The 2008 MBP-Powersports National 4 Stroke Minibike Championship hosted its biggest meeting of the year as Doncaster Moto Park welcomed rounds three and four of this season’s series. Another packed entry enjoyed two fantastic days of racing as Friday’s rain gave way to a dry weekend and near perfect track conditions.

Saturday dawned with over cast skies, but a good breeze to dry the circuit, creating a surface of slippery damp sand that was appreciated by all the riders as the first sessions of practice got underway. The real action kicked off with Jonny Groves and Nick Cole resuming their battle in the 50cc Mini class, in which Groves was the eventual victor.

It was a similar story in the 88cc Pro Mini category, with Lewis Blackbird coming out on top after a day-long duel with championship leader Jamie McLaren. Repeating his winning ways, Groves was also victorious in the Superstock Midsize division, taking the main trophy ahead of the hard charging Luke Coker.

Coker went one better in the Open Minibike class, taking the win from the smooth riding Paul Williams, who in turn pushed Paul Gipp into third spot on Saturday. Small wheel supremo Trevor Scott continued his domination of the Open Midsize A category, whilst Jamie Standen took the overall in the B section of the same class.

A red-hot second round of the 2008 British 4 Stroke Minibike Championship held at the stunning CMX centre in Cardiff, saw reigning champion Trevor Scott back on top in the Open Midsize class. Whilst Scott struggled in the dry and slippery conditions in race one, two back to back wins in the closing two motos gave him the overall victory and moved him to the head of the championship standings.

CMX centre manager, Mark Thomas worked tirelessly to keep the track in good shape with regular watering throughout the meeting. With the kind permission of Cardiff City Council, riders enjoyed a tough day of racing as mechanical failures and crashes really mixed up the order to create a series of new race winners.

Thanks to some intensive laser treatment Jonathan Groves returned to racing just three weeks after breaking his collarbone at the first round and duly took the overall win in the 50cc Pro Mini division. A puncture in race one for opening round winner Joe Pyke kept him down in second spot this time out. Nick Cole completed the podium, as multiple rear wheel failures put Stu Hughes back in fifth place. 

Groves also took the overall in the Superstock Midsize category after having had to fight off a strong challenge from freestyle mx rider Chris Brock. Brock was both smooth and stylish, and grabbed the final moto win to deny Groves a maximum points haul, however a loose HT lead in the second race robbed him of a better overall result. Josh Bissonette and Rhys Davies finished second and third respectively.

In the 88cc Pro Mini class Lewis Blackbird recorded his maiden overall victory ahead of Jamie McClaren. Nick Cole looked fast, but crashed hard in race one and did well to salvage third overall. Andrew Lawton was amongst the challengers with a race win, but a busted rear wheel ended his hopes. The top five was rounded out by Craig Powell and Bobby Luckings respectively. Elliot Gardiner followed up his second spot at round one with a win in the Open Mini division at Cardiff. Respectively, Paul Gipp and James Chester filled the remaining steps of the podium.

Limited entries in some classes remain available at the time of this release. Please contact entries@mini4gb.com or call 0161 705 2284 to reserve your place in Europe's premier minibike series. Full information and all the latest news about this exciting championship can be found at www.mini4gb.com.

Round 2 Results
50cc Pro Mini 1^st Jonny Groves 2^nd Joe Pyke 3^rd Nick Cole
88cc Pro Mini 1^st Lewis Blackbird 2^nd Jamie McLaren 3^rd Nick Cole
Superstock Midsize 1^st Jonny Groves 2^nd Josh Bissonnette 3^rd Rhys Davies
Open Minibike 1^st Elliot Gardner 2^nd Paul Gipp 3^rd James Chesters
Open Midsize A 1^st Trevor Scott 2^nd Patrick Crump 3^rd Grant Dyer                               
Open Midsize B 1^st Anthony Millair 2^nd Ashley Rymer 3^rd Debbie Phelps

Next event: Round 3 – 12th July – Doncaster Moto Park

The National Minibike battle resumes in Cardiff

Fresh from the huge opening round success, the battle to discover the various eventual victors of the 2008 MBP - Powersports National 4 Stroke Minibike Championships continues at the brand new CMX facility in Cardiff. Round two takes place on Sunday 8th of June and promises to be a suitable sequel to the high drama that unfolded at Bonneville, Essex during the initial encounter that opened the 2008 campaign in some style.

