The clocks have changed, the summer evenings are on the horizon, it’s full throttle for the team behind Farleigh Castle Vets MX, and the gate has dropped on the first of the Teams to be announced for 2025, and first out of the gate is Team Concept Wales.
Words by Farleigh Castle Vets MX – Feature Image courtesy of Dave Rich
Concept was formed by Mark Fisher, who raced motocross in the late eighties and early nineties with notable success in the UK schoolboy motocross scene. Mark, a lifelong MX fan, has been involved in the sport for over a decade, supporting numerous riders. He operates the Concept Yamaha Racing team, which competes in several UK championships. Mark has attended the Vets event at Farleigh Castle for many years and is consistently impressed by its scale and atmosphere. He returns in 2025 as Team Manager and event sponsor.
Concept is an expert in commercial kitchen design, fabrication, and commercial kitchen equipment. They design and manufacture stainless steel kitchens and accessories, including stainless steel units, sinks, racks, cupboards, benches, servery counters, and bars. Operating throughout the UK, they offer a quality service at competitive prices.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Farleigh Castle Vets MX. The team’s hard work and dedication to making this event happen is evident. As passionate motocross enthusiasts, becoming part of the Farleigh Castle Vets MX is an honour. We are excited to continue to be a sponsor and team entrant and look forward to another fantastic event in 2025.” Mark Fisher (Owner of Concept).
The team race has long been a highlight on the racing schedule. Concept also lines up with a team race entrant – Team Concept Wales, featuring three top-level racers and seasoned Farleigh Castle competitors: Andrew Gillett, Rob Lewis, and newbie to the team Jonny Roderick.
Andrew Gillett will be lining up on a 2002 Yamaha YZ 250. Gillett has been racing since he was 9 and raced at British Championship level until he retired from full-time racing in 2009. The 36-year-old from Maesteg, South Wales, is no slouch, having won the 2021 Evo championship and being part of the Welsh team at the VMXdN Foxhill, as well as part of the third-placed squad at the 2023 Farleigh Castle Vets MX event.
Rob Lewis is the team’s +40 entrant, though don’t let that fool you. Lewis was the victor of the hotly contested Evo 500 class at Farleigh Castle on a borrowed CR 500. He certainly has the speed and fitness to run with the best of them. Hailing from Newport, he started racing in 1988 and progressed through the Severn Valley and Cotswold schoolboy MX clubs to win three BSMA championships and race the ACU British championship. He will be on his own CR 500.
Jonny Roderick will line up on a 2002 CR250, built by DocWob in 2023. Hauling from Carmarthen, he has raced since the age of five and still competes in the Bridgestone Masters. He’s a big fan of two-stroke bikes and has vintage racing experience, including placing fourth in the Evo plus class at VMXdN Foxhill in 2023. This will be his first time competing at Farleigh Castle Vets MX, and he’s looking forward to spinning some laps around an old-school track.
The famous Vets MX event is well loved by riders and fans alike and takes us back to the good old days of scrambling. The gate opens for competitors and weekend campers at midday on Thursday, September 11th, and there will be plenty to see and do. With set up and scrutineering on Friday, to the racing which is packed across Saturday and Sunday, there will be plenty of time to catch up with friends, fans, and fellow racers, along with the odd pint or two.
Tickets and camping passes are on sale now – https://www.farleighcastlevetsmx.co.uk/buy-tickets
