Thousands of fans and enthusiasts flocked to the 13th annual running of the famous Hawkstone International. While many spectators would have expected the dull, relentless hum of four-strokes boring their ears, watchers were pleasantly surprised to find a few riders keeping the sweet sound of a two stroke in the air.

The sun-kissed track enjoyed a short break from the recent terrible weather and was therefore in perfect condition – rutting up where needed and staying smooth where not. The line up for MX1 saw 4 riders, Micheal Hughes, Daniel Arnold, Barry Turnbull and Danny Blakeley, mounting 250 stokers against the mighty 450. Both Daniel Arnold and Barry Turnball qualified high enough to make it into the Open/MX1 race. With the sun shining the riders lined the gate for the opening MX1 race. Aboard his Honda 250 Daniel managed a respectable 26th place with Barry Turnball placing in 29th.

Daniel Arnold on his Honda CR250.

Race two turned out better results for both the riders. Daniel achieved a 22nd place out of 32 riders whilst Barry bettered his first race result with a 26th. After the days racing Barry had to say – ‘‘I had been looking forward to the Hawkstone International for months and I must say it was the best its ever been on the weekend. The track was near perfect condition and very demanding as it always has been.  My little Suzuki 250 2 smoker was running spot on! My day went really well as I managed to qualify and I was really pleased with my results and my overall result of 26th. I would like to thank my sponsors; Roy at Wakefeild Offroad, Wulfsport, Muk junkie, Vertical Bikes, Jim Scafton at Motoshack for sorting my graphics out and a big thanks to my younger brother Craig for being there in the mechanics zone during the days racing.”

Barry Turnball blasting on his Suzuki RM250.

Flying the flag alone in MX2 was Frenchman Jordi Tixier about a KTM 125 riding for the JM Racing KTM team. After making everyone’s head turn by qualifying 29th just a couple of seconds off the leaders on his underpowered 125 he managed a 29th in race one and a very impressive 11th in race two beating the likes of Matiss Karro and Graeme Irwin giving him an well respected overall of 17th. Having such a good days racing Tixier made it into the field of the best riders from MX1/MX2 to race the Super final where with a consistent ride he finished 21st.

Jordi Tixier racing his KTM125 against the 250F's at Hawkstone.

Jordi Tixier exiting a turn.

Story and Photos by James Palmer