Situated right on the edge of Cardiff bay, CMX boasts a unique and glorious location, where hopefully a fitting sunset will bring another action packed day of minibike racing to a close. The track for the second coming will utilise CMX's existing motocross circuit, with variations being made to better suit the small wheel machines.

The Mini4GB crew, under the watchful eye of CMX Centre co-ordinator Mark Thomas, will spend four full days remodelling the hard packed track into a minibike masterpiece. The rise and fall of the current circuit will provide a great challenge to the packed entry and should create the perfect conditions for some hectic racing, which has been the case when a similar remodelling scheme has been employed at Mildenhall in Suffolk.

Sadly 2007 50cc Pro Mini champion Jonathan Groves will be absent in Cardiff after breaking his collarbone during the final moto at Bonneville. Groves was on course to record two class wins before the accident happened, with him having already grabbed the overall honours in Superstock Midsize category before disaster struck.

With Groves sidelined, new-comer Joe Pyke and MBP's Nick Cole will be looking to take full advantage in the 50cc division. Whilst in the Superstock Midsize class, Groves' MBP team mate Rhys Davies and the stylish Josh Bissonette will be just two of the riders who will be looking to benefit from their rival's misfortune this time out

 Paul Gipp made his transition from the 88cc Pro Mini category pay off, with a debut win in the Open Minibike class at round one and will be looking for a similar showing at the CMX venue.

The biggest battle for minibike supremacy will potentially be in the Open Midsize division, where the legend that is Trevor Scott looks to make amends for his first round defeat at the hands of the emerging talent of Tommy Wright and Grant Dyer respectively.

Full information and all the latest news about this exciting championship can be found at www.mini4gb.com .

Limited entries in some classes remain available at the time of this release. Please contact entries@mini4gb.com or call 0161 705 2284 to reserve your place in Europe's premier minibike series.

Bonneville hosts an all action opening round

The opening round of the eagerly awaited 2008 British Four Stroke Minibike Championship took place in near perfect conditions at the Grand Prix like facility of Boneville in Essex. The packed one hundred and twenty-rider entry enjoyed a fantastic day's racing and included a healthy French contingent to reinforce the international appeal of this series in only its second season.

New blood in the form of Joe Pyke, who was competing on home East Anglian soil, took his maiden win in the 50cc Pro Mini class on what was a series debut. Martin Gill and MBP's new recruit Nick Cole completed the podium in this category respectively, with both riders showing some good early season pace. 2007 class champion Jonathan Groves put a dent in his campaign to retain his title, with a last race crash leaving him with a broken collarbone.

France's Yoann Paccard made his trip across the channel very worthwhile as he inherited top spot in the 88cc Pro Mini division as winner elect Lewis Blackburn suffered an unfortunate DNF. Blackburn was by far the fastest rider on the track in this class and deserved the overall victory on his outright speed alone. Three consistent outings by MBPs Jamie McClaren gave him the runners' up spot at the end of the day, Andrew Lawton took third place despite lacking his usual pace.

In the Open Minibike class Paul Gipp from Cambridgeshire, who had previously competed in the 88cc Pro Mini category, made a successful transition with a maiden win in his new division. Elliot Gardiner, a regular Open Minibike campaigner, filled the second tier of the podium, leaving Adrian Williams to take third spot through a series of consistent outings.

Thankfully Jonathan Groves had managed to secure the overall win on his Superstock Midsize machine before he became a casualty in the 50cc Pro Mini final moto. If Groves can make a quick return to fitness, he will definitely be the man to beat in both classes. Rhys Davies, Groves MBP teammate, made it a 1 - 2 for the squad, as he kept Josh Bissonnette down in third place thanks to some stylish riding.

