arenacross

Day one of the first-ever Arenacross Festival is in the books, and what a day it was!

Fans enjoyed hours of intense competition in the late summer sunshine in the shadow of the stunning Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire.

In the Pro class, it was as if time had stood still as reigning British Arenacross Champion Tommy Searle, 2023 runner-up Conrad Mewse and Jack Brunell picked up where they left off from the season finale in February, finishing the Friday Main Event as they did in London.

🥇 Tommy Searle
🥈 Conrad Mewse
🥉 Jack Brunell

AX Amateur 450

🥇 Sion Talbot
🥈 Kyle Lane
🥉 Josh Greedy

AX Amateur Lites

🥇 Kieran Banks
🥈 Ben White
🥉 Marshall Smith

AX Futures

🥇 Isaac Ash
🥈 Jacob Randall
🥉 Charley Irwin

Super Enduro Clubman

🥇 Ryan Crowder
🥈 Roman Pilling
🥉 Barney Thurgood

Super Enduro Pro

🥇 Billy Bolt
🥈 Jonny Walker
🥉 Will Hoare.

Read the full results here.

For more information and for tickets to the Arenacross Festival, click here.

Talented riders from North Wales and Cheshire will battle the cream of world-class motocross and off-road biking at The Arenacross Festival (AX Fest) presented by Fix Auto UK this weekend.

Thousands of people are to descend on the 6,000-acre Bolesworth Castle estate in Tattenhall, near Chester and Wrexham, for a three-day, high-octane programme of events, beginning on Friday (September 15-17).

AX Fest is Britain’s biggest motocross and live music weekend, mixing thrilling racing and freestyle motocross (FMX) stunt shows with an amazing family festival experience. The event will also mark the first round of the 2023/24 Arenacross British Championship.

Among the local stars appearing will be world class Deeside motocross rider Adam Sterry, who is thrilled to be competing on an incredible track which has been converted from Bolesworth’s iconic international equestrian arena using more than 5,000 tons of dirt!

The 27 year-old will be among the highlights during a packed schedule complemented by a vast array of activities for all the family.

The festival will also include a thrillseekers’ funfair, live shows, bike experiences for adults and kids of all ages, a huge range of retail and food and drink options, plus a live music stage with bands and DJs kicking off at night when the sport finishes. Visitors can also camp for the weekend to enjoy the whole festival.

Among the special guests already signed up to play are Mercury – one of the World’s leading Queen Tribute Bands and Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ Band on the Friday, followed the next night headlined by DJ, keyboard player and songwriter Sister Bliss, performing her Faithless DJ set, as well as by a High on Heels Ibiza set.

Having grown up just over the border, Adam – a former winner of the British 250cc (MX2) Championship – is proud to see motocross given such an amazing platform.

“I’ve always been interested in the AX series, I think it’s great for the sport in the UK,” he said.

“I’ve had almost zero experience of this type of racing, so it’s something completely new to me but I’m excited for the challenge and the venue is awesome – it looks mega!”

British Arenacross Champion Tommy Searle, who rides for GTCI Revo Kawasaki, and three-time SuperEnduro World Champion Billy Bolt, will also be lining up over the weekend.

Tommy has nothing but praise for the set up at Bolesworth.

“There is so much for people to do, even if you’re not into bikes there is something for everyone,” he said.

“I’m so looking forward to it, we’ve never had racing in a venue like this, it’s never been done before and we’re all really excited about it.”

AX Fest will also feature some of the sport’s up-and-coming young talent, including Llangollen’s Oscar Smith.

The nine year-old, a pupil at Garth Primary School, has been into bikes since he was just two and can’t wait to take on the new track.

“It’s going to be so much fun, we all can’t wait to race here as it’s the first time ever,” said Oscar.

Seven year-old Elworth Hall Primary School pupil Marcus Taylor, from Sandbach, is another planning to make his mark at event, despite his young age: “I have been riding since I was three, I love to be out on my bike and my dream is to be a champion one day,” he said.

Ewloe racer Riley Rogers was also just three when he received his first motocross bike, and six when he began racing. He looks forward to taking on the competition in the 65cc category.

