After a 26-year absence, Foxhill made its long-awaited return to the MXGP World Championship calendar in 2026 – and it couldn’t have gone much better.
When the venue’s return was first announced, there was no shortage of scepticism. While it was understandable for some to question whether the event could be pulled off successfully after such a long time away and with plenty of work to do, many had already written it off before a wheel had even turned. Those doubts now look very misplaced.
Anyone who decided not to make the trip missed something truly special.
Speaking to organiser Paul Cook at the end of last year, along with Mark Chamberlain, who also played a role in the project, there was always a quiet confidence that Foxhill could deliver. They never seemed overly concerned by the challenge ahead, and in the end, that belief proved to be well founded. However, the success of the event should not take away from the enormous amount of work that went on behind the scenes to make it happen.
The circuit itself underwent a major transformation to bring the famous venue back to life. Despite the exceptionally dry weather the UK has experienced in recent weeks, dust was virtually non-existent throughout the weekend thanks to the hard work of the track crew.
Perhaps the circuit was slightly overwatered ahead of Saturday, leaving conditions very deep for the opening day, but adjustments were made overnight and Sunday’s track was outstanding. It offered fantastic racing throughout the day, while even the WMX riders – who often have to deal with heavily watered conditions early on race day – were greeted with a circuit in excellent shape. That EMX125 race on Sunday by the way, excellent viewing.
Foxhill remains a true old-school motocross track and presents a very different challenge to the modern Grand Prix circuits riders have become accustomed to. The natural elevation changes, off-camber sections and demanding layout created a rough, technical track that became increasingly gnarly as the weekend progressed. Watching the world’s best riders master those conditions was a reminder of exactly why they compete at the highest level.
An enormous amount of credit belongs to Paul Cook, Justin Barclay, Alfie Smith and every single person who played a part in bringing Foxhill back to the world stage. Reviving such an iconic venue was never going to be easy, but the effort, commitment and attention to detail paid off.
For years, people have spoken nostalgically about Foxhill and what made it so special. Former British GP rider, Justin Morris even told us at Matterley Basin last year that he hoped to see MXGP return because of the unique place the venue holds in his heart. It’s one thing hearing those stories, but you don’t truly understand until you experience it yourself.
Walking onto the track on Friday morning and seeing the circuit for the first time was a special moment. The valley creates an amazing atmosphere, with spectators able to overlook huge sections of the track while the famous hillside gives Foxhill its unmistakable character.
Thankfully, Foxhill’s return is part of a two-year agreement, meaning the venue is already set to host MXGP again next season. Based on what was delivered this weekend, everyone involved will be hoping that becomes the beginning of a much longer stay.
Some venues simply belong on the MXGP calendar. Foxhill has emphatically reminded everyone that it is one of them.
