BRITISH MOTOCROSS, ROUND 1

March 10, Fatcat Motoparc, Doncaster

There’s more to bike racing than Motogp and BSB, you know... And if you like to get close to the action, then top-level motocross is well worth a look. There’s a full programme of competition with MX1, MX2 and MX2 Youth races, as well as practice and qualifying. MX1 is for 450cc 4-strokes and up to 250cc 2-strokes but in practice, it’s almost all 4-stroke machines these days. Same in MX2, where most riders opt for 250cc 4-strokes rather than smaller smokers. In MX1, Honda-mounted Jake Nicholls will be hoping to convert last year’s runner-up spot to a national title, and with reigning champion Evgeny Bobryshev heading back to MXGP, he’s got a good chance. It’s the same deal in MX2, with 2018 title-holder Conrad Mewse also off to a full-time GP ride, so last year’s runner-up Josh Gilbert will have a point to prove. It should all make for some great racing.

The only slight disappointment is that after two seasons of ding-dong action supporting the main events, the dedicated 2-stroke championship has been dropped for 2019, due to lack of rider numbers. Shame – we love the smell of Castrol R in the mornings. Smells like... victory.

Anyway, the circuit’s just off junction four of the M18, so it’s a doddle to get to and although ticket info wasn’t confirmed at time of writing, it’s usually a bargain compared with other high-profile events. www.mxgb.co.uk

Carole Nash MCN London Motorcycle Show February 15-17, Excel London, Docklands

More compact than the NEC show, but there’s still loads going on. All the important new metal for 2019, some fabulous classic road and race bikes from the past, and custom bikes from the present, along with celebrities including TT legend John Mcguinness (who’ll be pulling pints in his own pub), Wayne Gardner and more. 200 retail stands will be competing to empty your wallet, and there’s plenty of live action including racing on a banked oval board track with the corners at 45°. www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com

Classic Dirt Bike Show February 16-17, International Centre, Telford

All the usual stuff as you’d expect — trade and club stands, static displays and an autojumble for tracking down rare parts. But you’ve also got off-road celebs like trials superstar Dougie Lampkin and there’s a gala dinner on the Saturday night with speeches from off-road luminaries between courses. Tickets from £12, under 12s free. Dinner £33 per person. www.classicbikeshows.com