Anticipation is building as the 2024 British Arenacross Championship races into the nearly sold-out SSE Arena Belfast for two nights of high-octane action this weekend (19 & 20 January).
Following his emotional breakthrough victory in the opening round in Manchester, championship leader Jack Brunell (Stark Future) will be aiming to carry his early form into rounds three and four of the championship.
After a challenging weekend in Manchester, Conrad Mewse (Crendon TRU7 Honda Racing) will be looking to get his title challenge back on track, particularly following the news that reigning Arenacross champion Tommy Searle (Dirt Store Kawasaki) has been ruled out with a hand injury following a crash at round 2.
Searle will be replaced in the Dirt Store Kawasaki line-up by France’s Thomas Do following his impressive Arenacross debut at AX Fest at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire last September.
Despite being unable to compete, Tommy Searle will still be attending every round of the series in his role as series ambassador, meeting fans, taking part in track walks and much more.
Dundonald’s own James Mackrel (Team Geartec Norman Watt Racing) will be leading the local charge and hoping ‘home’ advantage will help him secure a big result in the Traxxas Pro Class in front of the local crowd.
Elsewhere on the schedule, homegrown rising stars Mason Shields, Robbie Reid, Ryan Jackson, and Lewis Spratt will also hoping to make a big impact.
9-year-old Mason from Lurgan said: “I’m really looking forward to riding in-front of my home crowd and putting on a good show. I love the indoor feeling with the lights and music… I’d really like to score a podium.”
Matt Bates, Arenacross Promoter said: “We’re so excited to be here in Belfast for rounds three and four of Arenacross in 2024!
“We had an amazing event in Manchester and the championship is extremely close going into rounds three and four here. There’s plenty of talking points going into the weekend to look out for, can Jack Brunell maintain his form and how will the Stark Varg perform on very different track layout. Conrad Mewse was rapid in Manchester, can he recover following some frustrations and take the challenge to Jack?
“Also how will Thomas Do do? He made a big impact at AX Fest last year and it’ll be exciting to see how he does in Tommy’s place. Obviously we’d love to have our champion competing, but injuries are an unfortunate part of racing but we’re glad he’s already on the mend and with us in Northern Ireland.
“We’ve got a sell-out crowd for Saturday and a handful of tickets left for Friday, so if you’re planning on making Arenacross part of your weekend don’t wait! Tickets are selling fast… head to www.arenacrossuk.com now.”
For fans not able to make the trip to Belfast, subscribe to AXTV by visiting www.arenacross-tv1.vhx.tv