The third round of the 2025 Bridgestone British Masters powered by Rock Oil moves to the half-way point in the championship calendar this weekend, and after a return to an old favourite at Preston Docks for round two, the series rolls back the years once again with an eagerly anticipated return to the Wroxton circuit near Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Words by Chris Czora – Feature Image courtesy of Ellie Jones RDS Media
The venue is situated firmly in the ‘motorsport triangle’ where some of the nation’s leading race teams and technological companies are based, not too far away is the Shenington karting circuit, one of the oldest in the UK, where a young Nigel Mansell cut his racing teeth.
Sadly for Wroxton the motorsport heritage has not protected the circuit. Once a staple on the national motocross calendar, in recent years the venue has stayed mostly silent, with considerable local opposition meaning most of the circuit’s battles being staged in the courtroom.
However with the venue now cleared for use, the ‘Masters’ returns to the spectacular hillside circuit, much of which features fast, French style hill sections and jumps.
For many of the riders, especially in the youth classes, this will be the first time they’ve had the opportunity to race at Wroxton. Coupled to this, the track has limited opening so there’s very little chance to get some practice. It’ll be a step into the unknown!
The Fix Auto UK Pro class has seen Jason Meara (Moto-Cycle Gas Gas) win three of the four motos so far, however a second moto fall at the Culham opener means he is playing catch up on the leaders Josh Spinks (West London Triumph) and Carlton Husband (Phoenix Tools Fantic). It’ll be a race not to be missed on the fast hillsides!
The youth and amateur classes also meet the half way point of the season, and there are still plenty of points to play for with all titles wide open.
Charlie Richmond will be looking to extend his bright start to the 125cc campaign, with Matt Bayliss and Neville Bradshaw providing close competition.
The 85cc contests in both the Small Wheel and Big Wheel categories still look close, Arthur King looked in top form at Preston Docks, whilst Jett Gardiner showed some impressive pace along with Teddy Merriman.
Team mates Olly Waters and Cohen Jagielski have both enjoyed a strong start to the Big Wheel 85 campaign with race victories, with Arthur Moore and Harley Marczak in the mix. Nixon Coppins continues to improve whilst Joel Winstanley-Dawson is hoping to move up the rankings after a tough start to the season.
Alfie Cotter was unstoppable in the 65cc class last time out, he will be hoping to establish himself as the rider to beat! Forrest Roberts and Finlee Pope amongst others to look for in a class that seems pretty open at this stage.
Of the MX2 riders, Harrison Greenough bounced back at Preston Docks in the Amateur MX2 class, and will be looking to repeat that fine form with Jonathan Roderick Evans and Zac Stealey amongst other riders with a shout of victory.
If MXGP has the Coenen brothers, the Masters has its own answer with the Corke brothers in MXY2.
George and Max Corke have both fought for victories this year and look set to ho head to head with the impressive Ollie Bibb at the half way point.
Scott Alldridge has emerged as the early pacesetter in Amateur MX1, with Charlie Hamket grabbing a late moto victory last time out, whilst Ben Knight is also amongst the leading challengers.
The Clubman category saw Elliot Pugh go unbeaten at Culham, and whilst he didn’t fare quite as well at Preston, he is still the rider to beat. With former champion Lee Clarkson looking strong, Matt Fuller showing good consistency and Mitchil Collins grabbing a moto, the closely matched Clubman looks set to be a close encounter!
Action starts at 9am on both days, the usual format of youth / amateur qualifying on Saturday follows by by two race blocks, with the final two blocks also joined by the Fix Auto UK Pro Class.
Spectator admission is £10. Wroxton is located off the A422 Stratford Road, west of Banbury, postcode OX15 6EU.
All riders, spectators and teams / families are reminded that a lot of work has gone into reclaiming this venue, which has faced considerable opposition.
It is therefore vitally important that any and all requests from the organisers are followed. Noise testing will be in place, additionally patrons are reminded not to visit the nearby Indian Queen restaurant. All patrons of the meeting, particularly children are to stay within the paddock during the meeting.
