The close and exciting racing that has characterised the British Youth Nationals Series will continue this weekend, as the championship moves on to the impressive Fat Cats Motoparc facility in Armthorpe near Doncaster.
Organisers and competitors alike are hoping for better weather conditions this weekend in Doncaster, after torrential rain caused the postponement of the last two rounds. The weather forecast looks promising, with dry conditions leading up the event and only a chance of rain showers over the course of the weekend.
The Fat Cats Motoparc, which hosted the opening round of this year's Maxxis British Championship back in March, is the largest motocross MX facility in the UK. The track this weekend will be feature fast flowing bends and rhythm sections, while the deep sand is guaranteed to provide a tough challenge for the riders in all classes.
Once again this weekend will feature a packed race card and full grids for all classes, as the British Youth Nationals Series establishes itself firmly as the leading youth championship in the United Kingdom.
In the open class the top three in the championship are separated by just 53 points after the two rounds so far, with Liam Garland currently holding a 20 point advantage over Dan Thornhill at the top of the standings.
The situation in the BW85 class is even closer. Todd Kellett currently leads the championship, but Josh Gilbert is just 13 points behind the leader after dominating round two of the series at Salters Lane. Josh Coleman trails the leading duo by 44 points and isn't out of the running yet.
Taylor Hamal currently enjoys a 28-point lead over second placed Albie Wilkie in the SW85 class, with Keenan Hird just five points further back in third place. Wilkie was in top form last time out at Salters Lane, with a run of form that he will be keen to replicate this weekend in Doncaster as he challenges Hamal for the class lead.
Christopher Miles has been the stand out rider in the 65cc junior class so far this season, but he can expect stiff competition once again this weekend from Tom Grimshaw and Gary Ashley, who lie second and third in the class standings.
The Auto Class wasn't originally scheduled to make an appearance at the Fat Cats Motoparc, but with assistance and backing from the Vampires Rock KTM squad, Auto races have been added to the race schedule, although they won't form part of the class championship. The additional races are designed to give local riders an opportunity to experience racing at the British Youth Nationals Series, without the expense of entering every round. The Vampires Rock team have organised commemorative t-shirts and trophies, as well as arranging prizes from Rock Oil, Goldentyre, MD Racing, Motul Oil, Rhino Goo, Shot Clothing and many others.
"We've been unlucky with the weather so far this season, but we're hoping for better conditions this weekend at Fat Cats," said Gareth Hockey, Director of RHL Activities. "The forecast looks reasonably good; showers are predicted for the weekend but we know from past experience that the predominantly sandy Fat Cats track holds up well to the weather. The track itself will provide a challenge for all the riders this weekend, which should ensure we see the same close racing that has epitomised the British Youth Nationals Series so far. After the disappointment of having to postpone the last two rounds because of extreme weather, I'm looking forward to welcoming back the competitors and their families this weekend in Doncaster."
"I'd also like to say a big thank you to everyone at Vampire Rocks, who have put in a lot of time, money and effort to bring the Auto Class to Fat Cats this weekend. While the Auto races here won't form part of the championship, they will provide an ideal opportunity for local riders to come and see what the British Youth Nationals Series is all about and there are some nice trophies and prizes on offer, courtesy of Vampire Rocks and their partners, for all riders this weekend."
For more information on the British Youth Nationals Series, and the event at Fat Cats Motoparc in Doncaster, check out the official website at www.rhlactivities.com