By Celebrating 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, John Surtees, Chris Palmer, Phil Read MBE 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, 2017 and 2018, the former TT Privateers champion mix of relentless consistent lap times, exemplary race craft, spot on race tactics has proven too strong for his fellow competitors.
Potentially absent this weekend, with the latest NG Road Racing round clashing, a first new Welsh Open winner since the late Daley Mathison triumphed in 2014 could be crowned.
Trickbits Racing once again a strong rider line up for their latest Welsh roads venture, which is led by former Welsh Open winner John Simpson.
One of the fastest ever racers around Wales only closed roads course, the 2012 Senior Manx GP winner pilots this weekend Triumph powered Moto 2 machinery.
Although an event newcomer, expect recent Armoy ‘Race of Legends’ runner-up Davey Todd to be a regular top three finisher contender.
Todd is set to race the FR 450 GP mount for Faraldo Racing plus compete on the Wilson Craig Racing 600 Honda, he took to second in May’s Bob Smith Spring Cup at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough.
Ex Moto GP, BSB competitor Chris Burns is another high profile Aberdare debutant whilst added ones to watch include a host of esteemed Welsh road racing talents, that include the following:
Matt Rees, Paul ‘Potchy’ Williams, Justin Collins, yesteryear racing specialist Alex Sinclair, 2018 Newcomers B Manx GP winner Michael Rees and fresh from British Supersport duties at Thruxton, Classic TT podium finisher Rhys Hardisty.
Additional confirmed entrants include inaugural TT XGP winner Rob Barber, the ever versatile Pete Boast, current Irish Road Race Junior Support Champion Vinny Brennan, Barry Furber.
Wayne ‘Ciderman’ Axon, Sam Grief, James Evans, Jack Petrie, Paul Magnay, Max Dixon, Paul Gartland, Geoffrey Lunn and ‘Tommy Club’ member Dan Ingham.
Alongside the Supersport/Superstock 600’s, various Super Twin machines added classes of machinery represented this weekend include 400’s, 125’s, 250’s, 50cc, 80cc steeds.
Competition begins on Saturday morning, with the practice/qualifying sessions, prior to the start of the lengthy 25 plus race schedule.
Photo credit: Tommy Vennard
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
