Review: Arenacross at Birmingham Genting Arena
From huge triple jumps, racing and crashes, to lights, lasers and pyrotechnics, Arenacross had it all - it was a real extravaganza.
The event at Birmingham's Genting Arena promised to be a feast of delights whether you were a lifelong two-wheel enthusiast or completely new to the world of Motocross.
We were complete novices, but were soon engrossed in the exciting and dangerous world of Motocross.
The three-and-a-half hour indoor event was a heady mix of races and freestyle shows, with Pro Class, youth classes and FMX (Freestyle Motorcross) taking to the track. The youngest rider at the event was seven years old.
The atmosphere was electric with lights, lasers and pyrotechnics. The pumping soundtrack couldn't drown out the sounds of the bike's engines.
The crazy FMX gang took to the ramp in the middle of the track to stun the audience with exceptional stunts - flipping, spinning, rotating and 'whips'.
But, the excitement didn't end there with the races being real edge of your seat stuff. Riders raced at break neck speed and it was thrilling to see how high they would go in the air.
The crashes were met with oohs and ahhs and at one point two riders were catapulted off the track and ended up in a heap just in front of us. They just dusted themselves off and were back on the track in no time.
Taking part in the junior 65cc championship were Jake Davies from Oswestry and Oliver Rugby from Telford.
Audience participation was a big part, with cheers, Mexican waves and competitions - one lucky winner won a bike.
Arenacross in Birmingham was just one of six dates in the UK and will now be moving in to Belfast.
The track takes 48 hours to put together and just 24 to dismantle. On one track there's 2,500 tons of soil!
If you are looking for thrills and spills as well as a family night out this ticks all the boxes. We've never been to a motocross event before we we now have the T-shirt.
Winner of the Midland News Association competition for Golden tickets for two worth £1,000 was Shelley Watson, of Geenfinch Close, Apley, Telford. Shelley and her husband were given the full VIP treatment with a limo ride, hotel stay, a whole track walk and meeting the riders.
Shelley had wanted to buy tickets for the show, but because of some unfortunate setbacks she couldn't. They both had a fantastic time.
By Lisa Bailey
