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Chambers Racing enjoy a good start at the Hawkstone season opener!

The team headed to Hawkstone Park for the renowned Ashbrook Hawkstone International. This event gives a chance to put all of the lads’ winter prep into action.

Words: Chambers Racing Press Release. Images: Cult Moto

Sunday Qualifying got underway with Ben Franklin, Glenn McCormick, and Alfie Jones in MX2 along with Harvey Cashmore, who is a part of our new format for youth riders in the Chambers Academy. Not to forget Dan Thornhill, who is our only rider in the MX1 class for the 2024 season.

Alfie Jones was one of few British riders not to be lapped by the reigning World Champion in either race, a fine performance for one of Britain’s most promising young talents.

With a stacked field, Glenn qualified in 10th and Alfie was just behind in 11th. Ben struggled with the track early on which ended with a 24th for him, with Harvey in 29th.

Dan was next to the track with the MX1, He looked comfortable and put in some good laps to qualify in 24th.

MX2 Race 1: Alfie got a flying start around the first corner within the top ten with Glenn very close behind. Ben got caught up in a little first-lap crash which didn’t help as he still wasn’t gelling well with the track. Harvey was also deep in the midst of the heavy rider line-up. Alfie crossed the line in 11th, Glenn 14th, Ben 17th & Harvey 22nd.

Ben Franklin struggled with the circuit but fought through for 12th overall in MX2.

MX1 Race 1: The 450 class was filled with some big names this year making for a nice full line-up. Dan didn’t get the best of starts but put his head down and set to work, Pushing through the midst of the riders and crossing the line in 19th.

Glenn McCormick got into the top ten with 9th overall in MX2.

MX2 Race 2: All three of the lads got blinding starts within the top 10, each holding their own and charging for the first couple of laps. Until an unfortunate red flag resulted in a complete restart. Restart of the race thankfully the lads all got another brilliant start!

Ben & Glenn were tooth and nail at each other for the majority of the race, whilst Alfie was just slightly ahead of the battle. Not forgetting Harvey, his off-season training in the sand was showing and he was pushing close to that top-20 finish. Alfie crossed the line in a brilliant 7th, Glenn 9th, Ben 11th & Harvey 21st.

Harvey Cashmore just missed out on the points amongst some seriously tough opposition.

In the overall reckoning, Alfie Jones finished in a fine 7th overall, second-best Brit behind last year’s winner Joel Rizzi. Glenn took 9th and Ben 12th.

MX1 Race 2: What a start for Dan! Top twelve round the first corner as he set to fighting for that top ten. Again, Dan was showing his speed in the sand and abilities that the team knows he has, a few missed opportunities to make some passes, Dan finished in a respectful 16th to claim 17th overall.

Dan Thornhill gets some Hawkstone airtime.

All the lads qualified for the Superfinal but Harvey decided to not take part.

MX1/MX2 Superfinal:

MX2 set off with a 5-second head start before the MX1 pack came chasing after.

Dan unfortunately had bike issues on the line which put an end to his day. Ben, Glenn, and Alfie were deep in the mixed field, trying to battle their way through the MX2 riders plus the MX1. Ben made the decision to retire early due to goggles issues and no visibility without them. It was down to Alfie and Glenn who both put in some work to finish 22nd & 23rd overall, but 7th and 8th out of the MX2 riders.