The 2026 MX2 British Championship is fast approaching and just like last year, it looks set to be a fascinating battle of youth versus experience. In 2025, experience prevailed as Tommy Searle secured Triumph their first domestic championship title. Now the question heading into the new season is simple: can Searle do it again?
There’s no better place to start than with Tommy Searle himself. What a career he’s had. Even at 36 years old, the former world championship contender is still as determined as ever to win races and titles. This season he’ll have a target on his back, but that’s unlikely to bother him. At this stage of his career, he’s clearly enjoying racing, sharing the journey through his popular vlogs, and still proving he has the speed to beat riders half his age. Writing him off would be a mistake.
One of those younger challengers is Gyan Doensen. The Dutch talent began to find his rhythm in the EMX250 Championship last year, securing mutiple podiums before an injury cut his campaign short. His speed is unquestionable, but the British Championship didn’t quite click for him in 2025—poor starts often left him with too much work to do. If he brings his EMX250 form to the UK this season, expect him to be right at the sharp end.
It’s also a massive year for Billy Askew. Few doubt his talent, but 2026 feels like a season where things need to come together both domestically and in Europe. If everything clicks into place, Askew has the ability to be a serious title contender. One thing is certain—he won’t want to be beaten to the championship by a 37-year-old teammate when the season comes to an end.
Another rider with plenty of potential is Charlie Heyman, who lines up under the SC Sport Homes Husqvarna awning. Last season he balanced the British series with selected rounds of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship and impressed during the EMX250 round at Matterley Basin. In 2026, Heyman will be aiming to win British MX2 races consistently and establish himself firmly in the title fight.
It’s going to be interesting to see Ollie Colmer’s development over the next twelfth months. He’s one of the British talents that isn’t scared to go and race in Europe which is always encouraging. This year he’s made the decision to step up and race the European rounds of the MX2 World Championship. He’ll be looking to learn as much as possible in the GP’s and then bring that speed back to England. Working closely with Marc de Reuver is also a good combination.
After spending a season racing Triumph’s 450cc machine, Joel Rizzi returns to the MX2 class—and it could be a smart move. Two years ago, he pushed Cas Valk in the title race, and the experience gained on a 450cc bike may well make him an even stronger 250cc rider this time around. Don’t be surprised to see him near the front again.
There was a time when Davy Pootjes was tipped as the next big star of European motocross. Unfortunately, a series of injuries derailed that trajectory. Still, it’s great to see the Dutchman back racing and enjoying the sport. Now also working as a coach, he’ll be balancing those responsibilities alongside his racing programme, but after being thrown into last season with minimal preparation he should be much stronger in 2026.
ASA United GasGas rider, Ben Mustoe will also be lining up in the MX2 class as he continues to build experience in the competitive domestic field. He seems to get better and better every season so look out for him again in 2026.
Injury was the story of 2025 for Joe Brookes. Despite missing a large portion of the season, he still showed flashes of front-running pace when he returned toward the end of the year. This time around things are different—Brookes has enjoyed a full winter of preparation and is fully fit. If everything goes to plan, he could be a genuine title contender.
Another rider to watch is Calum Mitchell. Last season he impressed aboard the Triumph, claiming his first MX2 British Championship race win. That breakthrough victory should do wonders for his confidence heading into 2026. Now the challenge is consistency—something that could transform him into a regular podium threat.
After a year competing in the MXGP World Championship, John Adamson returns to focus on domestic racing. Interestingly, he’ll be competing on a 250cc two-stroke machine. Adamson has always been known for his determination and his MXGP experience should only make him an even stronger competitor on the British scene.
For Josh Vail, 2025 served as a learning year. His rookie season delivered glimpses of potential, but with a full year of MX2 experience now under his belt, he’ll be looking to step things up and deliver stronger results in 2026.
Last year promised so much for Jamie Keith, who was set to compete in a full campaign of European EMX racing before injury derailed those plans. Now he faces a new challenge—stepping up to a 250cc machine. The young Brit is widely regarded as one of the country’s most promising prospects and will be eager to adapt quickly.
Another exciting young rider is Charlie Richmond. After an impressive season competing in selected EMX125 Championship rounds, he moves up to the 250cc class in 2026. Richmond has also been snapped up by the highly respected Crendon Tru7 Honda squad—arguably the strongest team in the paddock.
There’s also strong Irish representation in the field. Glenn McCormick returns after finishing fifth in the championship last year and will be aiming to improve on that result. Youngster Lennox Dickinson is considered one of the most talented prospects in the country and will hope this season brings regular top-ten finishes. Meanwhile, Lewis Spratt and Jack Meara will also be lining up as they continue to gain valuable experience in the competitive MX2 field.
With established veterans, proven contenders, and an exciting wave of young talent all sharing the same gate, the 2026 MX2 British Championship promises another thrilling chapter in the ongoing battle between youth and experience. The big question remains: can the younger generation finally take the crown, or will the evergreen Tommy Searle prove that experience still rules?
