The first encounter of the 2008 Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship will benefit from the recent improvements to the motocross facility with the riders facing the full GP track, whilst the many expected spectators will enjoy greatly enhanced viewing opportunities.

With the public very much in mind, the riders paddock will be situated immediately adjacent to the track, and will be FREE to access throughout the meeting. Already the pre season Internationals are providing the early formbook to the year ahead, with some riders enjoying a better opening to their campaign than others.

With the invitation events now out of the way, the fight for the title proper begins here and will take the challengers on an eight round crusade that will conclude at Hawkstone Park in late September.

Those who want to mount a series attack on the championship will recognise the importantance of a strong initial showing and the need for consistency as the series travels the length and breadth of the country over the coming months.

Reigning champions Billy Mackenzie, MX1 and Mike Brown, MX2 find themselves as team mates in the established CAS Honda squad, following the young Scot’s winter move from his previous green factory berth.

Both riders begin as hot favourites to retain their titles, but will totally appreciate the battle that lies ahead of them. Brad Anderson – Swift Suzuki, James Noble – KTM UK and Tom Church – Molson Kawasaki will no doubt be amongst MacKenzie’s main rivals.

MX2 champion Brown will have an equally strong threat to deal with in the form of Gareth Swanepoel and Stephen Sword - Molson Kawasaki, Carl Nunn – Suso Suzuki, Shaun Simpson – KTM UK, plus the likes of Ashley Geedy – PAR Honda who represents a whole host of emerging talent who will be looking to make a name for themselves.

As well as the main two classes, Donington Park will also play host to the opening round of the MXY2 series that will be contested over four of the eight championship events. Just like last year’s highly competitive and entertaining fight for this newly introduced Youth championship, predicting a winner for 2008 is an impossibility with the field being packed with so many potential victory bound candidates.

Donington Park is centrally located and can be easily accessed from either junction 23a or 24 off the M1, or for those travelling from the north west the venue is signed from the A50. The on track activities begin at 9.00am, with the riders autograph session scheduled for 11.30 am ahead of the first race at 12.15pm.

With the last MX1 championship race taking place just before 4.30pm, there is a whole day of premier class action on offer.

For further information and all the latest series news please visit www.mxgb.co.uk