After a barnstorming start at Wooley Grange, the British Youth Nationals Series heads to Culham with the volume up to 11 and big grids ready to thrill. With every class still wide open and a different challenge on the way, the stakes are high.
"We saw what this series provided at Wooley Grange," says Gareth Hockey, head of RHL Activities, the BYN's organisers. "It provided action, great racing and, above all, fun. We can't wait to see that all over again at Culham."
The big grids, which were a feature in most of the races up north, will once again be a central part of the series as it moves south. Wildcard entries provided spice in the first round and once again they are poised to do so in the south, with a host of talented riders joining to swell the ranks.
The highlights of the wildcard entry could well be in the Small Wheel 85 class. Tom Grimshaw steps over from the Red Bull Pro Nationals, where he's currently second in the series, and is joined by fellow Pro Nationals rider Chris Mills, who's sitting fourth in the standings.
Those two could provide even tougher competition for class standings leader Dylan Woodcock, who earned victory at the first round by virtue of winning the final race and finishing on equal points with rival Nathan Claughan.
After dominating at Wooley Grange, Lewis Hall faces stiff competition not only from a 65 Junior field hungry for revenge but also wildcard rider Jack Carpenter. Carpenter is another showing strongly in the Red Bull Pro Nationals, and is second in class there.
"It's great to see wildcard riders coming in to take on our regular competitors," reckons Hockey. "It shows that they're holding the series in good regard that they want to come and race here. I hope they're not expecting it to be easy; they'll be in for a shock!"
In Big Wheel 85, it will be interesting to see what Jay Hague can provide down south. He admitted local knowledge helped at the opening round so he'll be under pressure to show pace again away from home. No doubt, Albie Wilkie and David Galvin will be spearheading the challenge in the class after strong showings.
The Open class was actually one of the least open classes at Wooley Grange, as Brad Todd dominated the field. However, the chasing pack will only be more determined to dethrone the KTM man this time out.
The Under 23 class, introduced for the first time ever at the first round of the BYN, returns and once again sees a competitive field. Despite a few niggles first time out, the class' potential has been backed up once again by wildcards and the racing will be tight once more.
"The Under 23 class is important to the BYN, to RHL Activities and to me personally," states Hockey. "We're really keen that this works out because otherwise it's leaving a gulf between youth and full professional competition. I have no doubts it will be a talking point - for all the right reasons - at Culham."
It's a mouth watering prospect across the classes and from 9:00am Saturday, the competition will be fierce. The only doubts lie over picking the winners from such strong fields...