Whilst the sandy Shropshire venue will welcome riders from all over the World, including Japan and America, there will be a strong British contingent that will be looking to celebrate on home soil.

With this in mind, three of the leading UK riders speak about the task ahead. Billy MacKenzie – CAS Honda – 2007 MX1 British Champion

“Hawkstone will be my first race with CAS and on the Honda, but I really do not want to make a big deal of it. The International is always a good chance to warm-up for the season ahead and gauge where you are in terms of preparation. I had broken my collarbone last year so I wasn’t where I wanted to be for the last edition.”

“This time around I can only hope things run smoothly in the build-up and the signs are good so far. I like the track and especially how technical it can be; the meeting is always more enjoyable if it doesn’t rain! Mainly I am looking forward to getting on the new bike and clocking some mileage before the season really starts.”

Tommy Seale – Red Bull KTM – 2007 MX2 Vice World Champion

“'The bike is really good at the moment and I have just come away with my first win at Mantova so everything is going the right way. I spent six weeks in America riding over the winter and that time in California was really useful.”

“I don't have any more races now until Hawkstone and I am especially looking forward to it because it is unlikely I will be doing the British championship - apart from the first round at Donington - so I don't have many chances to be in front of the fans. Hopefully it won't be wet and therefore it should be a lot of fun.”

Stephen Sword – Molson Kawasaki

“Hawkstone will be my second race of the season after coming back from France, but it will be my first in the UK. I am looking forward to starting the season fit and healthy because it feels like a long time since that happened. Last year was very up-and-down, but I have put all that behind me now and I expect to be running near the front.”

“The weather can really determine what kind of day it will be at the International, but it is the same for everybody. I have ridden the track in the dry and also in the wet so I know quite well how tough it can be. I have been practicing a lot on those kinds of rutty and sandy surfaces recently. It will not be an easy day because it is one of the first races of 2008 and Hawkstone really works the body and the bike; but I have to say that I am really looking forward to it!”

These young British lions are three great reasons alone not to miss what is sure to be a great day. So get your plans made, and make sure that you are Shrewsbury bound on the first Sunday in March.

Please call 0161 705 2280 or visit www.hawkstonemx.co.uk for ticket prices, race times and other general information.

Limited trade space and sponsorship opportunities remain available.

Interested parties should call 0161 763 6660 immediately to be part of this massive occasion.

Issued by: G2F – 3 The Old Court House – Tenterden Street – Bury – BL9 0AL T: + 44 (0) 161 763 6660 F: + 44 (0) 161 763 6663 E: info@g2fmedia.com