The GTCI Revo Kawasaki team switched their line-up once more for the final round of the 2023 Revo ACU British MX Championship, with reigning MX1 Champion Tommy Searle stepping down to ride a KX250 in the MX2 class at Monster Mountain, as the bike was available after Mel Pocock’s injuries from the VMXdN Foxhill event. The team extends their thanks to Mel for his efforts on the 250 this year, and wish him well in his recovery from his broken leg.
Words: GTCI Revo Kawasaki, Images: JHMX
Billy Askew was looking to wrap-up the Youth 250 class on the Saturday of the final round so that he could step up to the Pro ranks in MX2 alongside Tommy on Sunday, as he had done so successfully at the MX Nationals the weekend before.
The Saturday races were held in intense heat and bright sunshine, but with massive early watering the track was still difficult, although Billy was once again fastest in Qualifying and nailed the holeshot in the opening moto. He took another win by over 30 seconds, although in race two he had much closer competition in the shape of five-time Brazilian Youth Champion, Bernardo Tiburcio, who kept Billy back for a lap and stayed with him after he was passed. Billy had it all under control though to win again and clinch the Youth title on day one as planned! Claiming the 250 British Championship in dominant fashion with 16 moto wins from the 17 he started, a week after clinching the MX Nationals MXY2 title in which he won every moto he lined up for, it’s been a stunning season for the one they call “Little Bill”.
Sunday dawned much more overcast, with the track in perfect condition for qualifying. With both riders out for MX2, it was an exciting session for the team with Billy at one point holding the fastest lap, but after a brief break due to a red flag, it was team leader Tommy who put in the fastest lap of all, with Billy amazingly just a second back in a stunning third place!
After a massive downpour during the first MX1 race, the track was very muddy for MX2 race one, and lining up side-by-side were Tommy & Billy on the inside two gates. Despite being one of the heaviest on the grid, Searle’s start technique was flawless and he grabbed the holeshot, whilst Billy got caught up in a first corner tangle which bent his handguard, although he didn’t crash.
Tommy never looked back to win by nearly five seconds, with Askew picking through to sixth on lap one, moving up to run 4th for most of the race before being passed on the last lap to finish 5th, still very impressive in his first Pro British Championship moto.
Race two was much drier but a little more difficult for Tommy, as new MX2 Champion Isak Gifting claimed the holeshot, and the #100 had to close down a three-second gap at one point. He pulled the pin at half-distance, making an outside pass stick and never allowing the Swede a chance to re-take him. Askew meanwhile had started in the top ten and enjoyed a battle with fellow Kawasaki star Jack Chambers, until finally crashing in a corner whilst in 6th place and breaking his clutch lever. With bent bars, Billy had to pull out of the race. “I tucked the front after a nice battle with Rizzi, apart from the crash I’m happy with my pace, just got to put it all together now.”
“250 Tom” enjoyed the double win, saying “it was nice to be able to race a bike properly, I’ve been struggling to do that since I got hurt at the start of the year. Having not raced in MX2 for 6 years, it was nice to come back and win again.”
Team Manager Sam Yates was very happy with the day: “We’re super pleased with the unbelievable year Billy has had to wrap the championship up early. He had some misfortunes but he clearly has the speed to win in the pro class. For Tommy to go P1 in qualifying and be a double moto winner, we couldn’t have asked for more. I would like to thank Tommy for all his efforts this season, and thank each and every member of the team for the hard work and dedication they put in to go racing, as well as all the sponsors that help to make it happen.”
