Coppins’ visit to the famous sandy Shropshire circuit will not be without challenge, with current MX1 World champion Steve Ramon also showing good pace at the French meeting.

Other MX1 Hawkstone hopefuls in the form of Max Nagl, Ken De Dyker and Julien Bill all proved their early season pace to complete the top six at Valence, and will arrive in the UK with a point to prove not only against each other, but also against what is still regarded as one of the toughest tracks on the planet.

In the MX2 class Britain’s vice World champion Tommy Searle just missed out on the overall win in France due to a poor second moto showing, and was knocked off the top spot by Tyla Rattray. Both of these young pretenders will be back in action at Hawkstone Park, when the battle will be re-ignited not only for MX2 honours, but also in the Grand Final when the smaller capacity bikes come up against their bigger counterparts.

Local rider Ray Rowson heads to his main home meeting of the year in excellent shape having gone 1-2 at the opening round of the British Open championship held in Devon last Sunday.

Despite sharing the same points as eventual winner Wayne Smith, who will also be competing at the Hawkstone International, Rowson had to settle for the runners up berth due to being defeated in the second moto.

Rowson will no doubt be looking for revenge over Smith at this weekend’s showdown, and is sure to have plenty of local support to encourage him to compete high up the order. The Hawkstone International always attracts a large crowd, so visitors are advised to arrive early.

Hawkstone Park is located ten miles north of Shrewsbury and will be signed from the A49 and A53.

Entrance tickets will be readily available at the gate on the day.

Entrance tickets, including full paddock access will be priced £25.00 for adults and £15.00 for children (aged 5-15 years old) / OAP’s – Children under 5 years old can enter free of charge if accompanied by an adult.

Programme of Events

09.00 – 09.40 MX2 Qualifying Group A - 10 minutes free practice / 20 minutes timed / 5 minutes start

09.45 – 10.25 MX2 Qualifying Group B - 10 minutes free practice / 20 minutes timed / 5 minutes start

10.30 – 11.10 Open Qualifying - 10 minutes free practice / 20 minutes timed/ 5 minutes start Interval

12.00 Race 1 MX2 International 25 minutes + 2 Laps

12.40 Race 2 Open International 25 minutes + 2 Laps

1.20 Race 3 Experts Support 20 minutes + 2 Laps

2.00 Race 4 MX2 International 25 minutes + 2 Laps

2.40 Race 5 Open International 25 minutes + 2 Laps

3.20 Race 6 Experts Support 20 minutes + 2 Laps

4.10 Race 7 International Grand Final 25 minutes + 2 Laps

Please call 0161 705 2280 or visit www.hawkstonemx.co.uk for further information.