The world famous Hawkstone Park motocross circuit will once again play host to some of the world’s best motocross riders tomorrow at the 10th annual running of the Hawkstone Park International Motocross.

The event serves as a pre-season friendly for the world’s elite riders, who will be looking to get up to speed and gain early bragging right before the start of the gruelling domestic and world motocross series.

Once again, races will be staged for MX1 (over 250cc) and MX2 (under 250cc). In the MX1 category, much of the talk amongst local motocross fans will be how Pontesbury based motocross star Ray Rowson will fare against the world’s best.

Nineteen-year-old Rowson has enjoyed a successful start to his career, winning the British under-21 series last year, and now moving up to the premier MX1 class for his new team, PAR Homes Honda. Early signs are that Rowson has become well accustomed to the larger bike, and a top-ten finish could be on the cards.

He will face stiff opposition however, with the favourites for the event including last year’s top two riders from the World MX1 championship, Steve Ramon and Josh Coppins.

Despite being last year’s runner up, Coppins is the insider’s favourite for the 2008 world title, after seeming set to win the title last year before a shoulder injury sidelined him, handing the title to Belgian rival Ramon.

Hawkstone Park’s tough, sandy surface has traditionally favoured Belgian and Dutch riders, whose home circuits are very similar. Ramon heads a list of sand-specialists including Belgian Kevin Strijbos and Dutchman Marc DeReuver, meanwhile last year’s British champion Billy Mackenzie will be making his debut for the CAS Honda team.

In the MX2 class, home eyes will be on British duo Steven Sword and Tommy Searle. Sword is one of the country’s fastest MX2 riders, but a series of injuries have hampered his progress.

However, he is now back to full fitness and aiming for the world title.

Meanwhile, Searle is ranked world number two in the MX2 class, and will be hoping to use Hawkstone as a springboard towards a world championship attempt.

Also competing in the MX2 class will be young Lewis King of Oswestry. King has enjoyed a successful career in youth motocross, and will be hoping for a good result at his local circuit.

Once again, Hawkstone Park will be in top condition, including the circuit’s most famous obstacles, the deep, power-sapping ‘bomb hole’, fearsome whoop section and the centrepiece 1 in 3 ‘Hawkstone Hill’

Action starts from 9:30am, with racing commencing at 12 midday, however due to the large crowds expected, spectators are advised to arrive at the circuit early. Admission prices are £25 adults, £15 concessions.

By CHRIS CZORA