ANDERSON STORMS TO POLE AT HAWKSTONE PARK

Posted by Ray | 12 April 2009 | Comment

The all-new Handlebar Festival at Hawkstone Park, Shropshire, kicked off in style today with the start of the 2009 World MX3 and European MX2 Championships, accompanied by a whole host of exciting other handlebar-related activities.

The unusually good Easter Bank Holiday weather made the perfect setting for some adrenaline-filled entertainment, and the RHL Activities organised event certainly didn’t disappoint with today’s busy schedule.

The awesome Monster Energy Freestyle Motocross team has been showing off its incredible tricks in a purpose-built area, while Scotland’s premier cycle display team, The Clan, has also been displaying its pedal powered stunts to wow the crowds.

The minibike racing has been in full flow over an ultra-cool course, and with the adults racing some super-tiny bikes, with lots of comedy crashes, the spectators have certainly been well entertained. Reigning British Trials Champion, Graham Jarvis, has also been demonstrating his exceptional skills to the crowd, while shoppers have been out in force enjoying the trade area.

In the MX3 World Championship races, the British wildcard riders have certainly made their mark throughout practice and qualifying, with PAR Honda’s Brad Anderson storming to pole position. The closely contested qualifying race saw the 27-year-old claim the top spot in the closing stages of this afternoon’s timed session around the Shropshire track, with fellow countryman Jordan Rose in third position.

“The qualifying today was really tough and I definitely had to work for it because the track was in good shape, so everyone was putting in fast laps. The weather has been great and I’m pleased to be up there, but it will be really important for us to get out of the gate near the front in tomorrow’s races and then find a decent rhythm,” said Anderson.

“Obviously I’ve come with the intention of winning, as that would be great for my C.V. but it’s certainly not going to be easy. Hopefully the crowd will be here to get behind me, the weather will be with us and we’ll be on the podium tomorrow,” concluded the PAR Honda pilot.

The European MX2 class has also been closely contested, with British riders fighting hard in their qualifying heats to ensure a good gate position for tomorrow’s races. Scott Elderfield, Neville Bradshaw, Martin Barr, Shane Carless and Graeme Irwin have all been battling it out in front of their home crowd, and the fierce competition in the European series is expected to offer some superb racing tomorrow.

Tonight, once the bikes have been parked up, those that are staying on will be treated to an evening of live entertainment from bands Shanty Town and The Newport Allstars, as well as the low cost beverages available from the on site bars.

Tomorrow’s weather forecast promises more of the sunshine enjoyed by the crowds today, and the fun-filled Handlebar Festival programme will certainly be worth coming to see. The main on-track action will take place with the mini bikes, MX3 and European MX2 races, while the seriously cool entertainment from the various display teams will continue throughout the day.

Tickets are priced £25 on the gate, with children under 14-years-of-age admitted for free, and all the action kicks off with the motocross warm-up sessions at 09.00am. For more information please visit the official event website at www.handlebarfestival.com.