Dobb set for rare home show

The world motocross champion Jamie Dobb will make his only competitive appearance in Britain next month after signing to ride the opening round of the British International Championship at his local track.

The Derby racer, who will not be defending his 125cc world title in favour of trying to win the 250cc championship, does not normally race in Britain because of his hectic racing and testing schedule.

However, Dobb has decided to make a one-off appearance over the May Bank Holiday weekend at the Castle Donington track in Leicestershire, which is in the shadow of the Donington Park road race circuit.

"It's always good to race in England," said the 30-year-old rider. "With it being so close to home it's obviously good for me and for my fans. It allows me to do a race in England because it fits in with my schedule. It also means I will not be travelling too far away from home so I can carry on with my normal training schedule."

Dobb's fans had complained over his absence from the eight-round British motocross championship, which he last won in 1999, and Dobb has acted to placate them. "I love nothing more than riding in front of my fans, I am looking forward to it," he said. "It's always an emotional moment for me racing in England.