HRC factory rider, Jeffrey Herlings has historically done very well at the Hawkstone Park International, winning in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2024 (British champs round) and 2025 (British champs round).

Herlings classified 4th overall at the 2023 Hawkstone Park International after missing the complete 2022 season due to injury. The Dutchman took 7-2 results in sunny conditions, and despite not racing for more than a year, it was a win in itself.

Some of his most impressive wins came in the MX1 class at the sodden Hawkstone Park International in 2018, on a dry circuit in 2020 and in 2014 and 2015 he won both MX2 motos and the Super final.

In 2018 Herlings ruled both MX1 motos and the Super final but had to catch and pass teammate Coldenhoff who was quick and impressive on the rough terrain (taking three holeshots) despite the slight discomfort of his left-hand injury.

“It was a really good day. We were fastest in qualification in the morning, so we had the best gate pick all day. I felt good on the track and the weather was a bit gnarly; there was rain and snow! I felt strong and good on the bike and the team did a great job. The conditions have not been easy, and I think the club made some excellent work to get the track as rideable as it was.”

Despite a challenging start in 2024 with a first-moto crash, he recovered to take 4-1-1 moto results, winning the second moto and the final MX1/MX2 Superfinal to secure the victory ahead of Glenn Coldenhoff. Coldenhoff, with 2-2-2 results won the overall. Also in 2024 Herlings went 1-1 at Hawkstone Park in a round of the British motocross championship, just adding to his already impressive performances at the famous circuit.

Of course, its now 2026 and the five-time world champion is on a new bike, and at the back end of his illustrious career. We all know what is possible with the legend, but it might be a little tougher as Romain Febvre is very much an brilliant sand rider and is on a machine he already feels ver comfortable.

After his debut on the Honda last weekend in Mantova, the Dutchman wasn’t happy, but you just know he will be back to his best soon on the red machine. Despite some struggles with his new bike, you know he has worked hard all week and will arrive in England with a positive and confident attitude.

“Not the Honda HRC Debut I was hoping for, 1st moto I got a stone between the sprocket and chain and after it took almost a lap to get it out, I managed to get P11 and the 2nd moto I got P3. Need to get back some race intensity, and I still look a bit rusty so it’s good to get some races in. The team did a great job; it was brutal day for the bike. Poor performance from my side after all the work we have put in. But looking forwards to the next gate drop in 7 days again. Thank you to all my partners.”

So, for those lucky enough to attend Hawkstone Park this weekend, pouring rain ans snow in the coming days might make it a similar story to his 2020 appearance, but you know the British loyal will be out with their raincoats, umbrellas. The forecast is looking a little better today for the weekend, so lets hope its a dry one.