As is by now the tradition, the ADAC MX Masters will get its 14th season underway in just a few days' time at MSC Fürstlich Drehna's sandy track (21st - 22nd April). This year, over 350 riders from 23 countries will take part in the tough competition as they battle it out at the Rund um den Mühlberg circuit for the first championship points. The ADAC MX Masters will have four classes for the first time in 2018. The ADAC MX Junior Cup 125 class is new. It was introduced as an intermediate category between the ADAC MX Junior Cup and the ADAC MX Youngster Cup and will celebrate its premiere in Fürstlich Drehna. The 1.65 km track has undergone some minor changes for 2018 to make it even more inviting to both spectators and riders alike. A temporary grandstand with seats will be now be available, which will increase spectator comfort at no extra charge.

As a four-time champion and last year's overall winner, Dennis Ullrich (2-Stroke Revolution Racing/KTM) is favourite to win the first race. What is more, the KTM rider will be the only one in the top class to use a two-stroke 300 cc machine as he goes up against the competition on their more powerful bikes. "Some people think that I will be the hopeless underdog on the two-stroker, but I don't think it will be too bad," says the 24-year-old with a chuckle. "I'm well prepared physically and the bike is running really well too. I'm really looking forward to this race in Fürstlich Drehna, as I'm very curious to see how it turns out." Ullrich is expecting strong competition from world championship riders Max Nagl (TM), Henry Jacobi (STC Husqvarna Racing) and Ken de Dycker (WZ Racing/KTM). Nagl is always good for a win while Jacobi is currently on top form after taking his first world championship podium recently. Ken de Dycker, the first Masters champion from 2005 will be returning to his roots, intending to show that he can still be a winner. Jens Gettemann (Monster Energy Kawasaki team Elf Pfeil), last year's winner at Fürstlich Drehna has also entered the opening race, intending to win. The Belgian has already shown that he too is on form with an impressive triumph at the weekend in the DM Open at Stendal.

The deep sandy track will present riders with a tough challenge right at the beginning of the season in the opening rounds, as it requires a high level of riding ability and excellent physical condition, something that will surely help the local riders, who know this circuit inside out. MSC Fürstlich Drehna will be represented by 14-year-old Maximilian Spies in the ADAC MX Junior Cup 125. He is from a nearby town and lines up on a Husqvarna for ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg. Spies intends to achieve a great deal in his home race. "A place in the Top Ten is the goal in the race," he says, setting out his ambitions. "If I can do enough to finish on the winners' podium, then that would be great too!"

Fellow club member, 13-year-old Richard Stephan rides for ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg in the ADAC MX Junior Cup 85 and is only in his second season in the highly competitive junior class and has set his goals slightly lower accordingly. "Last year, the main focus was on being successful in qualifying," says the Husqvarna driver. "This season, though, I would like to regularly finish in the points and will, of course, be highly delighted if I can do that in my home race!"

The ADAC MX Masters at Fürstlich Drehna is highly thought of in the area and is one of the premier local sporting events. Fürstlich Drehna is about 100 kilometres to the south of Berlin and easily accessible via the A13 motorway. The ADAC MX Masters is an event for the whole family and guarantees spectacular action and great entertainment.

Apart from the racing, there's also a very varied support programme for both young and old with many free attractions. The ADAC Young Generation Suzuki quad course, the ADAC Insurance bouncy castle, the Carrera racetrack and race simulator will all prove popular, and not just with kids! There will be an autograph-signing session at the ADAC Truck on Sunday from 12:15 to 12:45 pm where fans can get up close to the top stars from the scene and even pick up a personal dedication from their heroes. Four top riders from the ADAC MX Masters - Max Nagl, Henry Jacobi, Dennis Ullrich and Ken de Dycker - will make themselves available for half-an-hour to sign autographs and pose for photos. The entertainment programme for adults will kick off on Friday evening at the circuit with a disco in the marquee. A live band, The Clogs, will play from around 8:00 pm onwards on Saturday. A weekend's ticket costs 25 euros for adults. Children and teenagers aged under 16 get free admission when accompanied by a paying adult.