As prepared as the machinery could be, uncharacteristic illness befell rider, Ray Rowson. Though he manfully tried to make the best of the situation, he was not 100% at any stage over the hectic and competitive weekend and, against world class opposition, the Shrewsbury rider was eventually side-lined with a promise to be fighting fit for the next round.

Enjoying good weather all weekend, the immaculate FatCats track did not disappoint and a large crowd witnessed some epic battles prompting many to speculate that 2012 could be one of the best season’s racing yet in the Maxxis sponsored ACU British Championship.

Almost continental in texture, the sandy track created close racing and gave Steve James’ Maxxis Henderson Kawasaki squad good reason to cheer with a bullish third place and final podium spot for Martin Barr in race three, a fact not lost on James.

“You can do all the pre-season testing you like, until you get to the first round you just don’t know how a new bike is going to behave. To see the new 2012 KX450F on the podium here this weekend signifies a great step in our development of the machine.

Motocross takes no prisoners and Martin’s encouraging result is all the motivation we need to have an even stronger challenge at the next round at Canada Heights”.

For Kawasaki Motors UK, racing coordinator, Ross Burridge was philosophical saying; “Such is the status of the Maxxis ACU British Championship, it attracts some of the very best riders from around the globe.

As our officially supported Kawasaki MX team in the UK, we are sure Steve and the lads will use the lessons learned at the first round to come back even stronger in Kent.”

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