Love them or hate them, electric bikes continue to make headlines, and the presence of the Stark Varg in the UK racing scene has been steadily growing. Stark first made its mark in the UK during the 2024 Arenacross Tour. The brand has been represented by riders such as Jack Brunell, Justin Bogle and Eddie Jay Wade. Brunell even made history by delivering Stark their first title at the first attempt, showing the potential of the electric machine in a competitive environment.
On the motocross side, however, the brand has yet to appear in the ACU British Motocross Championship. That is set to change in 2026, with the new season scheduled to begin on March 15 at the iconic Hawkstone Park.
The experienced Steven Clarke, who recently represented Stark during the Arenacross Tour, has confirmed he will line up in the MX1 British Championship class aboard a Stark. The official team setup is set to be named Stark Future Powered by St Blazey MX.
Clarke is excited about the opportunity to represent the brand in the British Championship and explained why the electric project appeals to him when speaking to GateDrop.com.
“Absolutely, I mean Stark, what a brand. They are an amazing group of guys. I actually went out to Spain to do the launch, and I’d already ordered one as soon as. I ordered an Alta when they were like a thing but then the company went bankrupt and luckily I got my deposit back. I was itching for an electric bike because this is the conversation we’re having today… Electric bikes, a lot of people hate them, a lot of people love them… But what you can’t deny about them is it’s opening up practicing spots”, Clarke told GateDrop.com.
“I’ve got a five-acre field at home with a dog kennel, a horse menage and a dog walking spot. In the morning you can’t ride a four-stroke there because it’s unfair on the animals around you. I can now ride every day at home if I have the time. That is what the Stark that’s brings and to be involved with a company like them… I mean everybody watches YouTube videos, the interviews with Anton, Ben and everybody. They are so dedicated to try and build a bike that’s competitive and hopefully I can be part of that journey with them. The battery life is going to be tight in some races – some are better than others but I’m hopefully going to help develop that throughout the year and get some data back on what needs to be built on and what needs to be improved on. It’ll be wicked in MX1, the 511 is coming in swinging (laughs)”, Clarke added.
With Stark now preparing to enter the British Motocross Championship paddock, Clarke’s involvement could provide valuable feedback as the electric bike continues to develop in real race conditions. It will be an interesting storyline to follow throughout the 2026 season as both rider and manufacturer aim to prove the potential of electric machinery in MX1 competition.
