It was a blustery start to the final round of the Dirt Store British Motocross Championship at Preston Docks, though that didn’t stop the fans from turning out en masse for the season finale. With Preston Docks being less than an hour away from Apico HQ, this was to be the team’s home round in the premier British Motocross Championship for 2024.
Qualifying went very well with Martin putting in an early fast lap which eventually gave him 4th gate pick and Tom struggled to get a clear lap putting 13th fastest at the end of the session.
In race 1, as the gate dropped both riders made good progress down the start straight before Tom, admittedly, made a mistake and came together with Martin. Unfortunately, this resulted in both riders losing several positions and having a lot of work to do in the race. Martin proceeded with caution for the first few laps, eventually finding his rhythm on the 6th lap and pushing on in 10th position for most of the race. Tom managed to get on the back wheel of Martin on the 7th lap and they both pushed through, passing Jason Meara and Carlton Husband to finish inside the top 10 in 8th and 9th respectively.
Race 2 was another start disaster for Martin, who ran into the rear of Josh Gilbert in the first corner and found himself down the order in 17th. As a testament to his speed, experience and sheer determination Martin set about attacking the field making up 7 positions within the first 2 laps and was on the edge of the top 10. Martin pushed on again and passed his MXoN teammate Jason Meara to get close to Tom, who’d had a good start comfortably inside the top 10 and held a steady position throughout the race. It was a switch of positions with Tom finishing 8th and Martin 9th for race 2 and the overall on the day.
Martin finished 7th and Tom 8th in the Dirt Store MX1 British Motocross Championship 2024 standings.
Martin: “The last 3 rounds have been somewhat of a disaster, from lying 3rd in the championship to ending up 7th is not where I see myself and I can run up at the front as I’ve shown. All in all, I’ve enjoyed the season, I finished 3rd in the Apico Pro MX1 Fastest 40 Championship and won the Wrights Engineering Class with Apico Honda at the Vets Des Nations, and I still have to compete for Team Ireland in the Motocross of Nations, so looking to end the season off in the final there with Apico Honda and my teammates.
“The switch to Honda Motorcycles aboard the CRF450R was a massive boost for everyone, I’ve loved the bike, and it has certainly helped my season. I’d like to thank Dylan & Anna for my third season with their team, the atmosphere and vibes are always positive, fun, and very good which contributed to my good results. I’d also like to thank all the team and personal sponsors. Without you guys, I could not go racing. I know there’s more to come from my riding career, hopefully, I’ll be back at the start line next year, I have not finalised a deal yet, but hopefully it will be.”
Tom: “It’s been a season where I’ve learned a lot. There were a number changes for me with the Honda CRF450R, where I had to get better at starts, I managed that, and I certainly feel comfortable and that I’ve been making progress over the last 3 or 4 meetings. I wish there were 2 or 3 races left as my riding is improving. I’ve finished 8th in the Dirt Store MX1 British Motocross Championship and 4th in the Apico Pro MX1 Fastest 40 Championship and got a win with Martin and Jamie Law in the Wrights Engineering Class at the Vets Des Nations with Apico Honda, so it’s been a solid season.
“I settled well into Dylan and Anna’s team; it’s been a nurturing environment that has helped my racing. I’ve improved a place compared to last season in the MXGB Championship and will continue an upward trajectory with my racing. I would like to thank the team, especially Dylan and Anna for believing in me and giving me an opportunity with Apico Honda. To all the sponsors and my trainer, thank you for the support this season.”
Dylan: “The whole team were excited to attend Preston Docks for the last round of the Dirt Store British Championship and it didn’t disappoint, both Martin & Tom performed well finishing inside the top ten all weekend. Overall, the season has been a mixed bag for both riders. Tom took some time to adapt to the Honda CRF450R and came strong towards the end of the season. It was the other way round for Martin, who has had a great season that was hampered by a couple of poor rounds at the end. This unfortunately affected his 3rd place podium finish in the Championship.
“I’m happy with the season and I can’t thank Honda Motorcycles UK enough for their support and trust, all the sponsors and team members for all their hard work throughout the year, not forgetting my partner Anna, who allows me the time to put all this together so we can go racing at the highest level.
“My season highlight must be the VMXdN Foxhills event, we mounted Martin, Tom & Jamie Law on CR250 Honda 2 strokes and finished the Wright Engineering Team event as winners which was a nice feeling. Matterley Basin MXON is the last dance this year with Martin representing Team Ireland and then it’s a little time off to reflect and build again for next season.”
Words and Images by Apico Honda