The Open Midsize clashes produced the hottest pace of the day, with Tommy Wright, Grant Dyer and Trevor Scott battling it out at blistering speeds. However both Dyer and Scott were to rule themselves out of overall top honours, as they each failed to finish in the top three of at least one of the counting motos. Wright was the eventual victor of this fight of the titans, with a race win and two other rostrum places giving him the best combined points tally.

The charge of the minibikes continues at the new CMX facility in Cardiff early next month.

Full information and all the latest news about this exciting championship can be found at www.mini4gb.com.

Limited entries in some classes remain available at the time of this release. Please contact entries@mini4gb.com or call 0161 705 2284 to reserve your place in Europe's premier minibike series.

Round 1 Results 
50cc Pro Mini 1st Joe Pyke 2nd Martin Gill 3rd Nick Cole
Open Minibike 1st Paul Gipp 2nd Elliot Gardiner 3rd Adrian Williams

88cc Pro Mini 1st Yoann Paccard 2nd Jamie McClaren 3rd Andrew Lawton
Open Midsize 1st Tommy Wright 2nd Grant Dyer 3rd Trevor Scott

Superstock Midsize 1st Jonathan Groves 2nd Rhys Davies 3rd Josh Bissonnette

Remaining rounds 2008 British 4 Stroke Minibike Championship

Round 2 - 8th June - CMX Centre, Cardiff 
Round 3 - 12th July - Doncaster Moto Park 
Round 4 - 13th July - Doncaster Moto Park 
Round 5 - 10th August - Mildenhall Motoland 
Round 6 - 14 September - Bonneville, Essex

Nunn settles for second at final round of British Minibike series

With the first ever Minibike National Champions to be decided and the wildcard entry of MXGP runner Carl Nunn to add to the pack, the final round of the 2007 British 4 Stroke Minibike Championships was always going to be an occasion to be remembered.

A well groomed Doncaster Moto Park provided the ideal setting for the climax to this inaugural series, with dry weather and a slightly damp track giving perfect racing conditions throughout the weekend.

All eyes were on the 50cc Pro Mini class with Nunn lining up against the ultra fast Jonathan Groves who has dominated this category in previous meetings. Despite the anticipated head to head duel, Groves took the first two race wins, after Nunn suffered an early tangle in race one and had to come through the pack, and then slightly misjudged his charge in race two to take a close third place.

Enjoying his first competitive outing on a minibike at this level, Nunn showed he is a quick learner and a class act as he left Groves for dead in the third and final moto of the day to earn a creditable second spot overall. Two wins and a safe runners' up spot was enough to give Groves the overall victory on the day, and to allow him to take the title.

Only an absolute disaster could have prevented Trevor Scott lifting the 88cc Pro Mini division crown, and with two start to flag wins in the first two motos he wrapped up the title in some style and could afford a comfortable third place in his final outing in this category. Andrew Lawton and Jamie McClaren finished 1 - 2 in the last race after having pushed Scott hard in the other encounters.

James McFerren has been the star of the Open Mini class this season, and rounded out an almost perfect campaign with a 100% record at Doncaster to become champion of this category. Luke Coker was equally consistent on the day with three second places to give him the runners' up spot overall in a class that he does not usually compete in.

The Superstock Midsize division was headed by Toby Souchotte going into the final showdown, and thanks to a 1-2-2 result over the three motos, it was the rider from Norwich who clinched this championship. James Cotterill led the first race, but a crash on a step down jump due to a rear brake problem would eventually demote him to eighth and ruin his chances of overall success on the day.

With one title in the bag Trevor Scott was under much more pressure in the Open Midsize class, with only a fifteen point advantage over the hard charging Stu Hughes going into the final round. Scott responded brilliantly with an opening race win, and a solid second place behind Grant Dyer in race two. Cruelly Hughes was left on the line in the last battle, leaving Trevor to cruise to a safe third position and his second title of the day.

The Championship prize giving will take place on Saturday 27th October at the Battle Royale, Doncaster Moto Park.

