British based Aussie road racers returning to their dirt roots

A few Australian road racers competing in the UK recently returned to their dirt roots.

All the riders in question of course first started in the dirt but have been mainly tarmac racers for the past few years.

Heading up the list of those returning to the dirt is Kim Ashkenazi. ‘Ash-Can’ finished 2nd to none other than Jeremy McGrath at the first round of the British Supercross Series last weekend. Ashkenazi actually led McGrath for most of the race before being overhauled by the American legend a couple of laps before the end.

Cessnock charger Nigel Arnold also returned to the dirt. Campaigning a Suzuki out of the Mallory Park stable of fellow Aussie racer Paul Young, Arnold has renewed motivation and a more optimistic outlook towards his racing.

“The Superbike ride I had this year was going nowhere without the right help. Now this opportunity has come up, I’m deciding to concentrate all my efforts on the British Supercross and Motocross championships”, said Arnold, commenting on a deal soon to be struck up with Suzuki Great Britain and Paul Young Racing.

“I have a chance to do something here, and the deal from the factory will be a much needed boost”.

Each series runs seasonal, with the indoor Supercross discipline currently running through the winter months and the Motocross equivalent outdoors in the much-maligned (cough) heat of the British summer.

The switch to the dirt after a 13 year sabbatical is proving to be just what Arnold needs, and based on this recent performance coupled with the help needed from Paul Young Racing and Suzuki, he’s looking forward to the new challenges that await him in both championships.