The Apico 2-Stroke Festival, incorporating the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals, gets underway this weekend, Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd of July, at the Sellindge track in Kent.
Ringing the changes once again, the Festival’s promoter Dave Willet is introducing a Youth Mini Track for young and novice riders to actively take part in structured races alongside, yet separate, to the main races.
While the older youth racers and adults will be battling it out on the challenging old-school-style, fully-graded MX track, Junior 65s and Auto riders will have a specially-prepped track in the woodland section. Riders of Electric balance bikes will also get the chance to compete within the environment of a national race event as a small circuit will be set aside for their own exploration races.
Each class will have a maximum of 10 riders. If more riders sign up, then additional groups will be added into the programme to satisfy demand and give everyone the opportunity to ‘have a go’. There will be three races per day, per class, providing plenty of track time for the young wannabe ‘pros’.
“We’re introducing these introductory-level races to open up the Festival to everyone that fancies a go at racing,” said Willet. “Quite often, very young riders are given a few laps of a flat field to race on, however, we’ve built a proper circuit which will test their skills and hopefully give them a taste of what it’s like to compete within a professional arena.”
Interested guys and gals can enter via Go Race MX, with entries open right up until Saturday the 22nd of July at 7.30am.
The Apico 2-Stroke Festival, featuring the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals, is proving to be the UK’s premier destination for up-and-coming youth motocross talent with the introduction of a new qualifying system.
Thanks to the popularity of the Youth 125cc group, the team behind the Festival has decided to give more riders in the 125/250F class the chance to race by hosting a timed morning qualifying session which will result in A and B Group races. The addition of qualifying will create a new classification which, in turn, will free up an extra 20 places and allow the growing list of reserve riders the opportunity to participate in the expanding Festival.
“The weekend is a fantastic platform for young riders to showcase their skills and gain experience,” said Apico 2-Stroke Festival promoter Dave Willet. “We know that with hard work and dedication, there’ll be plenty of future champions amongst our riders and we want them all to enjoy the Festival.”
The Apico 2-Stroke Festival returns to the traditionally-styled motocross track at Sellindge, Kent, over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of July 2023.
Rider entries are still open via Go Race MX – HERE
The Team GB FIM Junior MX World Championship crew rode their hearts out for their country last weekend in Romania. They pitted their strengths against the best youth riders in the world to finish 10th out of 36 countries.
The top three countries were Italy, the Netherlands and France. Only 13 countries had a finish in each of the 125cc, 85cc and 65cc classes and, if a machine fault hadn’t halted the progress of young Casey Lister in the 65cc class, Team GB would have been a cert for fifth overall ….
With such a huge turnout out for the highly-revered World Juniors, the competition was always going to be tough and closely fought.
Ollie Colmer was the highest-placed Brit in the 125cc group, finishing 16th overall. Robbie Daly was ninth overall in the 85s, while Casey Lister was 18th in the 65cc class.
This was the first outing for the new Team GB Juniors under the guidance of Dave Willet, with help and support from ex-racers-turned-trainers Glen Phillips, Ashley Wilde and Lee Dunham.
Reflecting on the weekend, his support network and young warriors, team manager Willet said; “I’d like to thank all riders and their parents, our sponsors, and every member of the team for their hard work and dedication. This weekend was an incredible and inspiring experience for us all.
“It was a challenging yet rewarding experience. The riders worked tirelessly to stay focused, and the efforts put in by every single person involved on, and off, the trace was inspiring.
“The dedication and commitment that these riders have each demonstrated has been remarkable. They were always determined to put their best foot (wheel) forward and really put their all into this event.
“I’m sure that the riders will take what they’ve learned this weekend and apply it to future events. It’s been an unforgettable experience that we’ll all cherish for a long time.
“We’d like to wish Jake Walker a speedy recovery. He was fired up and ready to go out to Romania but got injured the weekend before at the British Championship at Schoolhouse. It’s such a shame because the track at Bucharest would have suited his style and, obviously, all his stuff was already in the truck.”
Team GB was supported by Armor Vision, ACS Scaffolding Ltd, MGP Steel Erection Ltd, Paul Grimshaw Vehicle Movements, ZERO9 Motocross Graphics, and MotoHead Magazine.