Round 5 Results 50cc Pro Mini Open Minibike 1st Jonathan Groves 1st James McFerren 2nd Carl Nunn 2nd Luke Coker 3rd Nick Cole 3rd Jamie Rose

88cc Pro Mini Open Midsize 1st Trevor Scott 1st Grant Dyer 2nd Andrew Lawton 2nd Trevor Scott 3rd Jamie McLaren 3rd Pat Crump

Superstock Midsize 1st Toby Souchotte 2nd James Cotterill 3rd Ben Harman

2007 British 4 Stroke Minibike Champions 50cc Pro Mini 1st Jonathan Groves Open Minibike 1st James McFerren

88cc Pro Mini 1st Trevor Scott Open Midsize 1st Trevor Scott

Superstock Midsize 1st Toby Souchotte

Hot action at the penultimate round of the British Minibike series

Very welcomed warm and dry weather provided the ideal conditions for the penultimate round of the 2007 British 4 Stroke Minibike Championships held at the fantastic Tonymoto circuit near Winchester.

Whilst the actual layout of the track was unchanged from when the series visited the same venue for the opening round back in May, the riders faced a new challenge this time around. A rock hard and dusty surface made some of the corners very slippery and actually offered less-grip than when the circuit was wet and muddy a few months earlier.

Jonathan Groves dominated the 50cc Pro Mini division with three highly impressive moto wins to take the overall victory with relative comfort. Second placed Peter Crump put up a strong fight in the second race of the day, but could not hold off a last lap challenge by the victorious Groves. The final podium position went to class newcomer Nick Cole, who looked extremely fast on an essentially stock bike.

The 88cc Pro Mini category was an East Anglian whitewash, with minibike supremeo Trevor Scott leading home his two fellow county men. Scott took maximum points with three straight race wins, whilst Jamie McClaren finished as runner up due to consistency throughout the day. Third placed rider Andrew Lawton battled well in all three races, but had to eventually concede to McClaren in the overall results. Nick Cole slipped to third spot in the championship standings after a poor showing at Tonymoto.

Along Scott, Kurt Brain is also making a name for himself on the national minibike scene. Two wins and a second position earned Brain top honors ahead of Alan Doherty and Elliot Gardiner in the competitive Open Minibike class.

Mechanical problems for Trevor Scott forced him to ride a spare machine in the Open Midisize races, which forced down the order and saw his championship cut drastically. With Scott's efforts restricted Pat Crump claimed his first win of the series by one point from Grant Dyer. Dyer was the quickest rider on the track, but a poor

showing in the second moto cost him the overall. Stu Hughes took his customary place on the lower tier of the rostrum.

It was a similar story in the Superstock Midsize division, with Tony Tomasso stealing the overall win from a far faster James Cotterill, after Cotterill fell during the final outing. Andy Sheppard took third spot ahead of class leader Toby Souchotte.

Results

Final round Round 5 - Oct 14 - Doncaster Moto Park

Father Scott dominates third round of British Minibike series

Bright blue skies and warm weather provided the ideal conditions for the delayed third round of the inaugural and 2007 British Minibike series at Mildenhall, Suffolk. With the original date lost to torrential rain, the returning competitors were treated to an all-new extended circuit that included a new sand section and was run in the opposite direction to previous meetings.

Whilst the track changes brought great praise from all the riders, with the less technical layout creating some closer racing, the alterations did not stop Trevor Scott from dominating two out of the five classes on the day. In addition to his two winner's trophies Scott received an extra special prize in the form of his first child, with him being present at the birth of his daughter Lacy, late on Saturday night before dashing to the start gate on Sunday morning.

In contrast the other pre event favorite Trevor Buckley missed out on getting his hands on any silverware as he twice crashed out in the battle for supremacy in the 50cc Pro Mini category. Eventual winner Jonny Groves enjoyed some real bar to bar action with Buckley on route to claiming the overall victory, just ahead of Simon Vowles. Vowles actually took the holeshot in all three motos, but could not maintain enough pace to keep Groves and Crump at bay.

