1970s & 1980s
Grand Prix Motocross returned to Hawkstone for 1975, where Suzuki rider Gerrit Wolsink took victory. However, riders in the 500cc voiced their disapproval with the dusty conditions, and so in 1976, a Grand Prix was staged for 125cc machines, in the inaugural FIM 125cc Motocross World Championship, Belgian Gaston Rahier taking victory.
The circuit then hosted a series of successful 250cc Grand Prix events in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the Salop Motor Club also introduced the popular "New Year's Day" event during this period. The New Year's Day event was staged on January 1, each year until 1999, and saw British Motocross Championship riders, along clubmen and youth riders tackle a shortended version of the Hawkstone circuit.
In 1984, 500cc Grand Prix events once again returned to Hawkstone Park, where Belgian Georges Jobé famously jumped over rival André Malherbe during the second Grand Prix race. Overall winner was British rider David Thorpe, who finished highly in the 1986 Grand Prix despite a heavy fall, before taking another popular victory in the 1988 Grand Prix.
In 1989, a whole new generation of riders competed at Hawkstone, as the circuit staged its final 125cc Grand Prix. Overall winner was American Trampas Parker, whilst hidden away with the back-markers was Belgian rookie Stefan Everts, who later went on to dominate Grand Prix motocross.
Read more about this topic: Hawkstone Park Motocross Circuit