“It’s going to be amazing being out on the same track as Tommy Searle, I can’t wait,” he said.

Aston Whitehead, from Crewe, who celebrates his 12th birthday today (Monday) has been riding for five years having been inspired by his grandfather, also a former motocross rider.

He even wears the same number as his grandfather did – 116 – and dreams of becoming the world’s best one day.

“I just love racing; we go all over the country taking on other 85cc riders but have never raced anywhere like this – it’s amazing!” said Aston.

“To be here among the best in my age group, and then to have the very best professional motocross riders in the same arena is going to be epic!”

Bolesworth’s Managing Director of Events and Arenacross creator Matt Bates, a former Pro Motocross rider, believes the inaugural celebration will be a unique crossover event for the region.

“For fans of the sport it’s going to be an exhilarating three days watching the very best compete on a unique, purpose-built track in one of the area’s most beautiful settings,” he said.

“But AX Fest is so much more than that, it’s an experience all the family can enjoy with so much taking place across the Estate – we hope you can join us and that this is the first of many events of this kind in the future.”

Tickets for AX Fest are available now from www.bolesworth.com/axfest; make sure to book online in advance to get the best price! For more information email info@bolesworth.com or call 01829 782210.

Motocross fans can look forward to real battle across Britain as the Arenacross British Championship presented by Fix Auto UK returns for 2024 with a heart-pounding eight-round series.

Opening at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire (September 15-17) with the brand-new showpiece Arenacross Festival for round 1, the series will officially hit the road in January heading to five venues in three countries.

It’ll be a real happy new year for Arenacross fans in Manchester as the championship heads to the AO Arena on 6 January, before crossing the Irish Sea to the SSE Arena, Belfast (19 & 20 January), then jets north to P&J Live Arena, Aberdeen (26 & 27 January), on to the Resorts World Arena, Birmingham (3 February) before the spectacular finale at the OVO Arena Wembley, London (24 February).

The 2023 edition of Arenacross marked the first time the series was classed as an official British Championship by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), with Tommy Searle triumphing following a season-long battle with Conrad Mewse.

Arenacross is a show without compare, featuring a high-octane mix of unparalleled indoor motocross racing and freestyle motocross (FMX) derring-do, whilst being simultaneously packed with all-round family fun and frenzied entertainment.

The series has been thrilling crowds across the length and breadth of the UK for over a decade and has staged around 70 adrenaline-fuelled shows, entertaining over 300,000 action-hungry fans in the process.

The 2023/24 Arenacross Tour Calendar

• Round 1: 15 – 17 September 2023 | AX Fest, Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire
• Round 2: 6 January 2024 | AO Arena, Manchester
• Round 3 & 4: 19 & 20 January 2024 | SSE Arena, Belfast
• Round 5 & 6: 26 & 27 January 2024 | P&J Live Arena, Aberdeen
• Round 7: 3 February 2024 | Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
• Round 8: 24 February 2024 | OVO Arena Wembley, London.

Matt Bates, Arenacross Promoter and Bolesworth Events Managing Director said: “Save the dates! The release of the Arenacross British Championship schedule means it’s officially time to get your 2024 diaries out and start planning your post-Christmas motocross fix for a truly exciting start to the new year.

“Earlier this year we savoured a truly fantastic battle for the Championship between Tommy Searle and Conrad Mewse; we can’t wait for them pick up from where they left off in February, as well as see who will join them in the battle for the title.

“Whilst we can’t wait to get on the road and visiting all corners of the country, officially we’ll be kicking the championship off with The Arenacross Festival at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire next weekend for our amazing new showpiece event, then heading off for our more traditional series. AX Fest promises to be an amazing curtain raiser for the new season, with racing, freestyle, live music, bike experiences for all ages and so much more – visit bolesworth.com/axfest now for more information and tickets.”

Tickets for the 2023/24 Arenacross British Championship will be available soon; click here to register for our exclusive discount offer and get 20% off tickets when they go on sale!

Fix Auto UK, the country’s largest network of independently owned, fully branded, vehicle body repair centres, have secured Presenting Partner status for both the 2023/2024 Arenacross British Championship and the brand new Arenacross Festival.

Discover Fix Auto UK.

