Harry Hogger, Dorchester reporter
RIDERS are getting ready to roar across the sands of Weymouth beach as a popular annual event returns.
The Beach Motocross organised by the Weymouth and Portland Lions Club with the Purbeck Motocross Club is set to draw crowds to the seafront on Sunday, October 16.
Entries for the event have been coming in from across the south of England and it is anticipated that more than 200 riders will take part in the spectacular day of racing.
Practice will start at noon, with the first race from 1pm.
Among those taking part will be 23-year-old Jake Shipton, a previous double winner of the Expert Class from Wareham.
Jake is a professional rider and spent last year in Dubai before returning home in time to win the Weymouth Beach Motocross.
Jake, who rides for Crescent KTM Racing, is ranked in the top 10 in the British Championships and in the top three in the Motocross Nationals Championship.
He said: "I’m really looking forward to racing at Weymouth again, being a local race and an exciting one.
"A good crowd always turns out and can get close to action.
"It's a difficult race to stay out of trouble, you've got to be smart and choose the correct lines and just relax and be smooth, make the clean passes on the slower rider which pay a part in the race.
"Hopefully I can get out front early and just be smart and ride my own race.
"The Purbeck and Lions club always put on a good event, which runs smoothly and the track keeps the riders on their toes all day."
Lions Club president Mark Lockie said: "Weymouth Beach Motocross is the original and the best beach motorsport event in Weymouth.
"We’ve been going for over 30 years and we pride ourselves in providing free entertainment to residents and visitors alike while raising money for local good causes."
Alf Stearn, chairman of Purbeck Motocross Club, said: "We already have lots of entries for this year’s races so we can promise a great event this year.
"Weymouth Esplanade is going to be an exciting place to be on Motocross Sunday!"
The event is being supported by the Waterside Group.
Managing director Graham Frampton said: "We try and support local community good causes when we can –and the approach from the Lions made good sense to us both in terms of a charity fundraiser and since it provides shoulder season entertainment for our visitors and exciting family fun.
"We are all about providing a quality visitor experience and top class events fit into that ambition."