Philippaerts ready for VMXdN return at Hawkstone

The 2008 World MX1 Champion, David Philippaerts, is back for VMXdN, and he is excited for the change to Hawkstone. Words: VMXdN

Philippaerts was part of the 2025 Italian team, which was the joint winners of the International class but lost the top slot to the American team on the number of race wins. As you can imagine, this has only motivated the 43-year-old Italian to come back swinging.

His pedigree in the sport cannot be denied. A multiple-time member of the Italian MXdN squad, culminating in a podium at the most prestigious event on the modern MX calendar in 2013. Philippaert's long career culminated in 4th place in the Italian MX1 championship as recently as 2023, at the age of 39. Since retiring from pro motocross in 2024, he has continued within the sport, helping up-and-coming racers through his DP19 rider training program.

Philippaerts will bring out the big guns for Hawkstone and race a KX500 prepped by longtime friend and mechanic Bruno Mamprin. For 2026, he is part of a very exclusive three-man team who you would be brave to bet against for the honours when the gate drops at Hawkstone on the August bank holiday weekend – August 27-30.

Don’t be the one scrolling through the socials wishing you’d been there.

Spectator tickets and camping passes can be found on the VMXdN website.

Image: VMXdN