Two-time MX2 Grand Prix winner Ben Watson will make his Arenacross British Championship debut in 2027, lining up for Dirt Store Triumph Racing in the six-round series across Birmingham, Belfast and Aberdeen.

Having last raced indoors as a youngster on an 85cc machine, Watson has since gone on to establish himself at the highest level of international motocross, claiming two MX2 Grand Prix victories and competing in MXGP.

Now, almost 20 years later, the British rider is turning his attention back to indoor racing, joining a growing list of established outdoor competitors taking on the Arenacross championship.

With its short, intense races, technical tracks and competitive rider line-up, Arenacross presents a different challenge for Watson, who will go up against a host of experienced indoor racers.

The move also offers valuable race time ahead of the outdoor season, with six championship rounds and a share of the £150,000 prize fund up for grabs.

Ben Watson said: "I'm really looking forward to racing Arenacross. It's been a long time since I've raced indoors and seeing the championship now, with riders like Dean Wilson on the gate, it's definitely something I want to be part of.

I think it's going to be great racing. Those tight tracks and short races are completely different to what I'm used to and getting six rounds in before the outdoor season is ideal. There's no better way to sharpen up than getting behind a start gate and going racing.

The prize money is a very nice incentive too, and the crowds look unreal. I'm really looking forward to getting out there, racing in those arenas and having some fun with it. I can't wait to get started with Dirt Store Triumph Racing."

Dirt Store Triumph Racing joins the 2027 grid

Watson will race under the Dirt Store Triumph Racing banner, with the team managed by Jon Giffard and a second rider set to be announced shortly.

The team's entry brings another established operation to the British Championship, with Watson's Grand Prix experience adding an interesting dynamic to a field that includes some of the sport's most experienced indoor racers.

Jon Giffard, Dirt Store Triumph Team Manager, said: "Getting Ben on board for Arenacross is a big one for us. We know what he's capable of on a motocross track, and I can't wait to see him take that speed and experience indoors. He's got everything you'd want in a rider, and I think he's going to surprise a few people. Arenacross is going to be brilliant this year. You've got some seriously good riders lining up, some great teams coming in and six nights of proper racing. It's exactly the sort of championship we want Dirt Store Triumph to be part of. And we've still got another rider to announce, so there's a bit more to come from us yet!"

Devron Boulton - Triumph Motorcycles General Manager UK & Ireland said: "February is shaping up to be a really exciting month for Triumph Motorcycles off-road. We've got Ben Watson lining up for Dirt Store Triumph Racing in Arenacross, and we'll also be joining Dirt Bike Live in Birmingham, so there's a lot happening across both sides of the sport. What's great about having the two events together is that people can come and see Triumph's new range of off-road bikes up close during the day, then watch them being raced in Arenacross that evening. For us, that's a brilliant way to showcase the bikes and spend time with both the riders and fans who are such a big part of it. We're really looking forward to being involved in both events and kicking off the season in Birmingham.”

Matt Bates, Arenacross Promoter, said: "I've known Ben since he was a kid racing in our Red Bull Pro Nationals Championship, so to see everything he's gone on to achieve and now have him lining up at Arenacross is absolutely brilliant. I've followed his career for years, and I'm genuinely excited to see him back racing with us. Ben's raced against the very best in the world, but Arenacross is a different beast. Putting him on the gate alongside the likes of Dean Wilson and some of the best indoor racers around is what gets me excited about this championship. These are the match-ups we want to see, and I can't wait to watch them go racing. It's fantastic to have Dirt Store Triumph back with us too. I've got a lot of respect for Jon and what they've built with that team, and knowing there's another rider still to be announced makes it even more interesting. We've worked incredibly hard to build Arenacross into what it is today, and seeing the calibre of riders and teams wanting to be part of it means a huge amount. This is exactly what we've been working towards, and I honestly can't wait for February."

The 2027 Arenacross British Championship will feature six rounds across three UK cities, with a £150,000 championship prize fund.

2027 Arenacross British Championship

• 6 & 7 February — bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
• 12 & 13 February — O2 Arena, Belfast
• 26 & 27 February — P&J LIVE, Aberdeen

Tickets are on sale now at axworldtour.com.