Interview: Tim Chambers talks Chambers Racing, MXGP plans for 2025, British MX and more

Interview: Andy McKinstry

We recently reported the exclusive news that Chambers Racing are going to make the step up and focus on the MXGP World Championship in 2025. It’s exciting news to see another British based team in the paddock – which may also lead to more opportunities for British riders in the MXGP paddock.

We recently caught up with team owner, Tim Chambers to discuss his MXGP plans, British motocross and much more…

GateDrop: Tim, you’ve been focusing on the British Championships this year… How has the season been going for the team?

Chambers: Well, we had a good winter with some good practice venues in UK and Europe. Always chasing around trying to get bikes, bits etc and sponsors details for truck and bikes… but it all went off without too many drama’s. Hawkstone was good and that set us off on the right path.

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GateDrop: What’s your thoughts on British Motocross at the moment? The rider numbers and quality isn’t what it used to be…

Chambers: Over the last few seasons the youth MX in the UK is very strong, I hosted the youngsters at the Coupe de l’Avenir at the end of 2022. I was very impressed with the talent we had, following those lads, it semes that we lose our way between the 85BW to MXY2, all that talent lost because we don’t do the full apprenticeship, through the 125, EMX, but straight onto the 250f. The lads need to grow with the classes, not dive into the main events at fifteen or sixteen years old. Learn your trade and grow into it.

GateDrop: The British Championship at Foxhill was cancelled last minute and you vented your frustration via social media… I believe you got the refund though…

Chambers: Too right… Organisers, clubs, the ACU and promoters need to take a hard look at what they are portraying. Parents, team owners, riders and sponsors are working so hard just to be able to go racing, we don’t organise our race calendar a few day’s in advance, it is week ahead. Just because 22 nonce’s are kicking around a bag of wind on the same day, it doesn’t change our commitments to our sport. Take it on the chin and make the crowds want to attend the racing.

GateDrop: For next year Paul Irwin has a big role for British Motocross and they’ve already announced only three classes (MX1, MX2 and 125cc) per weekend… What’s your thoughts on the changes?

Chambers: The British Adult series should be at maximum four groups. 10.00am start practise sessions, last race 16.00hrs or a near as can be achieved. It would be nice to have an allcomers at end of day, just to mix it up. The prize money should be minimum £500 for first and pay down to twentieth.

GateDrop: I think most people agree, when it comes to British MX, one main championship would be for the best…

Chambers: One main and a support class for MX1 and MX2, qualifying money to encourage riders to fight for the right to race.

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GateDrop: We recently reported the teams plans to step up and race MXGP in 2025. What can you tell us about these plans at the moment?

Chambers: So, we are currently in negotiation with eight GP riders, in terms of the riders I would love to be a British only team… However, it will depend on the commitment of the riders and if they want to progress in the sport.

GateDrop: In terms of riders, will it be important to you to have a British rider or does that not really matter?

Chambers: As I said, my dream is to win a GP, British title, EMX title etc and to do that with a British rider would be the cherry on the cake. Finding the one with the passion and commitment to achieve is my biggest challenge.

GateDrop: There’s a lot of GP rounds these days and everything is a lot more expensive than in the past meaning a big budget is probably needed…

Chambers: Nothing is cheap, only talk. The money is there for the effort required, it’s a passion I’ve had for forty years and it just won’t go away. With the support of industry sponsors, friends and businesses, we can have another World champion from Britain, it’ getting the mixture right.

GateDrop: As well as two GP riders (one MX2 and one MXGP) will you have any EMX riders and/or any British Championship only riders?

Chambers:  I will run 4 adult riders in Europe and the UK and then two youth riders. All focused on winning races, moving forward and NOT looking at who’s following.

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GateDrop: I assume the team will still race the British Championship in 2025?

Chambers: Only if it’s up to a good standard with good venues, good promotion, good clubs and decent prize money… if not there’s plenty of racing in Europe.

GateDrop: You are currently running Husqvarna machinery. Will that continue in 2025 or is it still up in the air?

Chambers: I would love to run a British bike in one or both classes so hook me up but the European brands are so good out of the box, I cannot entertain any other brand.

GateDrop: The team last focused on GP’s in 2004 working with the likes of Mark Hucklebridge, Christian Burnham, Wayne Smith and Shaun Simpson, you must have good memories and also excited to get back in the paddock in 2025?