Stepping up from the 125cc class is never easy, but Jamie Keith made an immediate impact in the Pro MX2 class at the British Motocross Championship opening round at Hawkstone Park. The young rider stunned many by taking victory in his very first Pro MX2 race, marking an impressive start to life on the 250cc machine after a challenging 2025 season.
After spending the winter rebuilding both physically and mentally, Keith arrived at Hawkstone well prepared and quickly felt at home on his Honda.
“The prep went really well. I spent time in Spain, Belgium and Holland. I also made sure I spent some time in the gym and got myself to a good place. I was quite comfortable straight away with my Honda 250cc machine. I had so much time not being on a bike, to get back on it, I didn’t have anything to gage it off, so from the get go, it was very good. Last season hurt mentally and physically in a way I can’t describe, 2025 was 100% the worst season I’ve had racing.”
Rather than committing to a traditional team structure, Keith decided to follow his own path for 2026 with the backing of a key sponsor.
“I had one or two offers for 2026 but I wanted to do what I want, when I want – that is exactly what I’m doing. I have GOSWELL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SOLUTION who is helping me in ways even these big teams can’t do.”
Heading into the opening British Championship round, Keith insisted he had no expectations. His focus was simply on getting a good start and riding his own race – a plan that worked perfectly when he grabbed the holeshot and controlled the moto from the front.
“I had 0 expectations for the first British Championship. My goal was to simply rip a start and go and ride my bike which is what I did. Yes I did surprise myself. I holeshot the first race and as I started to pull a gap I knew I had the speed, so I logged my laps, kept my focus and brought it home. Leading a Pro MX2 race is nerve racking enough, but leading your first ever Pro MX2 race was something else. I was very nervous but kept my composure and rode my bike.”
The second moto didn’t go as smoothly after contact in the opening corners left him without a clutch, making the technical Hawkstone Park circuit extremely difficult to manage.
“The second moto was going to plan until I got cut across into the second corner and snapped my clutch. I tried to get as many points as I could but with no clutch around Hawkstone Park is something which is near on impossible. I’m kind of glad it happened though because I know what I can do and I’m looking forward to Preston Docks for round two.”
Despite the impressive victory, Keith is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as he looks ahead to the rest of the season in what he believes is a very competitive MX2 field.
“It has definitely give me a confidence boost but I need to stay humble and not bite of more than I can chew. The MX2 class this year is probably the most stacked it’s been for years.”
Keith also hopes to gain more experience internationally, although circumstances mean he will miss the opening round in Spain.
“There’s a few reasons out of my control that make me unable to go to Spain for the first round, but I definitely will be racing a good chunk of the series, hopefully. I definitely am looking forward to getting in the mix with the EMX boys but they are on another level at the moment. I need to work harder in every way, and then go when I’m ready.”
After a tough 2025 season, Keith’s breakthrough Pro MX2 win at Hawkstone Park represents a major turning point. With renewed confidence and momentum on his side, the young Brit now heads into the rest of the season determined to keep improving and continue proving himself in one of the most competitive MX2 fields in recent years.
