As the 2024 AMCA British Motocross Championship enters round 4 this weekend and it’s certainly still all to play for in just about all of the title races. Providing the venue for the latest double header of action is Lower Drayton in Staffordshire situated just off junction 13 of the M6, postcode ST19 5RE.
In this series supported by Holab Concepts and Joov Sports Products, Ray Rowson has rolled back the years to lead the 2024 Open class. So far Ray has been on the podium in all three rounds, a feat also achieved by his current closest challenger Will Hughes. The gap in the Championship standings is just 23 points so that dreaded DNF must simply not happen! Next best in this one is Mark Roberts and Harvey Tillotson.
What about MX2 then as after 12 moto’s already completed, there’s just a ridiculously tight 4 points separating leader Liam Gale and McKenzie Marshall. This is also an intriguing 2 smoker (Gale) v 4 stroke (Marshall) tussle which could well rage all the way to the final chequered flag of the season! Mckenzie although currently 2nd in the standings has actually topped more moto’s than his rival despite missing day one of the second round at Bromsberrow to race at Foxhills, let’s see what unfolds at Lower Drayton! In MX2, Tim Burrows is 3rd at present with Adam Nevitt 4th.
Despite a DNF during round 3 at Warmingham, Jimmy Margetson is still the 125cc Championship leader having won 8 out of 12 moto’s so far. Having a super campaign to date, Luke Newman holds 2nd spot 32 points behind Jimmy but just 2 better off than 3rd placed Charlie Palmer. These above-mentioned lads are starting to break clear of the pack with Wyatt McGregor the next placed rider some 70 points in arrears. In the 125cc Youth Championship after taking a great overall win at Warmingham, Tom Goodfellow has soared to the summit and is now 22 points better off than early pacesetter Ollie Jewitt. Young Sebby Moore is holding a great 3rd at present with Linc Hasted, Callen Jai Griffiths and Lewis Roberts chasing.
Scoring convincing wins in all three rounds so far, Matt Wright certainly looks well on course to bag the Honda Cup Championship and with it that fantastic big prize of a brand new 2025 250F Honda machine. At present Ricky Ryder is holding 2nd and still very much in the hunt as Caitlin Newman holds 3rd.
At Warmingham, BWMA Women’s Championship leader Grace Richards suffered her first defeats of the season. Grace though still looks very much in control although having got the better of her rival during the last moto at round 3, Libby Chatburn should arrive at Lower Drayton in very confident mood! A present Grace leads Libby by 46 points with young Leah Rees-Evans in 3rd. During the last round, Leah had to ditch her 85cc mount for a 125cc but which one will she use this weekend? Next best currently in this highly competitive BWMA chase are Nadiya Jones, Rheanna Morgan-Rogers and Ebony Brown.
The 2024 BW85cc Youth Championship is certainly shaping up to be a super thrilling title chase. Last year’s SW85cc Champion Ryan Jackson is setting a fast pace on his Big-wheel bike 24 points ahead of Sean Smout with Oakley Skinner only a further 2 points in arrears. Over in the SW85cc class, Alfie Pincher is 26 points better off than Mason Brown as Jimmy Whiston, Leo Whittle, Arthur Moore and Oliver Williams give chase. The BW/SW85cc class also includes the BWMA 85cc Girl’s series and with Lexi Emery the only starter at Warmingham, she now boasts a very healthy 123-point lead in that one.
Having took the overall victory at all three rounds so far and having topped eight moto’s, James Lane is in hot form as he leads the Vets Over 40 title chase. Next best and 46 points in arrears is Adam Wilkinson with Rich Meakin in 3rd. Meanwhile over in the Vets Over 50 contest, last year’s Champion Matt Ryder leads again but is now under serious pressure from Simon Lane. With the gap at the top just 2 points, it’s certainly going to be interesting at Lower Drayton!
Words and Images by Mike Wood
