Philippaerts among world champs at VMXdN

David Philippaerts, the 2008 World MX1 Champion, is set to return to the VMXdN event with renewed enthusiasm following his participation in the 2025 edition. Philippaerts was part of the Italian team that narrowly missed out on the International class title, finishing as joint winners but losing out to the American squad on race wins. Now 43, the Italian veteran remains highly competitive and motivated, bringing a wealth of experience from a distinguished career that includes multiple appearances for the Italian MXdN team and a podium finish at the event in 2013. Having retired from professional motocross in 2024, Philippaerts continues to contribute to the sport through his DP19 rider training programme and will compete on a KX500 prepared by his long-time mechanic Bruno Mamprin. The 2026 VMXdN promises to be a landmark event, moving to the iconic Hawkstone Park Circuit in Shropshire for the first time. The shift to Hawkstone has generated significant excitement within the motocross community, with organisers and sponsors ramping up the build-up to the race scheduled for the August bank holiday weekend. Philippaerts will be part of a select three-man team expected to be strong contenders for victory, underscoring the high calibre of riders drawn to the event. The VMXdN, often described as the “Woodstock of two strokes” by Racer X Magazine, offers fans a unique blend of competitive racing and festival atmosphere, making it a highlight of the British motocross calendar. Fans attending the VMXdN can look forward to four full days of action and entertainment, beginning with the opening of the gates at noon on Thursday, August 27. The event features a trade village, an open paddock for close-up access to riders and machines, and the famous Hawkstone hill climb. Friday’s Show’N’Shine adds a celebratory touch before the intense racing kicks off on Saturday morning. Spectators are encouraged to secure their tickets and camping passes promptly, as demand is high and additional camping fields have been arranged to accommodate the growing crowd. VIP camping options offer an enhanced viewing experience directly from personal awnings, catering to those seeking a premium event experience. With rider announcements continuing to emerge and the event poised to attract motocross legends past and present, the VMXdN at Hawkstone is shaping up to be a must-attend occasion for enthusiasts of the sport. The combination of top-tier competition, historic venue, and vibrant fan engagement ensures that the 2026 edition will leave a lasting impression. Motorsport followers are advised to stay tuned to official channels for further updates and to act quickly to avoid missing out on what promises to be one of the most anticipated motocross events of the year.