Next up for Willet and crew is the Coupe de l’avenir in Belgium over the weekend of the 30th September and 1st of October.
Ends.
Pictured: Team GB World Juniors showing support for missing team member Jake Walker #99.
The Apico 2-Stroke Festival is gathering speed as the UK’s top adult and youth racers sign up for the two-day event which will be held on Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd of July at Sellindge, Kent.
Money-saving advance spectator tickets can be booked on-line for just £10* per person for the whole weekend, saving the hassle and additional cost of paying on-the-gate. Under-12s can gain admission free-of-charge and overnight Friday/Saturday no-frills, space-only camping is just £10.
The weekend is set to witness incredible and close racing across a range of classes that cater for young small-wheel 85cc riders right the way through the ranks to reigning British MX Champions – Tommy Searle and Conrad Mewse – together with Pro level competitors, each vying for a share of the considerable prize money. With £12,000.00 on the table for the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals, paying out to 10th place per race across both MX1 and MX2 classes, they’ll take no prisoners when the start gate drops.
Elsewhere, there are ACU-sanctioned British Championships to be won for novice and clubman-level 2-Stroke enthusiasts, which will also attract prize money. For the youth contestants, there is the chance for two riders from the 85cc and 125cc classes to earn ambassador status, and a top-value £2,500 prize, with high-end MX clothing and protection specialist Leatt.
Sticking with the affordability angle, the individual rider entry fee for all Apico 2-Stroke and Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals classes is just £62.50.
As well as the competitive on-track action, there’ll be a fun mechanics/pit bike race, try out sessions on a purpose-built taster track, Traxxas remote-controlled vehicle have-a-go, trade stands, and catering available throughout the weekend.
Racing starts from 9am each day.
Classes – Saturday and Sunday:
ACU British 125 two-stroke
ACU British Open two-stroke
ACU British Evo two-stroke
ACU British Super Evo two-stroke
Red Bull Pro Stroke National Clubman MX1
Red Bull Pro Stroke National Clubman MX2
Red Bull Noughties (age 25 + machine year 2000/2008)
Over 40s Open 2- stroke
Youth 250F
Youth 125
Youth BW/SW85
Sunday only:
Red Bull Pro Stroke National MX1/MX2
On-line spectator booking is now available CLICK HERE!
*Plus booking fees.
Pictured: #426 Conrad Mewse at the 2022 Apico 2-Stroke Festival.
When the Apico 2-Stroke Festival opens for a weekend of action-packed motocross racing over the 22nd and 23rd of July 2023, a number of ACU-sanctioned British Championship titles will be up for grabs.
But, says organiser Dave Willet, “interested riders shouldn’t be put off by the title, as the classes are also all about fun, and are open to all abilities, whether that’s at club level or those recreational riders who prefer to ride at practice days.”
On the 125cc-front, any rider aged 15 and over can race on a dual adult licence which means youth riders who would normally enter the Youth 125 category, could move up and race with the adults, race for prize money and race for the chance to be crowned the ACU British 125 Two-Stroke Champion.
The ACU British Open 2-Stroke class is also open to riders with different skill sets and, again, there’s prize money on offer as well as the British title. “The racing at the Festival is for anyone looking for an action-packed weekend full of premix fun,” explained Willet. “There really is something for all riders and they don’t need to be out at the front of the pack to enjoy the vibe and get stuck in. Obviously the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals are for the hard core Pro and ProAm guys, however, when it comes to grass-roots racing with a British crown in the mix, any competent 125cc or 250cc rider who fancies a go will be welcome. What’s more, if any of the over 15-year-old 125cc riders reckon they can mix it with the adults, we will be more than happy to help them.
The Apico 2-Stroke Festival, featuring the Red Bull Pro Stroke National is ringing the changes for 2023 with a substantially increased cash and product prize fund, more racing for club standard riders, unique ‘glory day’ classes and increased exposure for youth riders.
The organising club aims to offer something to all levels of motocross rider at its two-day event to be held over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of July at Sellindge in Kent. It already has a great track record of being popular with riders of all ages and abilities and intends to improve on that this year.