The debut Arenacross Festival (AX Fest) takes place at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire later this month (15-17 September) as round one of the new Arenacross season, with full dates for upcoming British Championship set to be announced soon.

AX Fest takes the established and hugely popular Arenacross experience outdoors to the Cheshire countryside and mixes in Super Enduro, live music from Faithless’ Sister Bliss and Rick Parfitt Jnr, freestyle motocross, weekend camping, off-road riding experiences, BMX and trials shows, a huge fairground, family fun, food, drink and much more.

The agreement marks the sixth time Fix Auto UK has supported the Arenacross Series.

Since its inception in 2005, Fix Auto UK has progressively grown to now encompass a nationwide network of over 100 repair centres across the UK. No less than 10 major insurers, together with national fleet operators, work closely with Fix Auto UK, and it repairs around 150,000 vehicles on an annual basis.

Fix Auto UK repair centres are equipped to carry out a full range of vehicle body repairs, ranging from paintless dent removals to full repairs resulting from a major impact. The repair centres use the most advanced high-tech equipment and craftsmanship to ensure vehicles’ safety is restored.

Ian Pugh, Managing Director of Fix Auto UK, said “The Arenacross Festival offers a huge opportunity for our brand and network. Along with the Arenacross Tour, its great to partner with an organisation that keeps innovating and attracting thousands of fans to their events. As the summer comes to a close, I’m excited to see the action unfold all under the stunning backdrop that is Bolesworth Castle.

“Our long-standing partnership with Arenacross has proven hugely successful as part of our mission to raise our brand’s awareness within a relevant audience. We are delighted to once again be along for the ride, it certainly won’t be one to be missed.”

Matt Bates, Managing Director of Bolesworth Events and Arenacross Promoter said: “We’re delighted to welcome back Fix Auto UK as our presenting partners for both AX Fest and the 2023/2024 Arenacross British Championship. They are without doubt one of our most loyal and enduring partners and it’s safe to say we wouldn’t be able to deliver Arenacross without them.

“From their early years as hospitality clients to our Presenting Partner, it’s fantastic to see a market-leading brand use the sport of motocross to showcase and develop their image and exposure; we’re hugely thankful for their ongoing support with both the British Championship and our brand-new festival.”

Tickets for AX Fest are on-sale now! For all information and tickets, visit www.bolesworth.com/axfest.

K-Tech Suspension are the official suspension partners of Arenacross, to include the 2024 indoor series and the all-new Arenacross Festival (AX Fest) taking place at Bolesworth Castle from September 15-17.

Based in Derbyshire, K-Tech Suspension has been creating world leading motorcycle suspension for over 20 years; the organisation is synonymous with motorcycle racing and has multiple championship wins across motocross, circuit, enduro and road racing.

You can visit the K-Tech by clicking here.

AX Fest takes the established and hugely popular Arenacross experience outdoors to the Cheshire countryside and mixes in Super Enduro, live music from Sister Bliss and Rick Parfitt Jnr, freestyle motocross, weekend camping, off-road riding experiences, BMX and trials shows, a huge fairground, family fun, food, drink and much more.

The festival will incorporate round one of the 2023/24 British Arenacross Championship; full dates and venues will be announced soon.

Matt Bates, Bolesworth Events Managing Director and Event Promoter said: “To see K-Tech return as a partner of Arenacross is great news. With our partnership starting at AX Fest next month, it means our riders and fans will get to see the best suspension company in the UK activating at our all-new event at Bolesworth.

“Not only this, as we head to our indoor series starting in January, K-Tech will be there to support every rider in the pits every step of the way.”

Kyle Lane from the K-Tech Suspension Marketing Team said: “It’s exciting times for us here at K-Tech as we partner up with Arenacross for the three-day festival and the indoor series at the start of 2024!

“The Arenacross Festival is a new concept of racing in the UK; as official suspension partner of the series with our years of knowledge and experience, we feel it’s a way to give back to the sport that kickstarted our business.”

Tickets for AX Fest are on sale now; to get the best price make sure to get your tickets before 31 August when our summer-saver prices end! To buy tickets, and for all other information, visit www.bolesworth.com/axfest.