The 88cc Pro Mini class saw Scott claim the first of his victories with three straight wins, leaving Andrew Lawton and Jamie McClaren to claim the remaining two podium places respectively.

Tony Tomasso became yet another new winner of the Superstock Midsize field, after he opted to swap classes and test his luck in this single make category. Second positioned Toby Souchotte remains the most consistent rider in this class and headed off a strong challenge from Andy Sheppard from Andover who ended up in third spot on the day on his debut appearance in this category.

Irishman James MacFerran once again dominated the Open Minibike proceedings, with Kurt Brain on a slightly under powered machine using all his skill to take a well earned second place in front of Martin Gill who has now recovered from the broken leg he sustained at the opening round back in May.

With the effects of his action packed late night perhaps taking their toll, Scott had to over come some poor starts to come from mid pack on each occasion to secure his overall win in the Open Midsize class. Stu Hughes took third spot for the second round in a row, this time behind MacFerran, who with a win and second place in the two classes he competed in made his trip from Ireland more than worthwhile.

Round 3 Results

50cc Pro Mini Open Minibike 1st Jonathan Groves 1st James MacFerran 2nd Peter Crump 2nd Kurt Brain 3rd Simon Vowles 3rd Martin Gill

88cc Pro Mini Open Midsize 1st Trevor Scott 1st Trevor Scott 2nd Andrew Lawton 2nd James MacFerran 3rd Jamie McClaren 3rd Stu Hughes

Superstock Midsize 1st Tony Tomasso 2nd Toby Souchotte 3rd Andy Sheppard

Entries in some classes remain available for the final two rounds. To take advantage of this offer and to see some great coverage of the series to date, please visit the official website www.mini4gb.com or e-mailask@mini4gb.com.

Remaining rounds Round 4 - Sept 2 - Tonymoto - Winchester Round 5 - Oct 14 - Doncaster Moto Park

Sunshine seals a superb second round of the British Minibike series

Some rare British sunshine provided the perfect backdrop to round two of the 2007 British Fourstroke Minibike championships. The mixture of hard packed supercross style sections and the flowing dark sand corners created a day of racing that confirmed that the UK minibike scene is alive and most definitely kicking.

Local man, and currently probably Britain's best minibike rider, Trevor Scott was in hot form and used his track knowledge to take the overall win in both the 88cc Pro Mini class and the top Open Mid Size group.

Whilst Scott may have dominated two out of the six categories, there was plenty of competition in all of the classes with a whole host of duels taking place throughout the packed race programme.

In the 50cc Pro Mini division, it was another local rider, this time in the form of Trevor Buckley who was doing the winning. Although Buckley was visibly slower through the rhythm section, it was his outright speed around the remainder of the circuit that gave him the nod over Jonathan Groves and Peter Crump.

Trevor Scott took a first race win in the 88cc Pro Mini class, but had to battle his way to a hard earned third spot during his second outing after a mid air tangle with Jamie McLaren left both riders on the deck and at the back of the pack. Nick Cole picked up the runners up trophy thanks to some lightning starts, whilst Andrew Lawton completed the podium after two fast, but crash infested motos.

Irishman James Mac Ferren made his trip across the water very worthwhile with two start to flag victories in the Open Minibike category. Consistent showings from Elliot Gardener and Alan Doherty completed the top three in this division.

Tommy Wright scorched to the overall victory in the Superstock Midsize class, as both he and James Cottrell put on a great display on their production spec bikes. Cottrell finished second on the day, just ahead of Norwich based rider Toby Souchotte.

The Open Midsize category was the largest of the day, with the field having to be split in two by way of morning qualification races. Scott made the A Group his by virtue of his sheer pace, coming home ahead of a hard charging Wright, who continues to impress onboard a machine with what is essentially a stock chassis. Stu Hughes rounded out the top three in the main group, whilst Andy Sheppard led the B boys home.

