Merlo UK returned trackside at Ashbrook Hawkstone International for the second round of the 2026 NORA92 British Cup, where its MX1/MX2 category delivered fierce racing, including a special appearance from British motocross star Conrad Mewse.
The 2026 NORA92 British Cup continued at Ashbrook Hawkstone International, where the Merlo UK-backed MX1/MX2 category returned to one of British motocross’ most iconic venues for a dramatic second round defined by a weekend of intense racing across every class.
All images supplied by TPMX Media
Held at the historic Ashbrook Hawkstone International, Shropshire, round two attracted more than 300 riders across the weekend, with approximately 620 spectators attending on Saturday before numbers rose to over 1,300 on Sunday. With talent comprised of youth categories through to elite riders, the venue once again reinforced its status as one of the sport’s most respected and demanding racing locations.
Event commentator Mick Rich described the weekend as “action packed” from the initial gate drop, with “the heat and dust making conditions incredibly tough, but every class raised the bar considerably from round one. We saw multiple winners across different groups all weekend and the atmosphere around the circuit was electric.”
The event also highlighted the challenge of maintaining racing conditions during a week that included the UK’s hottest May day on record, with the team at Ashbrook Hawkstone International’s track working throughout the weekend to manage heavy dust and increasingly demanding circuit conditions caused by the Spring heatwave.
A circuit steeped in motocross history
Brimming with motorcross heritage, Ashbrook Hawkstone International brought a unique atmosphere to the championship, with Rich explaining: “The circuit has been running since the late 1940s and there’s a real nostalgic feel around the venue. You see historic photographs displayed around the site, world champions have raced there, British champions have been crowned there, and so many iconic moments in motocross have happened at Hawkstone.”
At the centre of the venue sits the legendary Hawkstone Hill, one of the sport’s most famous features. “Everybody wants to conquer Hawkstone Hill,” Rich continued. “It’s a huge climb where riders are holding the throttle fully open all the way to the top. Positions are won and lost there constantly, making it one of the circuit’s defining features.”
All eyes on the Merlo UK-powered MX1/MX2 class
Video supplied by Reminiscent Imagery
The Merlo UK-powered MX1/MX2 category once again delivered some of the standout performances of the weekend, with different winners emerging throughout Saturday’s racing and competition remaining unpredictable across every moto.
Several riders impressed across the event, including Rory Jones aboard a 250cc, Bradley Wheeler securing the Merlo Holeshot Prize and a race victory, alongside strong performances from Hayden Stevens, Mason Foreman, Ronan Watson, Lee Martin, Libby Chatburn, Harry Keet and from junior riders Austin Senior and Freddy Budgen.
Meanwhile Sunday’s racing delivered another defining moment as multi-time British champion and former Grand Prix rider Conrad Mewse produced a commanding ride in the final moto. On one of the roughest track conditions of the weekend, Mewse led from start to finish and crossed the line having nearly lapped the entire field. His appearance proved hugely significant for younger riders attending the event. As a former 85cc World Champion, multiple British champion and regular Motocross of Nations representative, Rich emphasises that Mewse remains “a real inspiration to many of the youth riders who look up to competitors of that calibre.”
Elevating partnerships trackside
Merlo UK’s presence at Ashbrook Hawkstone International also highlighted the growing connection between the manufacturer and the championship, with Regional Sales Manager Craig Parkes attending alongside customers and partners from the agricultural and construction sectors. For Parkes, the weekend reinforced the strong alignment between Merlo UK and the NORA92 British Cup: “Events like this bring together performance, teamwork and community, which are all values that strongly reflect what Merlo UK stands for. There’s a real passion around the championship from the riders and organisers, but also from the families, businesses and supporters involved across the weekend.”
Parkes also highlighted the value of connecting with customers away from the workplace environment. “It was a fantastic opportunity to spend time with customers in a different setting and a pleasure to discuss how their operations can be elevated all against the backdrop of one of the UK’s most iconic motocross venues. The atmosphere throughout the weekend was excellent and the level of organisation on and off the track was incredibly impressive.”
Looking ahead to the remaining rounds, Parkes believes the partnership will continue building momentum throughout the season. “Every round brings a different challenge and atmosphere, which keeps the championship exciting to follow. We’re looking forward to continuing our support across the remaining events and seeing how the competition develops over the rest of the season.”
Attention turns to a brand-new venue
Following two high-intensity opening rounds, attention now shifts to Sherwood Motocross Circuit on 1-2 August, marking the first time the NORA92 British Cup has visited the venue.
Rich believes the championship remains wide open heading into the penultimate round: “There are still huge numbers of points left to fight for and no championship is secured yet. With the variety of podium finishers we’ve seen so far, every class is still completely open.”
Merlo UK extends its thanks to the organisers, marshals, medics, sponsors, riders and families who continue to support the championship throughout the season. “Without the marshals, medics, sponsors, riders and all the families supporting the event, weekends like this simply wouldn’t happen,” adds Parkes.
Join Merlo at Hillhead (June 23–25) to see a high-performance motocross race bike on display all week PLUS your chance to win a pair of weekend tickets to the championship, taking place on August 1 - 2 near Sherwood, Mansfield (Round 3) or the season finale August 29 – 30 at Gossington, Gloucestershire. Visit the Merlo Stand A20 to enter.
Click here for more information about Merlo telehandlers & on upcoming Nora92 British Cup events
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