The eagerly awaited all-electric Stark VARG will make its racing debut at the Arenacross Festival (AX Fest), taking place at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire from September 15 – 17.

Stark’s efforts will be spearheaded by former British Champion and multiple Grand Prix winner, Switzerland’s Arnaud Tonus. Tonus will be alongside young German racer and former Arenacross Rookies Champion, Carl Osterman, together with young British talent and former youth champion, Eddie Jay Wade.

The Stark VARG is the first electric motorcycle to be the performance leader within its category. The VARG will reorientate the industry with its patent technology and design features, to inspire riders and racers towards sustainability.

In order to outperform traditional technology, the Stark VARG has been developed from the ground-up, building the power train and chassis to work perfectly together for a flawless riding experience, and optimising every component for its purpose. The VARG represents the pinnacle of electric motorcycle technology, boasting unrivaled acceleration, precise control, and a sustainable, zero-emission design.

With the backing of Stark Future Factory efforts, Stark will redefine the limits of what electric motorcycles can achieve in the world of Arenacross.

Matt Bates, Event Promoter and Bolesworth Events Managing Director said: “For Stark to choose the AX Fest as their worldwide racing debut is a huge honour, not only for our event, but also for all UK off road racing fans.

“Stark lining-up against the already established fuel-powered race teams will be something really special to see… and as a motocross race fan, I can’t wait for!”

Sebastien Tortelli, Racing Director of Stark Future said: “As Stark Future Racing Director, and being involved since the beginning of the VARG, bringing it to the front of the global stage has been nothing short of amazing. Our pursuit of excellence, our dedication to innovation – it’s all finally coming together in a monumental moment as we embark on our racing program. This isn’t just another step; it’s a milestone that’s been eagerly anticipated within our company.

“The team and especially Arnaud, Carl and Eddie have been working extremely hard heading up to this event. For us, stepping onto the racing arena isn’t just about competition; it’s a declaration in the belief of our extraordinary product. To stand at the starting gate, to race against combustion, is an achievement in itself.

“With a trio of exceptional riders, our presence behind the starting gate signifies the fusion of skill, technology and vision.”

Arnaud Tonus said: “I’m super excited to be part of Stark Future! Stepping into my first Arenacross on the VARG is really exciting. It’s a chance to ride and showcase the impressive capabilities of the VARG. I’m thrilled to contribute to the changing industry, both in terms of electric performance and the positive impact it has on our sport, environment, and communities.”

AX Fest takes the established and hugely popular Arenacross experience outdoors to the Cheshire countryside and mixes in Super Enduro, live music from Sister Bliss and Rick Parfitt Jnr, freestyle motocross, weekend camping, off-road riding experiences, BMX and trials shows, a huge fairground, family fun, food, drink and much more.

Tickets for AX Fest are on sale now; to get the best price make sure to get your tickets before 31 August when our summer-saver prices end! To buy tickets, and for all other information, visit www.bolesworth.com/axfest.

Dirt Store are the latest big name to confirm their partnership with Arenacross to include the 2024 indoor series and the all-new Arenacross Festival (AX Fest).

The online high-performance off-road equipment provider has confirmed their support for the event, which takes place next month at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire from September 15 – 17.

Dirt Store are passionate about everything related to off-road adventures. Created by riders, for riders, the company understands the thrill and excitement that comes with hitting the track.

Their mission is to provide people with top-of-the-line products and exceptional service to fuel their passion for off-road riding. From seasoned riders seeking the latest high-performance gear or a beginner looking to kickstart their off-road journey, we have something for everyone.

The company are currently producing their brand new online store, set to be launched soon at www.dirtstore.co.uk. In the meantime, you can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dirtstoreuk.

Matt Bates, Event Promoter and Bolesworth Events Managing Director said: “We’re delighted and proud to be announcing this brand-new partnership with Dirt Store; their brand and values align perfectly with Arenacross and AX Fest and we couldn’t wish to be working with a better group of people.”

Dan Giffard, Co-owner of Dirt Store said: “We’re super excited to be partnering with AX Fest this year and Arenacross for 2024! We love the concept and the show the guys deliver, very professional, and a perfect way to launch our exciting new motocross store! We can’t wait to drop the gate!”