Round 2 Results

50cc Pro Mini Open Minibike 1st Trevor Buckley 1st James Mac Ferren 2nd Jonathan Groves 2nd Elliott Gardener 3rd Peter Crump 3rd Alan Doherty

88cc Pro Mini Open Midsize A 1st Trevor Scott 1st Trevor Scott 2nd Nick Cole 2nd Tommy Wright 3rd Andrew Lawton 3rd Stu Hughes

Superstock Midsize Open Midsize B 1st Tommy Wright 1st Andy Sheppard 2nd James Breckon 2nd Neal Paddington 3rd Toby Souchotte 3rd Ashley Smith

Remaining rounds Round 3 - July 22 - Doncaster Moto Park Round 4 - Aug 12 - Mildenhall - Suffolk Round 5 - Sept 2 - Tonymoto - Winchester

Round 1

The first round of the British Minibike series finally got underway at the superb Tonymoto facility, despite the weather having made yet another attempt to disrupt proceedings, after the original date had to be postponed for the same reasons.

The light drizzle soon turned to heavy rain, and threatened to dampen the action out on the new circuit that was soon declared 'the best in Britain'. Despite the heavy conditions the rhythm section was soon being cleared as the riders increased their pace out on the now slippery surface.

The anticipation was immense as the brand new thirty-rider start gate dropped on the initial moto. Jason Breckon had the honor of winning the first ever-official national minibike race in the UK, a feat he repeated in the second moto to take the overall victory in the 50cc Pro Mini class that caters for the bikes with the smallest wheels and engines.

It was a similar story in the next category with Rhys Davies taking back to back wins thanks to his smooth riding style and immense jumping technique. Paul Williams followed Davies home, as these two riders filled the top two spots in the highly competitive 88cc Superstock class.

The 88cc Pro Mini category allows unlimited modifications, as long as the engine does not exceed 88cc and a ten-inch rear wheel is maintained. Nick Cole took a surprise overall win in this class thanks to a start to finish second moto victory over the more favored and experienced Trevor Scott.

Stepping up, the next class allows engines up to 160 cc, again with a restricted ten-inch rear wheel. Here Jamie Rose was the King of the Open category, with a dominant showing in his final race of the day.

With only limited modifications allowed the Superstock Midsize class is about racing on a 'level playing field', where skill rules over sheer horsepower and success can be achieved on a fixed and affordable budget. Tommy Wright took first blood, in a category that is set to bring much new talent to the sport.

The day rounded out with the biggest and fastest bikes, which run 160cc motors and twelve-inch rear wheels. Wright looked like he may claim his second class win before crashing and handing the win to Trevor Scott. Grant Dyer prevented a Scott whitewash as he hung on to claim the last victory of what was a highly successful first round for the new series.

Results

50cc Pro Mini 88cc Superstock 1st Jason Breckon 1st Rhys Davis 2nd Pete Crump 2nd Paul Williams 3rd Jonny Groves 3rd John Donadio

88cc Pro Mini Open Minibike 1st Nick Cole 1st Jamie Rose 2nd Trevor Scott 2nd Daniel Butler 3rd Andrew Lawton 3rd Alan Doherty

Superstock Midsize Open Midsize 1st Tommy Wright 1st Trevor Scott 2nd Chris Parker 2nd James Breckon 3rd Mike Danslow 3rd Luke Coker

Remaining rounds

Round 2 - June 17 - Mildenhall - Suffolk Round 3 - July 22 - Doncaster Moto Park Round 4 - Aug 12 - Mildenhall - Suffolk Round 5 - Sept 2 - Tonymoto - Winchester

For full information on the series, please e-mail ask@mini4gb.com or visit the official website www.mini4gb.com 

Extreme weather delays start of British Minibike series

Sunday 13th May lived up to its 'unlucky' tag, with torrential rain in the days prior to the date forcing the postponement of what should have marked the opening round of 2007 British 4 Stroke Minibike Championships.

The series will now start on Sunday 27th May at Tonymoto, just two weeks later than planned, with all the other rounds, venues and dates remaining unchanged.

