An early start, three hours to Stansted to collect some of the team, and then into the track bright and early on Friday where the day was already warming up. It was abundantly clear on arrival that organiser Bradley Skeates and his team had worked tirelessly once again to ensure the British leg of the championship could stand side by side with anything the other nations could provide. My last visit here to Canada Heights was over forty years ago as a sidecar driver when the Sidcup Club ran British Championship and International events among others.
Established almost one hundred years ago, the Sidcup Club began organising its Motorcycle competitions on this site around thirty years later, eventually purchasing the land on which the track stands in the eighties. Named after the Canadian troops who were stationed here during the 1914-18 war, Canada Heights now works closely with local police and alternative sport bodies, to become an impressive example of how motorsport can work alongside environmental groups and other concerned entities to provide a versatile facility available to many.
The track itself is a technical one, set among woodland, and vaguely reminiscent of Shrubland Park, another iconic and famous motocross venue from years gone by. Camera work will be challenging, not least of all because of the trees, but today the film team is out and about gathering local colour shots for the highlights show. Interview targets today must include Kleinhau sensations Dan Foden and Noah Weinmann, red plate holder Killian Prunier, as well as Brett Wilkinson. Sole lady driver Kelly Debryne who is now back to racing after a crash in the early part of the season, will also be of interest. She has been watching her partner Ben van den Bogaart chase his sixth title recently and now will be on the start gate competing against him.
Quads are also on the menu in their first world championship year with a great battle shaping up between Patrick Turrini, Kevin Saar and champion Harry Walker.
Qualifying and Sunday races live as they happen with full commentary both days on FIM-MOTO.TV. Better still, all details are here on the website, so put this weekend in your diary to make the journey to Swanley in Kent to join us in person.
Plus, keep abreast of latest news as it becomes available on www.fimsidecarcross.com along with all our social media outlets.
From Barry Nutley