AX Fest takes the established and hugely popular Arenacross experience outdoors to the Cheshire countryside and mixes in Super Enduro, live music from Sister Bliss and Rick Parfitt Jnr, freestyle motocross, weekend camping, off-road riding experiences, BMX and trials shows, a huge fairground, family fun, food, drink and much more.

Tickets for AX Fest are on sale now; to get the best price make sure to get your tickets before 31 August when our summer-saver prices end! To buy tickets, and for all other information, visit www.bolesworth.com/axfest.

Hard enduro racer Jonny Walker is the latest headline rider confirmed to be taking part in the first-ever Arenacross Festival (AX Fest) next month.

The 32-year-old multiple title winning racer from Keswick in the Lake District will head to Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire from 15 – 17 September for the brand new event.

Jonny will take part in the pro SuperEnduro class, which has been added to the festival’s schedule alongside due to popular demand. He’ll be competing against fellow enduro legend Billy Bolt, who’s working with Tommy Searle and Ed Warren to design a combined Arenacross and SuperEnduro track – something the sport has never seen before.

The racer from the Lakes has been riding since the age of nine and was the youngest ever winner of The Pinhard Prize. In 2008 and 2009 he competed in the European and Junior World Trials Championships before shifting disciplines.

He tried Enduro after a friend suggested he should have a go. Despite being thrown in at the deep end in his first full season, he enjoyed great success. He enjoyed successful debut performances in the World Indoor Cup, Hell’s Gate and the British Enduro Championship, where he finished in the top five before taking the top step of the podium.

Jonny Walker said: “I’m really excited to be getting involved with AX Fest; it’ll be something incredibly unique, bringing together a festival experience together with Arenacross racing, SuperEnduro and much more – sounds like a great weekend to be a fan as well as a competitor.

“The setting looks superb and a real change from the traditional tracks we race on, so it has the potential to be a real jewel in the crown for the UK scene. I’m already counting down to September to get back behind the gate… and to race Billy!”

Matt Bates, Bolesworth Events Managing Director said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Jonny to AX Fest and can’t wait to see him face-off against Billy Bolt.

“This is going to be unique opportunity for British off-road fans to see world-class Enduro racers compete in the UK and what better place to do it than the stunning surroundings of Bolesworth Castle, at the first-ever festival designed for motocross and off-road fans!”

AX Fest is a brand-new event for 2023. Celebrating the success of the indoor motocross racing series Arenacross, AXFest will feature three days and two nights of world-class motocross racing and FMX displays in the amphitheatre-style International Arena, where an epic track will be built using over 5,000 tons of dirt!

The festival experience will include onsite camping (Friday and Saturday night), family fun including funfair, live shows, bike experiences, a huge range of food and drink options by day, plus a live music stage with bands such as Sister Bliss and Rick Parfitt Jnr owning the stage when the sport ends… all at one of the country’s most spectacular venues: Bolesworth Castle, eight miles south of Chester off the A41.

Tickets for AX Fest are on sale now; to get the best price make sure to get your tickets before 31 August when our summer-saver prices end! To buy tickets, and for all other information, visit www.bolesworth.com/axfest.

To enter AX Fest, visit https://www.goracemx.com/event.php?eid=6591; please note entries are now also open for Pro and Clubman riders to race SuperEnduro.

Kawasaki UK have extended their partnership with Arenacross to include the 2024 indoor series and the all-new Arenacross Festival (AX Fest) taking place at Bolesworth Castle from September 15 – 17.

Kawasaki have been loyal supporters of Arenacross for many years as partners and competitors, winning multiple AX titles and are current manufacturer supporters to the GTCI REVO Kawasaki Racing team, which features the current Arenacross British Champion, Tommy Searle.

Searle will be lining up aboard his Kawasaki KX450 alongside the ever-popular Mel Pocock when the start gates drop at Bolesworth on September 15. The 34-year-old from Derbyshire will also act as an official ambassador for the event.

