THERE was limited success for Oxfordshire riders Kristian Whatley and Luke Norris in the first round of the Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship at Culham, near Abingdon.

In front of a bumper crowd, Whatley, from Oxford, finished a highly creditable fifth in the first MX1 race for his Apico Husqvarna team, after qualifying in that position.

However, he was unable to match that in the second race, in testing conditions as large ruts appeared and he finished out of the places

This class top-class competition was won by Jake Nicholls.

Norris, from Bicester, qualified fifth for the two MX2 races, and actually took an early lead in the second contest.

But Ben Watson (KTM) took charge of the race and claimed his second victory to claim to the MX2 crown.

The MXY2 class was won by Lewis Hall.

This Saturday and Sunday will see the best junior racers in the UK battle it out at round one of the Thor British Youth Nationals at Culham.

Tickets are available on the gate at a price of £5 for adults, and children under 12 are free.