The 2026 motocross season in the United Kingdom has reached a fever pitch as the spring sun begins to bake the iconic dirt circuits across the nation. This year is not just another chapter in the sport's history; it marks the 75th anniversary of the ACU British Motocross Championship (MXGB), the crown jewel of domestic off-road racing. As the series moves into May, the intensity within the paddock and the roar of the crowds suggest that the sport is experiencing a significant resurgence in both participation and fan engagement.

Under the guidance of Series Director Paul Irwin, the 2026 campaign has introduced a streamlined one-day format that has tested the endurance and adaptability of the UK’s elite riders. From the legendary sands of Hawkstone Park to the technical ruts of Preston Docks, the opening rounds have set a high bar for what is being called a landmark year for the ACU.

Current Standing of the 2026 MXGB Championship

As of late April 2026, the championship has completed its initial swing through some of the most demanding terrains in England. The 75th-anniversary celebrations have brought a sense of prestige to every podium finish, with riders in the 125cc, MX2, and MX1 classes pushing their machines to the absolute limit.

The focus now shifts to Round 3, scheduled for May 3 at the historic Lyng circuit. The standings in the MX1 premier class remain incredibly tight, with the top three riders separated by fewer points than a single moto win can provide. This level of parity is exactly what the series organizers envisioned when they solidified the 2026 plans back in late 2025. The increased support from manufacturers and the wider industry has translated into better-prepared teams and more professional setups across the board.

Reliving the Drama at Hawkstone Park and Preston Docks

To understand the momentum heading into May, one must look back at the chaotic and thrilling scenes from the season opener at Hawkstone Park. Traditionally one of the toughest tracks on the global circuit, Hawkstone’s deep sand and steep climbs provided a brutal wake-up call for the riders.

In the MX1 class, the opening motos showcased how the winter training programs have paid off. The leaders were carving lines through the sand that seemed impossible by the final laps. Observation from the trackside revealed that those who mastered the technical "bomb hole" section consistently found the edge over their competitors. The sheer physical toll of the Hawkstone sand ruts, which deepened significantly between the morning practice and the afternoon’s second motos, separated the title contenders from the rest of the pack.

Preston Docks followed shortly after, offering a completely different challenge. As a more compact and technical track, Preston required precision and explosive power. The racing here was tight, with bar-to-bar action in nearly every corner. The MX2 class, in particular, saw a breakout performance from younger riders who are beginning to challenge the established veterans. The ability to navigate the high-speed jumps while maintaining a defensive line on the tight hairpins was the deciding factor for the overall victory.

Round 3 Preview: The Strategic Challenge of Lyng

On May 3, 2026, the MXGB circus descends upon Lyng. This circuit is a favorite among riders for its natural elevation changes and its unique soil composition, which sits somewhere between hard-pack and sandy loam.

Why the Lyng circuit is a unique challenge for riders?

The Lyng track is notorious for its technicality. Unlike the pure sand of Hawkstone, Lyng develops "square-edged" bumps that can unsettle a bike’s suspension in an instant. Riders must find a balance in their bike setup that allows for high-speed stability on the long straights while remaining nimble enough to dive into the off-camber turns.

Experience on this track suggests that the start is more critical here than at almost any other venue. The first turn is tight, and the "hillside" sections make overtaking difficult once a rhythm is established. For the MX1 heavyweights, the key will be managing the power delivery of their 450cc machines to ensure they don't lose traction on the drying surface if the May sun stays out.

Key Team Movements and Rider News in 2026

The 2026 season has been defined by some high-profile shifts in the paddock. One of the most talked-about moves was Charlie Richmond joining the Crendon Tru7 Honda squad. The transition to the Honda CRF450R has been a focal point of technical discussion among fans. Early season results suggest that Richmond has adapted quickly to the chassis, finding a level of comfort that was missing in previous seasons.

Another significant development is the debut of Ben Watson for the Dirt Store Triumph team. Triumph’s entry into the motocross arena has been a multi-year project, and seeing their machines compete at the highest domestic level in the UK is a historic moment. Watson’s performance at the Dutch MX opener in Lierop earlier this year served as a perfect warm-up for the British rounds. The British-built machines are proving they have the pace to run at the front, adding a layer of national pride to the championship battle.

The 125cc class also remains a hotbed for talent, with many youth riders graduating from the British Youth Motocross Championship into the adult ranks. The depth of talent in the 125cc category ensures that the future of British motocross is in capable hands, with several riders already eyeing European (EMX) spots for later in the summer.

The Rise of Electric Motocross and the Powys Experience Centre

While the roar of internal combustion engines still dominates the MXGB, the landscape of UK off-road riding is shifting. A major milestone was reached in August 2025 when the Powys motocross experience centre finally gained planning consent after years of legal hurdles.

Located at Rhydblawd Farm near Builth Wells, this £1.5 million project is set to become the UK's premier destination for electric off-road riding. The significance of this facility cannot be overstated. By focusing on electric motion enduro and trials bikes, the centre addresses two of the biggest challenges facing the sport: noise pollution and environmental impact.

The Powys centre is expected to create jobs and boost local tourism, but more importantly, it provides a "cleaner" entry point for newcomers. The quiet nature of electric dirt bikes makes them more palatable to local communities and environmental groups, potentially opening up more land for riding in the future. This move toward electrification is also mirrored in the Junior e-Motocross Series, where young British talents like Austin Senior have been dominating on the international stage aboard KTM SX-E 5 machines.

