British moto-x

2008 will see the club celebrate its 81st anniversary by running the tenth successive International meeting, marking yet another landmark in its well documented heritage.

Whilst the new season will no doubt add another chapter, 2007 was another great year for the club and its famous sandy venue, with a series of successful events maintaining the rich history of one of the World’s best-known moto-x circuits.

The season began with a bang, with the ninth edition of the now well-established Hawkstone International meeting kicking off the action out on the track. Despite the best efforts of the British weather, several thousand loyal race fans once again turned out to witness the first showing of the World’s best riders in their new colours.

Taking over from his legendary compatriots Smets and Everts, Belgian rider Kevin Strijbos on board his factory Suzuki dominated the MX1 class with two strong race wins for a convincing overall victory. Whilst in the MX2 it was South African born Tyla Rattray – KTM who recorded an equally stunning performance with a 1 -1 result to take the top honours in the small division.

Against a backdrop of slightly better weather, the AMCA hosted a British championship meeting in early April, before the club ran it’s own two day event in May to bring a close to a wet Spring season. June saw the rugged Shropshire hillside welcome a round of the British Masters series ahead of the classic two day trial and scramble in mid July.

After three highly successful editions, World trials bid a final farewell to Hawkstone Park at the end of July, having fulfilled its three year agreement with the ACU / FIM. Riders and fans alike will sadly miss the steep wooded hillside from the World trials calendar, having delivered an atmosphere and occasion like no other on the tour.

Unfortunately continuous heavy rain throughout the Summer months that brought severe flooding to other parts of the region prevented the final two meetings of the year taking place.

Hawkstone Park remains and always has been a special place, with great memories for those that have witnessed the many great sporting occasions that have taken place over several decades. Salop Motor Club would like to thank all the organisations, clubs, officials and other individuals that have played their part in helping create the history of Hawkstone Park.

As with every season, we wish the best of luck to all you competitors, male or female, from the youngest schoolboy to the oldest pensioner.

Good Luck and thank you - we hope to see you at Hawkstone at some stage during 2008.