For the grass-roots rider, there are MX1 and MX2 Clubman Open groups, which could encourage those regular track day riders to get stuck in and have a go at racing within the same programme as national and international Pro level racers.
Then there’s the Red Bull Noughties, which forms an exciting part of the Apico 2-Stroke Festival, delivering a unique class of 2-stroke motocross machines from the glory years of 2000-2008. These machines are something special – a real blast from the past. Anyone owning a machine from this era will love this class, where banging old-school 2-stroke racing meets modern-day technology.
The Apico Over 40s Open 2-Stroke is another class that is all about having fun, rather than flat-out speed. Plus, there’ll be spot prizes allocated across all groups. Whether the rider is out front, in the middle, or towards the back of the pack – all competitors will be in with a chance of being rewarded.
Two lucky riders contesting the Youth groups will have the chance to become Leatt-supported riders and scoop a prize with a value of £2,500. And, if there is enough interest and entries booked in the 85cc sector, the small and big wheel classes will run separately, giving the younger riders the chance to shine on track.
Finally, when the big guns roll out, the riders seeking victory in the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals on the second day of the Festival weekend, have an even greater incentive to get on the leaderboard, as promoter Dave Willet has doubled the prize fund with a £12,000.00 pot of cash up for grabs across both MX1 and MX2 classes. A meaty £800 per race – two per class/per day – will be available to the winner. with prize money paid down to £100 per race for 10th.
Allowing all riders to be part of the Festival has been an important element of the event for organiser Willet; “We want everyone to race safe and feel comfortable while doing so. We feel that, with our range of classes, we’re catering for all and believe we are setting the scene for some great racing. What’s more, with the latest development for the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals, we believe we’re providing the biggest prize fund for a single one-day motocross competition in the UK. That’s progress!”
Entries are available via a link on the Apico 2-Stroke Festival website. Classes are filling up quickly, with some close to capacity.
Classes – Saturday and Sunday:
ACU British 125 two-stroke
ACU British Open two-stroke
ACU British Evo two-stroke
ACU British Super Evo two-stroke
Red Bull Pro Stroke National Clubman MX1
Red Bull Pro Stroke National Clubman MX2
Red Bull Noughties (age 25 + machine year 2000/2008)
Leatt invests in Apico 2-Stroke Festival Youth classes.
The Apico 2-Stroke Festival, featuring the Red Bull Pro Stroke National, is picking up speed as it approaches the seventh running of the annual two-day race event.
Top riders from motocross and road racing have already confirmed their participation, an industry-leading prize fund has been announced and giants, such as Leatt, from the accessories, clothing and aftermarket sectors have pledged their support.
The Festival will take place over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of July at Sellindge in Kent, where two lucky riders competing in the 85cc and 125cc Apico Youth classes will be selected to become Leatt-supported athletes.
Each winner will receive Leatt kit with a retail value of £2,500. The products, which will include a Leatt helmet, goggles, race kit and boots, are guaranteed to be delivered to the Apico 2-Stroke Festival Leatt Youth Athlete within four weeks after the event.
The judges will not be looking for those competitors who simply win on the track. They will consider a number of factors before awarding this considerable prize, such as how the young racers conduct themselves off the racetrack, how they represent themselves, their team and families, their respect for fellow competitors and officials, their care for their machine, etc. In short, the riders selected will portray the very best of UK youth motocross.
“This is the sixth year we have had the privilege of working with Leatt to find the best youth ambassadors for the sport,” said the Festival’s promoter, Dave Willet. “We’re looking for those riders who are, dare I say, the all-round package. Yes, of course, we all want to be at the front of the field and winning races, but these Leatt Ambassadors will be more than that. We’ll be looking at their social skills as well as their racecraft.
“We’re encouraging all riders to get their entries in now and start posting their 2-Stroke Festival thoughts and ambitions. We can then help to raise their individual profiles by sharing their relevant social posts, and we’ll also feature them on our social channels.”
The Red Bull Noughties forms an exciting part of the Apico 2-Stroke Festival delivering a unique class of 2-stroke motocross machines from the glory years of 2000-2008.