The brand-new event takes the established and hugely popular Arenacross experience outdoors to the Cheshire countryside and mixes in Super Enduro, live music from Sister Bliss and Rick Parfitt Jnr, freestyle motocross, weekend camping, off-road riding experiences, BMX and trials shows, a huge fairground, family fun, food, drink and much more.

Matt Bates, Event Promoter and Bolesworth Events Managing Director said: “We’re extremely proud and excited to be announcing this partnership extension with Kawasaki UK; to see them extend their agreement for our 2024 indoor series, as well expanding their involvement into AX Fest is genuinely amazing to see.

“Similar to the indoor series, AX Fest will attract a wide variety of fans from action sports, adventure and of course motocross, so with Kawasaki showcasing motocross, UTV’s and road bikes, as well as offering a first-time riding experience on their KLX models, their presence will spread far wider than the racetrack.”

Ross Burridge, Head of Marketing & Racing Department for Kawasaki Motors UK: “The Arenacross series has always been a fantastic set of events that we have been proud to support over a number of years. So as soon as we heard about the all-new AX Fest, we knew we had to get involved! Having the chance to showcase our complete range of products alongside having the reigning AX Champ racing our KX450 is a fantastic opportunity, and one we will hope many customers and race fans come and witness.”

Tickets for AX Fest are on sale now; to get the best price make sure to get your tickets before 31 August when our summer-saver prices end! To buy tickets, and for all other information, visit www.bolesworth.com/axfest.

Triple British motocross champion Conrad Mewse is the latest pro-rider confirmed to be headlining the first-ever Arenacross Festival this summer.

The runner-up of the 2023 British Arenacross Championship has signed-up to take part in the three-day event at Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire from September 15^th to 17^th.

Mewse will again represent the Crendon Fastrack Honda Racing team led by former triple World Motocross Champion, Dave Thorpe, one Britain’s most successful and internationally renowned motocross personalities.

The Somerset-born rider will renew rivalries with reigning British Arenacross Champion Tommy Searle, following their fierce season-long battle for the coveted indoor motocross title earlier this year.

The first-ever Arenacross Festival will see riders like Mewse and Tommy Searle compete on a brand-new outdoor motocross track specially constructed inside Bolesworth’s prestigious international equestrian arena. The event will also include SuperEnduro headlined by multiple World Champion Billy Bolt, freestyle motocross, live music from Sister Bliss, Rick Parfitt Jnr & the RPJ Band, off-road riding experiences, BMX and trials shows, a huge fairground, family fun and camping, food, drink and much more.

The event will also be supported by Honda (UK), who will be official partners of the Arenacross Festival.

Matt Bates, Event Promoter and Bolesworth Events Managing Director said: “We’re delighted to have Conrad on board for The Arenacross Festival, together with the Crendon Fastrack Honda Racing Team and of course Honda (UK) as official partners.

“It’s a tremendous vote of confidence from one of the most successful two-wheel brands in the world.”

Conrad Mewse, Crendon Fastrack Honda Racing rider said: “The British Arenacross Championship was an amazing experience and I couldn’t wait for more! I’ve been blown-away by the venue and can’t wait to carry on my battle with Tommy Searle outdoors later this year – it’s going to be something very special.

“I’m also delighted to confirm I’ll be back for the 2024 Arenacross Tour, where the only goal is to go one step higher in the results and take the title away from Tommy!”

David Thorpe, Team Principal of Crendon Fastrack Honda Racing said: “We’ve always supported Arenacross and I’m delighted to say the team will be part of this exciting new event. It’s great for both motocross fans and newcomers to the sport to experience it at such an amazing venue – it’ll be a real showpiece for the calendar and a great addition to the British race scene.”

Sam Houghton, Motorcycle Marketing Manager for Honda (UK) said: “We are thrilled to be supporting the Arenacross Festival. 2023 has been a fantastic year for Honda and the CRF in both domestic and overseas championships; a fitting celebration for the 50^th anniversary of the CR/CRF range. We are looking forward to seeing many of the motocross community at the Bolesworth event where we have an exciting announcement for our plans going into 2024.”

Tickets for the Arenacross Festival are on sale now; to get the best price make sure to get your before Monday 31 July when earlybird prices end! To buy tickets, and for all other information, visit www.bolesworth.com/axfest.