The demanding Culham circuit, near Abingdon, prepares to stage its first major international event when it welcomes the world's elite for this year's British 500cc Motocross Grand Prix this weekend.

And the riverside venue provides the nation's motocross fans with the chance to see the sport's best riders.

The half-litre class holds a special place in the heart of British motorsport fans Dave Thorpe took on the best to win a hat-trick of world championship crowns during the 1980s to follow in the footsteps of fellow Jeff Smith and Graham Noyce.

Stefan Everts, already crowned world 125cc and 250cc champion set out at the start of this season to add the big one to his collection, but a serious injury left him sidelined for most of the 2000 title chase.

But the 27 year-old Belgian hero hopes he will be back astride his Radson Husqvarna for Culham.