Despite the best efforts of the ground crew, who worked around the clock in an attempt to keep the meeting on, it was decided early on Saturday morning, with the promise of further rain on Sunday, that the first round should be postponed both in the interest of safety and good racing.

The timely decision to move the meeting to a new date proved to be the correct one with atrocious weather on Sunday also causing the cancellation of an important schoolboy meeting at the same venue. The organisers of the ACU backed British 4 Stroke Minibike Championships made sure that every competitor was contacted during Saturday to prevent any unnecessary travel.

Although the eager competitors were disappointed at their extended wait to get the series underway, there was wide spread support amongst them for the decision to delay, rather than endure what would have only been a 'muddy disaster'.

Speaking about the difficult decision to postpone the meeting, Tristan Tunstall, Managing Director of MBP stated.

"Having Paul Hunt on board as an ex racer at the highest level was always going to be a great asset to the championship, and having him there on Saturday when we were forced to take the decision we did was just the re-assurance the team was looking for. Trying to run at all costs would have only meant that we would have had a paddock full of unhappy riders come Sunday evening."

Tristan continued. "MINI4GB is all about the best tracks, the best race experience for our riders and an opportunity to showcase our growing sport. Had we run the race on Sunday, we would not have delivered any of these things. The last thing we wanted for the series was a poor start. We managed to contract every rider before they traveled and our decision has been well received by our riders."

RACE DATES - Revised May 14 2007

Round 1- May 27 - Tonymoto - Winchester Round 2 - June 17 - Mildenhall - Suffolk Round 3 - July 22 - Doncaster Moto Park Round 4 - Aug 12 - Mildenhall - Suffolk Round 5 - Sept 2 - Tonymoto - Winchester

Marzocchi back new British Minibike series

Global suspension giants Marzocchi, through their official UK representatives Solent UK Ltd, have joined the new ACU backed Minibike British championship as associated sponsors.

Recognised as market leaders throughout the two wheel World, Marzocchi are without doubt the number one when it comes to minibike suspension. Their wide range of scaled down components offers the most extensive array of specifications available to the small wheel community and is the only choice for serious minibike riders.

In fact Marzocchi are the only brand in the minibike industry to deliver a complete 'front end' solution, with a kit that comprises of fork legs, triple clamps, wheel, tyre and disc brake system. Upgrading has never been easier or more beneficial.

The 2007 range of Marzocchi minibike forks has become the talk of the paddock, with the likes of Tommy Searle and Carl Nunn, both top MXGP runners, choosing to use them on their own personal minibikes. The new 35mm Shiver fork is the jewel in the crown, and is as used by UK"s leading small wheel racers Trevor Scott and Luke Coker, but is equally suitable for the lesser guys.

"It's great to have the backing of one of the leading companies in our sport" commented Tristan Tunstall, Managing Director of MBP and the brain behind Britain's first ever National Minibike championship. "Since Marzocchi started to produce minibike specific suspension parts, they have got behind minibike events. The riders have recognised the support they have given to the minibike scene as it has been emerging and they have reaped the benefits."

Tunstall continued. "We look forward to maximizing Marzocchi brand exposure through supporting the 2007 Minibike National series in its inaugural year."

Dan Jones, Brand Manager at Solent UK reinforced their involvement. "Marzocchi produce suspension for the highest levels of competition, so it seemed only natural to get involved with Mini4GB who represent the very best of mini bike racing in the UK."

"The championship will really give minibike racing a proper identity in the UK, and that's why we wanted to be part of this exciting project right from the start. Tristan and his team have a great passion for the sport and we are sure that this will reflect in an excellent series." Added Jones.

First round of British Minibike series beckons

Sunday 13th May will see the first round of the inaugural ACU National 4 Stroke Minibike Championships take place at the fabulous Tonymoto motocross park near Winchester, Hampshire. Final preparations of the custom designed and built track are nearly complete, ready for the onslaught of the minibike brigade.

This is the first stop on the five round tour to decide six separate ACU National Minibike champions, who will have the honor of carrying the much coveted number 1 plate the following season, as they look to defend their respective titles.

