The Aberdare Park Road Races are always a highlight of the summer events calendar for motorcycle fans who flock to Rhondda Cynon Taf for a weekend of speed and excitement in picturesque surroundings.
The event has had a tough couple of years, like most things, but it’s back again this year, bigger and better and with a crowd who are eager to take in the action, without any restrictions in place.
Once again, some of the best riders from across the UK head to the County to compete on the unique circuit around Aberdare Park. The event, organised by Aberaman Motorcycle Club and supported by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, started back in 1950. Actually, there was some illicit, and highly illegal were held around the park from 1948, but officially the start date was 1950 when the government gave in and allowed the first legal race to be held around the perimeter of this incredible Victorian park.
With just a couple of days before the event gets underway, we paid a visit to the beautiful Aberdare Park to meet the Race Director DEREK SMITH to see how final preparations are going. His son ALEX SMITH, who is Race Secretary, took us on a lap of the track so you can see what’s in store for this years riders.
This year, former Moto GP, British Superbike pilot Chris Burns will return to the Wilson Craig Racing fold, for this weekend’s race.
Chris who has kept sharp, tackling Dunlop Masters Superbike Championship rounds, is confirmed to join Manx GP winners Darryl Tweed and Pierre Yves Bian in racing 600 Honda tackle.
Last year he claimed his maiden road race victory at Aberdare plus finished a close runner-up behind Davey Todd in the feature Welsh Open encounter.
Having Chris in the entry lists, is another great boost for the organisers.
The setting couldn’t be any better. The children’s play area at Aberdare Park has been refurbished and the ever-popular pedal boats have returned to the boating lake. The Victorian fountain, commemorating the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, has also been beautifully restored to its former glory.
As a spectator event, the road races are something very special, and if you’ve not been maybe this could be your year.
Aberdare Park Road Races are the friendly Races, the club gives a warm welcome to everyone who comes along, if you want to see good racing in a beautiful park setting, do yourself a favour and head along. Once you’ve been you won’t want to miss it again.
Take a look at CHRIS STUART’S onboard camera video and you’ll see what we mean – HERE.
The Aberdare Park National Road Races are a fantastic two-day event, attracting thousands of spectators on both days, the annual event provides a great boost to local business and traders.
Thanks to the amazing efforts of the Council and the Friends of Aberdare Park Group, Aberdare Park is looking fantastic this summer and is a blaze of colour with the wonderful floral displays.
The Council is looking forward to welcoming the races this weekend, as Aberdare Park once again proves an excellent venue to host important local events.
Competition begins on Saturday morning, with the practice/qualifying sessions, prior to the start of the lengthy 25 plus race schedule.
The ABERDARE PARK ROAD RACES are this Saturday and Sunday, 16th and 17th July. Tickets are still available, ranging from £9 for single day OAP through to family tickets at £44, with a range of types and prices in-between.