These machines are something special – a real blast from the past. If you own a machine from this era you’ll love this class and entries are OPEN!
The sound, the smell, the vibe .. the Red Bull Naughties offers an intoxicating cocktail that mixes banging old-school 2-stroke racing with modern-day technology, and fun!!
Sign up for this unique 2-Stroke Festival class and experience what the Red Bull Noughties is all about.
The Apico 2-Stroke Festival, which also features the Red Bull Pro-Stroke Nationals, heads to the south east this July with arguably the largest reward fund for a one-off motocross event in the UK.
Running over the weekend of Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July, the event at Sellindge, Kent is gearing up for a full-on two days of top-class motocross action.
As the name suggests, there’ll be a host of racing for two-stroke riders of all ages, abilities and bikes, including full ACU British two-stroke championship titles in the 125, Open and Evo/Super Evo classes. This is the heart of the racing at the Apico 2-Stroke Festival, where top riders mix it with clubmen, amateurs and youths.
On Sunday the intensity increases when the Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals gets underway, giving riders the choice to race two-stroke or four-stroke bikes, and is already pulling in the UK’s leading motocross protagonists. Both reigning British MX1 and MX2 champions Tommy Searle and Conrad Mewse, together with Mel Pocock and other top British Championship contenders have signed for what is quickly becoming one of the UK’s biggest stand-alone motocross events. Both champs contested the event last year; Searle emerged victorious, with Mewse runner-up.
Upping the stakes and potentially making the event even more attractive to riders yet to sign up, a substantial prize fund has been confirmed with a total of £15,000 available to competitors across all classes. Meanwhile, product and brand spot prizes further increase the rewards pot with high-value goods on offer to the tune of £6,000.
On the Youth side of things, classes will cater for 250F, 125 and 85s. The 85cc classes in particular are seeing strong line ups and if the interest continues with early entries confirmed, the Festival’s organiser Dave Willet has confirmed he will run separate classes for big-wheel and small-wheel 85s thereby giving riders in each class the chance to be out front on track in their respective classes.
Elsewhere there’ll be an Electric Zone with a range of environmentally-friendly youth and adult bikes on display with a selection available to try out. Also on the have-a-go front, Traxxas, the fastest name in ready-to-Race nitro and electric radio controlled vehicles, will have products on display and available for Festival-goers to try out.
Classes – Saturday and Sunday:
ACU British 125 two-stroke
ACU British Open two-stroke
ACU British Evo two-stroke
ACU British Super Evo two-stroke
Red Bull Pro Stroke National Clubman MX1
Red Bull Pro Stroke National Clubman MX2
Red Bull Noughties (age 25 + machine year 2000/2008)
Over 40s Open 2- stroke
Youth 250F
Youth 125
Youth BW/SW85
Sunday only:
Red Bull Pro Stroke National MX1/MX2 On-line booking is now available for all classes via the booking link HERE!
The Red Bull Pro Stroke Nationals has signed both reigning British MX1 and MX2 champions Tommy Searle and Conrad Mewse, for the south east’s leading motocross event at Kent this July.
The announcement, fittingly made ahead of the Coronation weekend when the whole country will celebrate the ‘best of British’, confirms the importance the UK’s top pro riders place on the two-day ACU Apico 2-Stroke Festival. Both riders contested the event in 2022 and finished as Champion and Vice-Champion. With the battle lines drawn, and Searle hailing from Kent, the racing at the Sellindge track on Sunday the 23rd of July is set to go down to the wire.
There will be spot prizes across all classes and, thanks to additional support from title partner Apico, the prize fund is set to be substantial, adding even more value to the hugely-popular mid-summer race fest.
On-line booking is now available for all classes which cater for a wide range of rider and machine abilities.
Saturday and Sunday:
ACU British 125 two-stroke
ACU British Open two-stroke
ACU British Evo two-stroke
ACU British Super Evo two-stroke
Red Bull Pro Stroke National Clubman MX1
Red Bull Pro Stroke National Clubman MX2
Red Bull Noughties (age 25 + machine year 2000/2008)
