We're off again in nine weeks' time when motocross riders line up in Fürstlich Drehna for the ADAC MX Masters season opener on the weekend of 11th-12th April. So far, more than 350 competitors have enrolled in Europe's most popular motocross series. February 13th is the deadline for entry to the races that are divided into three classes (further information available at www.adac.de/mx-masters). Prize money will top 260,000 euros for the first time, because apart from performance related bonuses, very desirable non-cash prizes can also be won, especially in the junior categories.

During their careers, numerous motocross pro riders have passed through the junior classes of the ADAC MX Junior Cup (for riders aged ten to 15 years) and the ADAC MX Youngster Cup (for riders aged 14 to 21 years) in order to subsequently gain experience in the ADAC MX Masters before moving to compete at European and world championship level. Ken Roczen is one such rider. He clinched the ADAC MX Masters in 2009 and 2010 and afterwards became a superstar in the USA where he now competes in stadiums holding as many as 70,000 spectators. The sport of motocross is not yet as popular in this country as it is in America, but if you want to see some live motocross action, you too can watch dirt bike riders take to the jumps at eight race weekends in all.