The gate opens on VMXdN Foxhill 2024 at noon on Thursday (August 22nd), welcoming motocross fans from near and far to an event that promises heart-pounding action and unforgettable moments. Alongside the racing action, it’s the love, attention and detail put into these restored two-strokes, the plethora of legends past and present, the open paddock, the chance to take a selfie with your mx hero or get an autograph and the camaraderie that makes this event truly special.
Before the gate drops, let’s look at who is lining up across the nine classes
Pro Circuit Super Evo 125, over 25’s
Last year’s winner, Luca Nijenhuisis, is returning, as is Rob Holyoake on his Stormworks Husky, after his outstanding performance last year – check out the YouTube footage if you didn’t witness it in person. The 2022 podium placed Andrew Lawton and Ryan Butler in the lineup, and they are looking for more podium pie. Chuck Davies is back (third in 2023), and Nathan Jacobs has joined the list; if history indicates, these guys will roll out stunning-looking machines. Fan favourite and two-stroke lover Neville Bradshaw is throwing his helmet in the ring, as is freshly crowned 2024 British adult 125cc champion Matt Bayliss. Mike Panagiwtopoulos is making the trip over from Greece.
Syntol Evo Plus 97-02, Any Age
A quick scan through and plenty of jump out, including nine-time champ Ryan Villopoto and Sean Lipanovich, and we only just got through the first ten names. Last year’s podium star Todd Kellett is back and will defend his 2023 title alongside third-place man Aaron Patstone. A Pocock trio is lining up: Matthew, Bradley, and Brett. Steven Clarke, Jonathan Roderick-Evans, Adam Donnelly, Mark Van Der Mierden, and Ross Sturmey are also in the lineup.
S Briggs Evo Open over 30 class
Arenacross champ Jack Brunell is swapping back to his beloved two-stroke as he returns to defend his 2023 title. Jamie Law will surely be up there, as will Steven Bixby, who has been in the top 6 in both previous years. Other names to look out for and will undoubtedly be at the sharp end include James Kensington and Kierren Genge, but have we missed someone, or is there a good old underdog lurking in the lineup?
Garland Powersports Ultra Evo Class
2023 winner Tom Grimshaw is back, alongside Liam Garland, who has finished second in the class in 2023 and 2022, and Sam Nunn, who took the top spot in 2022. Could 2024 be Harry Bradley’s year? He finished in the top six, two years on the trot; Jake Preston, James Dodd, and Jarno Baauw also take to the gate. However, some new blood is coming through in the group with young guns, such as Reece Jones and the 2024 British 125cc championship winner Josh Vail, who have ridden Foxhill numerous times, but this will be their first VMXdN experience. Add to that the experienced Ashley Greedy, who will certainly want to be up amongst it.
Apico Super Evo Open, over 35’s
Guillaume Theillout is making the way across the channel, and we believe he may be the first Frenchman to line up at VMXdN Foxhill. Martins Aleksandrovics is travelling from the Baltic shores with a host of contenders from the Netherlands and Belgium, including multi-European champion Jurgen Wybo. Richard Bird and Paul Burn will return in 2024, and they will no doubt be looking to be in the top six overall as previous years. The names don’t stop there: James Lassu, Lee Tolan, and Alex Hornsby are also on the list. You also have seasoned vet racer Jamie Skuse and the British Bulldog Brad Anderson taking to the gate.
John Banks Evo Plus over 50’s
Let’s start with 2022 winner, Kurt Nicoll, returning, ready to reclaim his title and lining up against his long-term foe (on the track), Doug Dubach. Joining them is last year’s champion Alessio Chiodi, who had a clean sweep of wins across the weekend in 2023, alongside Southwick’s Keith Johnson, who claimed second place last year. But wait, there’s more! Get ready for the flying fish action from Rob Herring. We know he’s been out preparing for the event, and ‘Downtown’ Mike Brown is throwing his helmet into the ring. This class is also packed with international talent, including Paul Dijkstra, Kris Rosenberger, Richard Van Drooge, Mogens Nielson, Jorge Rodrigues, Leon Capps, and Pulp MX’s Steve Matthes, who will all be joining the fray! And for our home country veterans, we have Phil Mercer, Phil Lewis, Jon Barfoot, Lawrence Spence to name a few! The competition will be fierce, and we can’t wait to see who comes out on top when the gates drop.
Michelin Evo 125, over 30
First, two names stand out: the legendary Neville Bradshaw and the machine Mike Brown. Their epic battles in this class at VMXdN have captivated fans across the vet’s motocross scene, and witnessing these two go head-to-head is an experience every motocross fan should have at least once in their lifetime. Matt Coles, Daryl Boulter, Jim Davies, Scott Mathia, and Glen Bixby also return to the class this year, adding even more excitement. We also have Barr’s duo of Elliot and Jordan, who are no strangers to Evo racing and are ready to make their mark. And let’s not forget Damon Strydom and Stuart Edmonds, who are eager to shake things up in 2024.
Wright Engineering National Team Race
In 2023, the addition of the Wright Engineering National Team Race brought together the crème de la crème of British Motocross Talent to battle it out on 20-plus-year-old two-strokes, and in several cases, the bikes were older than the riders. In 2024, we have teams returning, several re-shuffles, and a handful of new teams joining the mix in 2024. The JMR Team has had a little reshuffle but is eager to defend its title. Team Stolen is packing a punch, Team S Briggs is coming with Arenacross stars, Team Senior has an A* Team, Team Apico is coming with a shed load of experience, and Team Leprechaun is coming to have plenty of fun, and that’s just one half of the lineup!
VMXdN International Team Race
This race has long been the highlight of the race schedule. Just as the support races are stacked, so is the Crescent Yamaha International VMXdN Team Race—so much so that it’s hard to know where to begin.
So, let’s start with last year’s winners, Team GB. Tommy Searle and Brad Anderson return to defend their title and are joined by Elliot Banks Browne, who replaces Mel Pocock, recovering from an injury earlier in the season.
2022 winners, Team USA, sees the return of Mike Brown, who has VMXdN newbies Sean Lipanovich and Andrew Short, who was looking on form at Loretta Lynns. N2eville Bradshaw is back in for Team Northern Ireland and joins Philip Loughlin and Martin Barr. Team Italy is sending two teams. Team Italy Blue comprises David Philippaerts, Andrea Cervellin, and Filippo Bertuzzo. Team Italy White Mamprin sees Alessio Chiodi, Deny Philippaerts, and Daniele Bricca join forces. Team USA also has a second team, Team New England / Fairhurst. Team Wales is coming in punching, and Team B&I Belgium is returning alongside Team Finland, Team Denmark and Team IOM. We also have Team Canada making their maiden VMXdN Foxhill.