By Nearing it’s 70th anniversary, the Aberdare Park Road Races held in South Wales has over the years attracted many of the world’s best road racers, taking on the challenge of the event’s 0.9 mile long circuit.
At a glance just some of the famous names to have competed at Aberdare include Mike Hailwood, Bob McIntyre, Ian Lougher, Jason Griffiths, Chris Palmer, Phil Read and Carl Fogarty.
In recent times the dominant force at Wales only real roads venue has been Dan Cooper. Welsh Open winner in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017, the former TT Privateers champion mix of relentless consistent lap times, exemplary race craft, spot on race tactics has proven to strong for his fellow competitors.
Photo by Steve Snelling
For many the one to beat this weekend aboard his own teams CMS backed Honda, added talented riders capable of securing multiple wins include ‘Park’ debutant Joe Thompson.
York’s Thompson who produced hugely impressive performances aboard the Team ILR Paton at the Vauxhall International North West 200 and TT 2018, event entry is a great coup for meeting organisers.
Photo by Tommy Vennard
Although an event newcomer, the calm, cool, professional Yorkshireman has the undoubted capabilities to be in the mix for results of the highest quality.
Set to link up again with Trickbits Racing, who he last competed for at last years Scarborough Gold Cup, expect him to be a dark horse for the Welsh Open crown aboard the outfits SVR17 Suzuki.
Don’t discount as well team mate, fellow Suzuki Twin mounted competitor and former Welsh Open champion John Simpson from reclaiming the coveted crown.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Additional talented racers confirmed to compete this weekend include Paul ‘Potchy’ Williams, Justin Collins, Alister Chadwick, Jay Bellers Smith, Max Dixon, Peter Boast and newcomer Ian Stanford.
Alongside the Supersport/Superstock 600’s, various Super Twin machines added classes of machinery represented this weekend include 400’s, 125’s, 250’s, Super Moto’s, Super Mono’s and a variety of classic machines.
Competition begins on Saturday morning, with the practice/qualifying sessions, prior to the start of the lengthy 20 plus race schedule.
Words by Stevie Rial
