The long wait is over. The engines will roar into action on April 23rd-24th in the district of Dahme-Spreewald. The ADAC MX Masters is starting its twelfth season and will hold its traditional opener in Fürstlich Drehna, Brandenburg. Around 280 motocross riders from more than 25 different countries have entered and will demonstrate their skill on the treacherous deep sand track of MSC Fürstlich Drehna e.V. south of Berlin on the penultimate weekend in April. The 1.650-metre Rund um den Mühlberg track is really special, as there are many other factors apart from the challenging soil conditions that really put riders to the test from the word go - the special S-bend immediately after the start, sections which vary their rhythm and the numerous jumps will make the ADAC MX Masters opener being staged in the east of Germany an exciting challenge.

Last year, 12,500 spectators came to the track to watch for themselves the qualifying heats on Saturday and the races on Sunday and enjoy motocross riding at close quarters. The track can be observed from all around the circuit and provides many attractive places to follow the action-packed wheel-to-wheel battles of the MX stars. A number of world championship riders will also be in the line-up to complete the strong ADAC MX Masters field, including 22-year-old Dennis Ullrich and 25-year-old Angus Heidecke (both KTM Sarholz Racing Team) and 31-year-old New Zealander Ben Townley (Team Suzuki World MXGP) plus 21-year-old Swiss rider Jeremy Seewer (Team Suzuki World MX2). Local club member Christian Brockel (KTM GST Berlin) is one of the favourites in Drehna. The 32-year-old is already looking forward to riding in front of the large group of motocross fans at his home track where he's been a member for two years: "In my mind, I always associate the ADAC MX Masters in Fürstlich Drehna with lots of thrills. Firstly, because I just can't wait to line up in there, and secondly, because I know that many of my friends and family will come to cheer me on. A place on the podium should be possible. I like the soil conditions and there's plenty to see and do at the circuit. The track layout is exciting and varied and soon sorts out the men from the boys. The races themselves are really challenging," said the ADAC MX Masters rider from nearby Petershagen, who was crowned German Motocross Champion in 2014 and 2015.

ADAC MX Youngster Cup rider Nico Adler (17, ADAC Sachsen eV, KTM) also has high hopes of doing well in the season-opener. The teenager previously made a name for himself with top-ten rankings in the ADAC MX Junior Cup before moving up into Class Two just two years ago. The young talent, who is still at school and trains about six times a week to achieve his dream of a successful motocross career, is aiming for a place in the Top 15 in Fürstlich Drehna.

In the ADAC MX Junior Cup, Maximilian Spies (12, Husqvarna) is the youngster, hoping to see his name on the timesheets along with the best in his class. The two-time Brandenburg state champion and junior championship runner-up leads the German championship in the 85cc class. His goal is a place in the Top Five in Class Three at the races held on the deep sand track of MSC Fürstlich Drehna eV.

The Fürstlich Drehna motocross club has acted as event organiser for the ADAC MX Masters during the course of many years. The opening round of Europe's most popular racing series took place in Fürstlich Drehna for the first time in 2005. The club has regularly hosted the first motocross race weekend of the season since then. The circuit was inaugurated in 1955 and has become really well established. A great deal of effort went into upgrading the track in 2014 when a number of technical sections were introduced and the direction in which riders race was also changed.

The ADAC MX Masters opener promises lots of action and adrenaline. In addition to the fast and furious motocross action out on track, the club has organised a varied programme to entertain the whole family. For example, children will once again be able to enjoy the ADAC Young Generation Suzuki Quad track and the ADAC Insurance kids' bouncy castle. As for the adults, there will be a party on Friday and Saturday evening in the marquee, providing yet more fun. Motocross fans can also look forward to Sunday's autograph session which will be held at 12:15- 12:45 pm at the ADAC Truck. Local rider Christian Brockel and the four world championship riders, Dennis Ullrich, Angus Heidecke, Ben Townley and Jeremy Seewer will be there this weekend to answer questions. A weekend ticket costs 10 euros for children aged six and above, and 20 euros for adults.

The ADAC MX Masters has managed to gain the support of three more partners for the race series in addition to new partner, Maxxis. Car maker Opel have provided a new van to assist with logistics at the Masters races. The racing series will also in future be sponsored by power transmission manufacturer Tsubaki, who have been established for many years now as a supplier of high-quality motor racing timing chains. The third new sponsor is Dirt Biker, one of the most widely read special interest magazines on the motorbike racing scene.