Martin Barr aiming for podium repeat on home soil in Belfast round of Arenacross Tour
Local motocross star Martin Barr is relishing a return to home soil as the final rounds of the 2026 Arenacross Tour arrive at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Friday and Saturday night.
Barr was among a group of Northern Irish riders who recently gathered outside the venue for a final promotional photoshoot and to preview the weekend’s racing.
“Belfast is always special,” said Barr. “Coming back here to race in front of the home crowd with family and friends cheering you on is unreal.
"Getting on the podium last year was excellent – 20 years after my first professional podium – and I’m aiming to do that again and finish the tour with a solid performance on the Armor Vision St Blazey Honda.”
The task will not be easy, however, with his team-mate and current series leader Dean Wilson among the favourites.
“If I get anywhere close to him, I’ll be doing something,” Barr added. “The experience he has in supercross is phenomenal, and it’s brilliant for the crowd to have him here, but I’m not expected to be anywhere near him.”
Barr also faces a hectic schedule, juggling family life with travel to England for Sunday’s Hawkstone International.
“My wee man is doing it again so it’s going to be busy running after him, looking after myself and then jumping on the boat to race on Sunday night – it’s going to be hectic,” he said. “But I always love racing here, and I can’t wait.”
Belfast rider James Mackrel will return to the action in Belfast after missing Birmingham through injury.
Omagha’s Lewis Spratt, who finished sixth overall in Birmingham on the Jet Products Yamaha, is hoping to build on that form.
“I always look forward to the home round, and I’m happy with how Birmingham went,” he said. “I’ve got good speed on the new bike, and I’m feeling confident for Belfast. A podium would be lovely, but I’m trying to be realistic — I’ll give it my all.”
Nathan Green, riding the GOMX Yamaha, made a late decision to compete but is thrilled to line up once more.
“It was a bit last-minute, but I’ve done it for the past three years and thought, why not?” he said. “It’s nice to race at home and have all the family watching — it’s a great night out.”
Eleven-year-old Matthew Kelly-Edwards will be competing in his fourth Arenacross, and the Glenavy rider is eager to get behind the start gate in Belfast.
“I had a good Birmingham, finishing eleventh overall, and I can’t wait to race this weekend,” he said.
Young riders will also feature prominently, with six-year-old Zach McCorkell and five-year-old Martin Barr among the youngest competitors.
Erin Deazley, the only girl racing, hopes for a cleaner getaway after a tough start in Birmingham.
“I hit handlebars off the gate there and didn’t get a good start,” she said. “I just want to do my best in all my races.”
Seven-year-old Bangor rider Noah Barr summed up the excitement simply: “I hope I get a really good start, get the holeshot, and I’d love a podium.”