Maxxis Tyres’ championship hopes rested in the hands of Fabien Izoird (Apico LPE Kawasaki) who had nailed the Pro Rider crown at round six in Sheffield, but the critical team championship was still on the line for Fabien and team mate Loic Rombaut, both were going to give it 100% to bring home the trophy for Maxxis and Kawasaki – and with a stacked international line-up of seriously swift men – no-one was racing for anything other than the win.

In the main event both Fabien and Loic suffered drama, with Loic crashing in the second corner and Fabien making a mid-pack start. As the race went on Fabien moved into sixth place, while Loic was fighting to catch the rest of the field. At mid race Fabien passed Angelo Pellegrini for 5th but made a small mistake and slipped back to 6th for the finish, with Loic finishing 12th.

The combined results was still enough to secure the team Maxxis’ first major Championship, to go along with Fabien’s title and Loic finishing the championship in fourth place.

The Apico LPE Kawasaki team have been instrumental in developing Maxxis Maxxcross dual-compound technology, the tyre’s which have given the team a competitive edge feature a softer compound in the centre and a firmer compound on the shoulders, allowing for a balanced feel when transitioning from corners to straightaways, they also hook-up well on starts, making it easy to keep the rear end straight on acceleration.

Fabien Izoird “I’m happy but I would have liked to finish the season with another win. I suffered a bad start and couldn’t find away into the front so I’m disappointed about that. I can’t be to upset as we have won the championship and the team championship so it’s been a great season.

Loic Rombaut “I’m happy for the team Apico LPE Kawasaki but unfortunately I’m not happy about my main event result. I started well in the final but me and Pellegrini touched on the first lap and I went down and finished 12th. It’s not best way to finish the series but hopefully I will be back with the team next year and I look forward to it”

Steve James “What can I say I’m very happy having been chasing a Major title for the last five years or so and finally the hard work has paid off. This Garmin Arenacross Tour Pro Title is our first major championship win with Maxxis Tyres and is the culmination of 5 years ongoing tyre development, so to then back that up with the team championship as well is absolutely fantastic. I’m so happy but also a little emotional at the same time, it’s hard to believe we have actually done it and it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Thank you to everyone.”

Commenting on Maxxis Tyres first major UK Championship win, Maxxis UK’s Managing Director Derek McMartin said “Steve and the team at LPE really deserve this win, they have worked so hard in the Maxxis British Motocross Championship, Arenacross and Red Bull Pro Nationals, always pushing, developing the team, yet always finding the time to help our R&D department develop the tyres to give the team a tactical edge. Steve and the Guys have stayed loyal to us throughout and its heart-warming to know that the Dual Compound tyres they helped to develop have given them the edge needed to secure the double.”

Maxxis’ Championship winning Maxxcross Dual Compound motocross tyre range is available now through all good motorcycle tyre retailers. Browse our Off-Road range and find your nearest Maxxis stockist