There is always big excitement heading into the first Motocross event of the year hosted in the UK at the legendary Hawkstone International event. Gary Ford who is the Event Secretary runs a tight ship and puts a big effort into the event each and every season.
There is always a big push from the organisers to get a host of MXGP talent and this year is no exception as it is another impressive line up – especially in the MX1 class.
We recently caught up with Ford to discuss the event which takes place on Sunday and more…
GateDrop: Gary, the big one takes place this weekend – Hawkstone International. How has the preparation been going up until now?
Ford: Everything has gone well and we are well in advance now, the team have been there from the weekend onwards finalising all of the jobs that are left.
GateDrop: We got hit by a big storm recently. What has the weather been like at the track – any damage?
Ford: No damage at all and the track is good to go. We have machinery from our sponsor Ashbrook to deal with anything the weather throws at us, I think you had it a lot worse in Ireland than what we did.
GateDrop: For the people that don’t understand, just how much work goes into putting an event on like this and what kind of work is required on the run up to it?
Ford: For me personally it starts in October getting all of the paperwork together and approved by the ACU, we have to get everything booked in like First Aid, Timing etc and one of my biggest jobs is getting the riders entered into the event , it is a big race and although there is only a few club members we know what is needed and get the job done.
GateDrop: What is your role in helping the event?
Ford: I am Event Secretary so look after everything to do with the riders and what goes on out on the track, basically from when they arrive to when they leave. We try to make it as friendly as possible and must be doing it well as a lot of riders once they have been seem to want to come back the following year.
GateDrop: The MX1 line up is mega this year. You must be happy with the line up?
Ford: Its probably the best ever line up in MX1 for some years, I remember one year we had Stefan Everts and Mickael Pichon when they were on top of the game but the depth of talent we have this year is second to none. We have factory teams from Kawasaki, Yamaha and Fantic plus satellite teams from Honda and KTM so its gone well.
I’d also like to mention Tom Grimshaw (sadly got injured in Belfast and is out) and Martin Barr who are all making the arduous seven hour journey overnight from the Aberdeen Arenacross to come and race with us, safe journey to them and anyone else doing the same. A massive thank you from Salop MC.
GateDrop: The Brits always love to see Jeffrey Herlings come over but sadly he couldn’t come this year due to injury and KTM aren’t going either. That must be a little bit frustrating?
Ford: Disappointing more than frustrating to be honest, I knew fairly early on that Jeffrey would not be able to ride due to the injury, we are good friends and I hope he is back very soon. Joel Smets contacted me and told me KTM decided to do the Italian races as they are out there training but if they had come it would have just been Jeffrey, Adamo and Rossi, not the full team.
GateDrop: You’ve secured the MX2 World Champion at the event in Kay de Wolf. He is mega in those conditions… you must be looking forward to see him race the event again?
Ford: So so happy to get that one over the line, I cannot thank Rasmus Jorgensen enough for agreeing to let him ride and to Ruben (Tureluren) as well for helping put it all together. Kay is fantastic with the public and always willing to do autographs or have pictures taken, a brilliant signing for us and I look forward to seeing him. The Superfinal at the end of the day could be very interesting with the MX2 boys getting a few seconds head start.
GateDrop: One thing I love about the event is how gnarly the track gets. Is that the plan again this year and not too much track prep – apart from take offs and any dangers bits of course…
Ford: It is a tough opener for the riders and again not too much on track work during the event unless needed. Hopefully we have a nice dry day and that would certainly help.
GateDrop: What can you tell us about the prize money for this years event? I am sure plenty of start money is handed out too!
Ford: Yes we have prize money in excess of £10,000 for the event and you are right about start/appearance money but that stays confidential between the rider and our club, but it adds up to quite a substantial amount.