Weymouth's beach motorcross set to pull in big crowds

Every autumn thousands of spectators flock to the promenade to watch hundreds of racers battle it out in the annual Motocross championships.

After last year’s racing drew a record crowd of more than 15,000 people, organisers say this year’s event, backed by the Echo, will be even bigger and better.

Richard Burgess, president of co-organisers Weymouth and Portland Lions, said as well as the racing on Sunday October 14 there will be events taking place all weekend.

He said: “Now we’ve got the Olympics sorted let’s get back to some of Weymouth’s best loved and attended events of the year.

“We like to build the Beach Motocross Event into a full weekend of fun and for it to get bigger and better every year.”

Mr Burgess added: “This year as well as the spectacle of the core Sunday race schedule and the return of Danters Funfair, we are also promoting a full programme of entertainment on Saturday afternoon with Gorrillaman on his quadbike as well as a motocross demonstration on Saturday after lunch.

“We will also have a wide variety of stalls on the Esplanade on both days and the Saturday fun will link in well with the CAMRA Beer Festival being held in the Pavilions Ocean Room on Friday and Saturday.”

Riders have been coming to Weymouth to take part in the event since it began in 1984.

Weymouth and Portland Lions Club and Purbeck Motocross Club have announced the arrangements for Beach Motocross 2012 which will be held over the weekend of October 13 and 14.

The clubs will be working with three partners for this year’s event: Merlin Entertainments, Danters Funfair, and the Dorset Echo.

President of Purbeck Motocross Club Alf Stearn said: “The Weymouth Beach races are the highlight of the motocross season in this part of the world and leading riders come from across the country to compete in this spectacular event.

“So be sure to attend and join the crowds for lots of excitement.”