Supercross stars touch down at Echo Arena

Jan 25 2008 Tom Musk

SOME of the world’s best Supercross riders have touched down in Liverpool ahead of this weekend’s races at the Echo Arena.

About 2,500 tonnes of specially- selected soil has been used to transform the state-of-the-art venue into a 400m indoor dirt track to host rounds two and three of the 2007/2008 Future West ACU British International Supercross Championship, an indoor version of Motocross which promises to provide fast, action-packed races with high jumps and tight corners.

Up to 12 riders will be able to compete on the course at once, and riders aged five upwards will be battling it out for a place on the podium in various races.

Dancing girls, light shows and freestyle riding, where riders perform tricks over the jumps, will also be taking place throughout the evening.

Competing in the event is former US Motocross champion Mike Brown, who will be lining up alongside a host of riders from Canada, including six-time Canadian Motocross champion Jean Sebastian Roy and team-mate Colton Facciotti.

Stars of the sport from South Africa, France, Norway and Belgium will also be out on the track.

There will also be a strong British contingent including former champion Carl Nunn and local rider Danny Tollet, 34, from Garston, who will have strong support from the crowd when he takes to the track.

“There’s so many people coming down to see me,” said Danny after practising on the course yesterday.

“It’s weird because I normally feel a little bit of pressure, but this weekend there’s none. I feel nice and relaxed and I’m looking forward to it immensely.”

Also practising yesterday was 12- year-old Jacob Marsen, from Garston, one of the young riders Danny has been coaching.

“I do a bit of coaching with kids, and some have gone on to being pro and racing in world championships. It’s nice to see the riders progress over the years and see their names up in lights.

“I’m hoping, if everything goes well, that I’ll get on the podium. If I win I’ll be over the moon, but I think the best I can hope for is a podium finish. That’ll make my weekend if I can do that in my home town in front of my friends and family.”

THE event takes place today and tomorrow. For tickets, which are priced between £20 and £35, visit www.liverpool.com