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‘It’s like cheating death’: Arenacross British Championship returns to P&J Live this weekend

The thrilling spectacle took place in Aberdeen for the first time in January last year - and will make its comeback in a matter of hours.

Arenacross – a high-octane mix of indoor motocross racing and freestyle – will return to P&J Live in Aberdeen this weekend.

Rounds five and six of the Arenacross British Championship, presented by Fix Auto UK, will dominate the venue on Friday and Saturday.

Not only will racers from around the world compete to enter the next round of the championship but they also come together to put on a spectacular show.

Ahead of the thrilling event this weekend, The Press & Journal was invited to be part of the build up.

P&J goes behind the scenes ahead of this weekend’s show

At the arena today, while the crew began to turn the P&J Live into a dirt track, some of the stunt team managed to get some practice rounds in on their bikes.

Dan Whitby and Josh Morris ahead of this weekend’s show. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

Josh Morris and Dan Whitby said they are “really excited to be back at the P&J Live arena.”

Josh said: “This arena gives us a little bit extra compared to others, we have more room to perform.”

Dan Whitby performing one of his stunts. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

When asked the predictable question if they get nervous doing their stunts, he simply said: “We do get nervous, but it’s more nerves that we are going to mess up.”

Josh is looking forward to performing a stunt called a cliff hanger – his favourite.

Meanwhile, Dan is excited for all of the flips they do whilst in the air.

He said: “It’s like cheating death really, they are really fun and it does give you an adrenaline boost.”

Josh Morris during the practice round today. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

P&J Live is ‘one of our favourite venues’

Arenacross Promoter, Matt Bates, is thrilled to be back in Aberdeen.

He said: “When this arena was built, we thought this would be perfect and it is.

“It’s one of our favourite venues by far.”

The event returns this weekend. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

Revealing how much detail goes into the show, he added: “It is such a choreographed show. There is more of a technical aspect with all of the lighting, sound and pyrotechnics compared to a concert.

“It’s a great family show. Not every kid is into football and this is something a little bit different.”

Nine-year-old Dexter Forsythe, from Lochgilphead in Argyll, is “so excited” to be back in Aberdeen this year.

Pictured is young rider Dexter Forsythe, 9. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

He told the Press & Journal that he has come a long way since last year, as he gets to practice at least once a week.

“I am hoping the crowd at the P&J arena will give us a big boost, I love hearing the crowd,” he said.

Dexter is set to compete this weekend. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

“Its an incredible experience riding in front of the big crowds. The best part of the race is the start, you can hear your heart pounding over the sound of the bikes… what a feeling!”

Competing against teenagers, Dexter feels confident that he will place good this weekend.

What is Arenacross?

Arenacross 2023 marked the first time the series was classed as an official British Championship by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), with the event coming to Aberdeen for the first time in January.

The 2024 championship opened with the brand-new showpiece event the Arenacross Festival at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire at weekend.

Since it started over a decade ago, the series has been thrilling crowds across the UK and has staged around 70 adrenaline-fuelled shows, entertaining over 300,000 fans in the process.

Promotional poster of the 2023-24 Arenacross.
Aberdeen is gearing up to host the event. Image: P&J Live.

The head of entertainment, exhibitions and marketing at P&J Live, Louise Stewart, added: “We are really looking forward to welcoming Arenacross back to P&J Live in 2024, after an action-packed couple of days at the start of this year.

“Aberdeen will be the only place in Scotland where you can see the incredible FMX stunts and heart pumping racing.

“Ideal for families and motocross fans – the racers will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.”

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