start to the day for me. Race 1, I had a poor start but managed to sneak round the inside putting me around 10th on the first corner. I made some quick moves making my way into the top 5 by the end of the first lap and continued to move forward into 2nd. Mid way through I could feel myself catching the leader but I got stuck behind a slower rider in a deep rut and toppled over. I managed to hold on for 2nd which is by far my best result in a AMCA championship race to date which I am buzzing about!

Race 2 started very similar to the first one, a poor start but managed to sneak around the inside again, I got up to 3rd and got myself right up to the back of the front two riders. I was running a good pace and kept myself within distance but I started to get tight and made some mistakes, losing my rhythm, I lost two places at the end which was frustrating but I’m still happy with a 5th. Race 3 was rerun and I had my worst start of the day,but  I put my head down and worked hard. I felt the best I had done all day and was making some good moves through the field. Unfortunately the race was cut short due to a bad crash so I only got to 7th. I felt I could of made a few more passes if the race had gone the full distance. The track was as perfect as you can get, with deep ruts and plenty of line choice making it nice and technical, however I am feeling pretty second hand today! Massive thank you to my family and the whole LRT team who all put a big effort into this weekend. Looking forward to the next one!

Simon Lane   Vets Runner-up

“ It was a brilliant weekend and in the first moto I felt good.  I knew James had the pace as when we practice he comes strong later so I had to get the hammer down fast. I knew he would challenge which he did by passing me. Second moto and I saw James make a mistake so I pushed on hard and quick to take the win. Last moto we were close but back markers played there part and I lost ground . But James had more speed all day and he was on it . Track was tough yet I liked it being technical! It got so gnarly that in the end it felt like we were just riding not racing, but it was so good to get competing at an event again, there is absolutely nothing that compares to it! If you are a motocross rider you will know what I mean! I was also pleased with the results produced by the rest of our team, well done lads.”

Report and pics by Mike Wood.

In MX1 the 2019 Champion Shane Carless will unfortunately be unable to defend his title after suffering a dislocated shoulder. Waiting to take his crown though are a very long list of potential moto winners and hungry, top challengers. Two former AMCA MX1 Champions in Luke Burton and Josh Waterman will lead that quest for honours along with Neville Bradshaw and James Dodd, both MX1 top three finishers in 2019. Also top performers in 2019, throw in Ashley Greedy, Will Hughes, Luke Mellows, Andrew Smart , Sean Wainwright and Welsh ace Corie Southwood moving up into the big bike class after some great results in MX2.  Raising the bar to a new, high level  in AMCA MX1, you also then need to factor in new boys to the series such as Tommy Alba, Adam Chatfield, Liam Garland, Corey Hockey, Zac Stealey and Scooter Webster. What an entry this is with a simply thrilling race for honours surely guaranteed!

Ray Rowson the 2017 AMCA MX2 Champion returns for another shot at a title in 2020 but he will have to surely be at his very best if he is to realise his dream! One rider he will certainly have to defeat is the superb young 2019 AMCA MX2 King Jamie Wainwright. Just like MX1, the entry list in the race for MX2 honours is stacked and top class, featuring big hitters such as Josh Coleman, Ryan Crowder, Jansen Day, Luke Dean, Cory McShane, Bradley Tranter and Lee Truman. After winning the 2019 AMCA 125cc class, Lewis Dowdeswell steps up to 250F racing and is surely worth watching out for along with FUS Marsh MX Husqvarna teammate Jordan Eccles making his AMCA Championship debut , Henry Williams returning to action after knee surgery and Mark Young.

After just missing out on the 2019 AMCA 125cc title, Chris Povey will be determined to go one better this time around. His main competition for honours  in 2020 could come from two new AMCA riders, the fast, flying Apex KTM duo of Damon Strydom and James Hanscomb. Other riders sure to be right in the mix include Brad Malin returning following major knee surgery, Jimmy Margetson, Matt Ridgway, Travis Steels and a certain Clinton Barrs. Several of the 2019 AMCA Youth 85cc lads have also moved up to 125cc racing this year including the Champion Matt Tolley and you can be sure that these talented young pilots will be determined to give a good account of themselves. This class always provides plenty of close, thrilling, no-holds barred racing so it could well  yet throw forward a previously unnamed challenger!!

Three times AMCA Vets Champion Simon Lane is sure to be a leading contender in the chase for 2020 honours along with his brother James Lane. Now on Mid-West Husqvarna machinery, the Gloucester based Lane boy’s will again face regular Vets top ten finishers such as Sean Smith, Stephen Marlow and Brian Staples. Returning to AMCA Championship action, Paul Burn and Kevin Rogers should also challenge and don’t forget another former AMCA title winner in Andrew Watkins.  

With most of the lads who finished above him in the 2019 AMCA Youth 85cc class having departed for 125cc action, Yarin Evans could well be considered as one of the favourites to take top honours this time around. At the time of going to press, 26 riders had committed to the 2020 85cc Championship chase and with more sure to follow its going to be another super show from these enthusiastic young pilots.

Words and images Mike Wood

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