The championship is open to all riders of all abilities, from raw beginners looking for their first taste of racing right through to the elite runners who will be hoping to taste the winners' champagne and collect the title come early September.

All riders 15 years old and over are invited to be a part of what is already being recognised and regarded as Europe's premier minibike race series.

Since the initial announcement, the take up for entries has been both fast and strong, with riders throughout the length and breadth of the UK signing up for the entire five rounds. With such a good geographic spread of entrants, the resulting champions will have truly earned their right to be National crown wearers.

At the time of going to press, a limited number of entries in most classes still remain. Anyone wanting to apply for an entry should visit www.mini4gb.com for the latest availability.

"The response has been fantastic, perhaps more than we initially expected. It shows that we were right in thinking that minibike riders were ready for a national championship, and this has been reinforced by the flood of entries and interest we have received." Commented Paul Hunt - Ex National 125 Motocross Champion, who heads up the organising team.

Hunt continued. "The track at Tonymoto is really coming together and will produce some great racing as it has been designed and built especially for four stroke minibikes. The sport is right on the brink of becoming really big, and with the likes of Tommy Searle and Carl Nunn endorsing minibike racing, it's not hard to see the attraction it has to the youngsters out there who are looking to break into the whole minibike scene. We are really excited about the first round, and judging by the huge amount of e-mails and phone calls we continue to receive, so are the riders."

RACE DATES 
Round 1- May 13 - Tonymoto - Winchester 
Round 2 - June 17 - Mildenhall - Suffolk 
Round 3 - July 22 - Doncaster Moto Park 
Round 4 - Aug 12 - Mildenhall - Suffolk 
Round 5 - Sept 2 - Tonymoto - Winchester

For full information on the series, please visit the official website www.mini4gb.com 

After six long months of planning Europe's leading minibike specialist, MBP has been given the go ahead by the ACU to run Britain's first National series for minibikes. The fully sanctioned championship will cater for no less than six separate categories, which will incorporate bikes from 50cc right through to fully tuned mid sized machines.

Two of these classes have been specifically designed to entice new blood into the sport, with only limited modifications being allowed to create a very affordable entry level to the World of minibike racing. MBP and the ACU have worked hard to develop a set of regulations that will give this new discipline a sensible direction, after having originated from ungoverned roots.

This exciting newly formed official ACU championship will visit three venues over the five rounds, with the action kicking off on 13th May and running right through to 2nd September. All the rounds will be run on purpose built minibike tracks at some of the country's premier off-road facilities. The opening and closing events will be run at Tonymoto in Winchester, with Mildenhall in Suffolk hosting rounds two and four, leaving the series to make a single visit to DMP at Doncaster mid way through the campaign.

Not only will the championship benefit from some excellent tracks, it will also enjoy the experience MBP has gained from running minibike races in the UK for the last five years, not to mention the knowledge they have gained from racing throughout Europe during the same extended period.

Adding even further weight to their organizing team, MBP had brought former National MX champion Paul Hunt onboard as co-promoter. Not only has Hunt ridden at the top level of the sport during his younger days, but he was one of the country's leading Mountain bike event organizers at a time when downhill pedal power racing was establishing itself in Britain.

Commenting on the launch of the series, MBP's MD Tristan Tunstall said. " This is a massive step forward for minibike racing in the UK and one we are extremely proud to be involved with. Both Paul and I, along with the full backing of the ACU are focused on delivering a quality championship with high standards throughout."

Reinforcing Tunstall's comments, Roy Humphreys of the ACU stated. "We are delighted to be involved with MBP and this series. At last minibikes have a proper championship, and one that will promote and cater for their correct use, which will hopefully assist in creating a better public image for this type of bike. We have great faith in both Tristan and Paul delivering a really superb series that we will all be proud to be associated with."

MBP is currently in negotiations with several high profile companies regarding sponsorship of this ground-breaking championship. Interest is growing daily, with entries now open for all rounds. For full information please visit the official championship website - www.mini4gb.com