With the Hawkstone International just around the corner taking place on the 15th of February, excitement is building for what promises to be one of the strongest line-ups the iconic event has ever seen. From reigning world champions to multiple GP winners and podium visitors, eyes will be on Hawkstone Park as the sport’s elite descend on the UK for a true pre-season spectacle.
Working behind the scenes for the first time at the event is Paul Irwin, a man with vast experience in British motocross and a key figure in shaping the modern British Championship. We caught up with Irwin as he gives an insight into the work that goes into attracting world-class riders, the importance of the fans, and what makes this year’s Hawkstone International so special. He also reflects on the British Championship, looks ahead to an exciting 2026 season, and discusses the possibility of seeing stars like Jeffrey Herlings and Kay de Wolf lining up on UK soil again.
GateDrop: Paul, I believe this is the first time you’ve been working behind the scenes for the Hawkstone International event. How are preparations going for the event so far?
Irwin: So far, it’s going well I believe. I am looking after sponsors, advertising, branding, media. It’s a lot of work for an event this size.
GateDrop: There are obviously a number of elite GP riders coming to the event – it’s an impressive line up this year. Just what goes on behind the scenes to get these guys over?
Irwin: The club put up a sizeable budget to entice the very best riders over. This year’s line up is probably the best I have ever seen there with both current World champions (Romain Febvre, Simon Längenfelder) plus a host of ex World champions. 13 World titles in total.
GateDrop: I guess none of this can be done without the backing of the fans and getting a huge crowd to attend the event – so you’d encourage all British Motocross fans to attend on the 15th of February?
Irwin: Without the fans this event wouldn’t happen. This is as close to a Grand Prix as you can get with all these top riders. I hope the weather is nice and we get a great turn out.
The club have installed a new tunnel for the spectators to move around easily without the big queues to get over the bridge. It’s a lot of work but will be so much better for the fans.
GateDrop: It’ll be Jeffrey’s first race in the UK on the Honda and only his second race with the bike after Mantova. How much are you looking forward to seeing him on his new bike around Hawkstone?
Irwin: I can’t wait. I spoke with Honda last week and it sounds like he is getting on well with the bike. Endless suspension testing to get comfortable after so long on a KTM. I expect a few of the HRC crew will be there to continue his development. It will also be good to see his teammate, Tom Vialle.
GateDrop: It’ll also be Kay de Wolf’s first race of the year on the 450cc and he is fantastic around Hawkstone – how much are you looking forward to seeing him on the bigger bike?
Irwin: He’s always exciting to watch, he moves around the bike like it’s a 125cc. He’s also really good with the fans and always got time for people.
GateDrop: Both reigning world champions, Romain Febvre and Simon Längenfelder will also be in action – it’ll be pretty cool to see them both at the event too!
Irwin: Yes, was talking to the club about this. I don’t think we have ever had both current world champions at the International.
GateDrop: Just to go back to the British Championship, you were involved last year, how would you reflect on it?
Irwin: 2025 was pretty good. We changed a lot about the series before the season started and although I was confident it was the right direction, it’s always nice to see the positive reactions. The weather was kind and we created 8 good rounds around the UK. Based on rider registration for 2026, it seems the riders and teams liked it. We are currently at 150 riders for the 3 classes.
GateDrop: The 2026 series is shaping up lovely as we should have some big competition for Conrad Mewse with the likes of Ben Watson and Oriol Oliver – you must be looking forward to the British series kicking off in 2026?
Irwin: I am, it doesn’t feel long ago that we finished off the 2025 season. The off season has gone by really quickly. We normally start the season with some firm favourites in each class but it’s much more open this year.
GateDrop: Jeffrey Herlings has already been confirmed for Preston Docks – are you expecting him to line up at more rounds?
Irwin: I know he wants to ride as many as possible and Honda have confirmed they will support any that does.
GateDrop: Kay de Wolf raced Preston Docks last year, have you explored trying to get him back to at least one round in 2026? It would be cool to see him at the same event as Jeffrey but it won’t be cheap (laughs)…
Irwin: I would love Kay to come back. He was really good to watch at the Docks and great to have him join the Youth Academy and track walk. They come at a cost so it’s finding a sponsor or organiser that wants to get them over.
GateDrop: Have you got an update of the Scottish round and where that’s likely to be?
Irwin: Almost. I think we are close to reaching an agreement. We had some issues with dates so that took a while to work through.
GateDrop: It was stated in the press release that you tried for Matterley Basin to host a round of the series – how close was that to happening and is it likely to happen in 2027?
Irwin: I’m really hopeful that we can go there in 2027. It looked possible for 2026 but the Boomtown festival has some major planning in place and we couldn’t jeopardise that. We just couldn’t get the green light in time for this year. We will try again for sure.
