Stark Future makes history in Manchester after winning Round 2 of the 2023/2024 British Arenacross Championship: was it Fluke or the Future?
Round 1 of the 2023/2024 British Arenacross Championship, kicked off in Bolesworth, Chester, in September, setting the scene for a seven-round tour of the UK. On Saturday, 6th January, the series continued with Round 2 at the AO Arena in Manchester. This marked the Stark Future Racing team’s first 2024 outings and did not disappoint. Fans enjoyed the electric atmosphere in the sold-out AO Arena, where Jack Brunell gave them something to cheer and certainly talk about, securing Stark Future´s First Arenacross win for 2024.
Eddie Wade faced a challenging yet positive campaign. Following an altercation with the reigning champion, Tommy Searle, in Pro Heat 3, Wade found himself in the head-to-head race with Ben Clayton. After dominating the sprint race, he emerged victorious and later won the last chance qualifier, securing spots for all three Stark Future riders in the main event. This achievement, in itself, is significant. Unfortunately for Wade, he went down at the start of the final race, struggling to find his flow, and finished in 13th place.
Making his debut at the British Arenacross Championship, Justin Bogle had a solid weekend. Having just arrived from the US, it was his first weekend back racing Supercross. After a slow start to his evening, Bogle looked comfortable in the Pro Final main event. Making a solid start, he managed to break free from Ash Greedy in the fight for 3rd. Despite looking confident a small mistake towards the end of the race caused him to crash out of 3rd, crossing the line in 6th position. Although a frustrating end to the evening, Bogle demonstrated that he has what it takes to compete at the sharp end.
The standout performer of the night was undoubtedly Jack Brunell, who secured an emotional victory in the Traxxas Pro main event. Arguably in the best form of his career, Brunell made history with his first-ever Arenacross main event win, marking a significant milestone for the Stark Future Racing Team and the Stark VARG. Despite a challenging start in the first heat sprint, Brunell started from the back of the pack, putting in a determined effort to rejoin the top 5. From there, the Brit went from strength to strength. With some points to make up, he then went on to win Pro Heat 4. In the final and main pro event, he started in 2nd place. After a spirited battle with Harri Kullas, Brunell jumped a triple in fine style to pass Kullas for the lead, securing his second race win of the night. Brunell concluded the night by topping the intensely competitive podium.
