By Closing in on three years since road race action, last took place in the Republic of Ireland, the world’s most exciting form of motorsport is poised to return.
The Walderstown, Faugheen 50, Athea Road Races (last held in 2011) are all likely to make their comebacks to the roads’ scene calendar, after the RRAI (Road Race Alliance of Ireland – launched last October) announced that a sufficient insurance package, is in place for 2025.
A press statement issued today by the RRAI, reads as follows:
“After what seems like an eternity since the last motorcycles took to the roads here in the Southern Centre, the RRAI are pleased to announce that the organisation has in fact secured an insurance policy to cover several events for 2025.
Ever since the Road Race Clubs took the unenviable decision to leave Motorcycling Ireland last October, diligent work was undertaken by the Clubs to work together under the RRAI umbrella and leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of securing a policy that will result in our sport returning to where it belongs, among the hedges and roads in the Republic.
The RRAI sought to address the MCUI Inter-Centre Conference last December to discuss several developments, however, this was sadly denied.
The RRAI has only ever had the sport of road racing as the only focus, wanting collaboration and partnership over dogmatic control, and ensuring our sport of road racing’s past is preserved, that our clubs, riders, supporters and sport have a present, and working towards securing our sports future for years to come.”
The statement continued, adding further details:
“The work undertaken by the RRAI and the Clubs has resulted in an insurance policy that covers Road Races here in the South, and while there is significant work ahead, we feel that it is wholly achievable.
At present we can confirm that several road races will take place in 2025, Walderstown, the Faugheen 50, and the return of Athea in Co.Limerick, however we are exploring other events for 2025, and we will update you all in due course with the confirmed dates.
The future is positive, and it is a time to celebrate, because what was once lost, has been found. This is not a time of self-congratulation for the RRAI, nor is it a time for looking back, it’s about the here and now, and the sports future.
Remember, we can’t go forward if we are constantly looking back. On behalf of our Clubs, Faugheen 50 Supporters Club, Fore Motorcycle Racing Club and Southwest Road Racing Athea, thank you for all your support, insights, words of goodwill, trust and your involvement in the Road Race Alliance of Ireland, and finally, lets go racing between the hedges in 2025.”
Positive, golden, fantastic insurance news at last for all ROI pure road racing teams, riders, fans, organisers.
Roll on the return of Walderstown, Faugheen, Athea and hopefully many more within the near future.
Quotes via RRAI press statement.
Photo credit: Derek Wilson
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