2026 ACU British Motocross Championship Calendar

For fans looking to plan their trips, the 2026 schedule offers a diverse range of locations across the UK. Following the one-day format, each round provides a full day of high-stakes action.

  • Round 1: March – Hawkstone Park (Completed)
  • Round 2: April – Preston Docks (Completed)
  • Round 3: May 3 – Lyng
  • Round 4: May 17 – Landrake
  • Round 5: June 14 – Scotland (Venue TBC)
  • Round 6: July 12 – Canada Heights
  • Round 7: August 9 – Monster Mountain
  • Round 8: September 27 – Blaxhall

This calendar covers the length and breadth of the country, from the southern hills of Landrake to the northern challenges in Scotland. The return to Blaxhall for the season finale in September is expected to be a massive draw, as the Suffolk track often provides the perfect stage for championship-deciding motos.

Supporting Classes: Sidecarcross, Quadcross, and Youth Racing

The UK motocross scene is far broader than just the MX1 and MX2 solo classes. The 2026 FIM Sidecarcross and Quadcross World Championship calendars were finalized early in the year, and the British rounds continue to be among the most attended on the world circuit.

British Sidecarcross teams have seen a surge in form, with several crews finishing on the podium in European competitions. The level of coordination and bravery required in Sidecarcross remains one of the most awe-inspiring sights in all of motorsport. Similarly, the British Quadcross Championship is thriving, with riders like Harry Walker setting the pace after a successful outing at the Le Touquet Beach Race earlier this year.

The British Youth Motocross Championship also serves as the vital foundation for the sport. With the venue change for Round 2 of the 2026 Youth Championship, the ACU has shown flexibility in ensuring that the tracks remain suitable for the developing skills of the next generation. The focus here is on building race craft and safety, ensuring that when these riders move up to the MXGB ranks, they are fully prepared for the intensity of professional racing.

How to follow UK Motocross in 2026?

For those who cannot make it to the trackside, the 2026 season has seen a major upgrade in broadcasting. All rounds of the MXGB are now live-streamed through MXGB-TV and FIM Moto-TV. This digital shift has significantly increased the visibility of the championship, allowing fans from around the world to tune in and see the talent on display in the UK.

The official MXGB website remains the primary hub for live timing, entry lists, and official standings. Additionally, media outlets like Dirt Hub and MX Vice provide in-depth analysis, rider interviews, and post-race reports that give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the effort required to compete at this level.

The Technical Evolution: One-Day Format Analysis

The decision by Paul Irwin and the ACU to stick with the one-day format in 2026 has been met with both praise and scrutiny. From a logistical standpoint, it makes the event more manageable for teams and reduces the overall cost of racing. However, for the riders, it means a relentless schedule.

A typical Sunday in 2026 begins with early morning timed practice, immediately followed by qualifying sessions. There is very little downtime before the first gate drops. This format rewards riders with high cardiovascular fitness and teams that can perform rapid maintenance between motos. Observations from the pits suggest that the 15-minute gap between some sessions is where championships are often won or lost, as mechanics scramble to adjust suspension clickers or swap out air filters in dusty conditions.

The 125, MX2, and MX1 classes all follow this rigorous schedule, ensuring that the fans get value for their ticket price with back-to-back racing from morning until late afternoon.

Summary of the 2026 UK Motocross Landscape

The 2026 motocross season in the UK is a testament to the resilience and passion of the off-road community. With the 75th anniversary of the British Motocross Championship serving as a backdrop, the sport is balancing its rich history with a forward-looking approach. The integration of electric motocross through facilities like the Powys centre and the professionalization of the MXGB broadcast have modernized the sport's image.

As we look toward Round 3 at Lyng and the subsequent summer rounds, the championship battles in all classes are wide open. The emergence of new talent, the arrival of manufacturers like Triumph, and the consistent excellence of the ACU’s organization suggest that UK motocross is entering a golden era. Whether you are a rider, a team member, or a fan watching from the fences at Blaxhall, 2026 is a year that will be remembered for its intensity and its impact on the future of the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the next major motocross event in the UK?

The next major event is Round 3 of the ACU British Motocross Championship (MXGB), taking place at the Lyng circuit in Norfolk on May 3, 2026. This event features the top riders from the MX1, MX2, and 125cc classes.

Where can I watch the British Motocross Championship live?

You can watch all rounds of the 2026 MXGB season live on MXGB-TV or through the FIM Moto-TV platform. These services provide full coverage of every moto, along with expert commentary and rider interviews.

Are electric motocross bikes allowed in UK championships?

While the main MXGB classes (MX1/MX2) are currently dominated by internal combustion engines, electric bikes are becoming a significant part of the youth and junior ranks. The Junior e-Motocross Series is a dedicated platform for electric machines like the KTM SX-E 5. Furthermore, new venues like the Powys experience centre are designed specifically to cater to electric off-road enthusiasts.

Who are the top riders to watch in the 2026 MXGB season?

Key riders to watch include Charlie Richmond, who has shown great form since joining the Crendon Tru7 Honda team, and Ben Watson, who is leading the charge for the new Dirt Store Triumph squad. In the youth ranks, Austin Senior continues to be a standout performer in international e-motocross competitions.

What are the main classes in the ACU British Motocross Championship?

The championship is divided into three primary classes:

  • MX1: The premier class featuring 450cc four-stroke machines.
  • MX2: The highly competitive class for 250cc four-stroke or 125cc-250cc two-stroke machines.
  • 125cc: A vital stepping stone for young riders moving into the adult ranks.