Normally at the start of every year, I state my predictions ahead of the upcoming road race seasons but for 2021 my opening article is a touch different.
Most importantly I hope everyone worldwide gains a further sense of normality this year, with us all going through so much due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
I’m optimistic that more roads events will take place in 2021, given the recent news of another vaccine been recently approved (Oxford-AstraZeneca) alongside the already implemented Pfizer produced vaccine.
All being well, the 2021 roads season will hopefully get underway in April at Cookstown, which as multi times previously stated hosted the only Irish road race of 2020.
Proactive thinking, accurate planning were crucial to Cookstown running last year and although the plan remains for Irish road racing’s longest running active event to take place from the 23rd-24th April, organisers have already pencilled in a proposed alternative event date of 10th-11th September.
International road racing wise whilst the TT Races may be off for another year, there’s still strong hope for the North West 200 to take place and positive paddock whispers are growing in relation to the Ulster Grand Prix’s future.
Then there’s the proposed inaugural Isle of Wight based Diamond Races, that are planned to take centre stage in October.
Racers, teams to already express an interest in tackling the Diamond Races include James Hillier, Driffield’s Dan Harrison and current Senior TT Champions Silicone Engineering Racing.
Add in the four events at Oliver’s Mount, the IRRC meets, the first Baja International Tourist Cup, Macau Grand Prix plus plenty of roads action across New Zealand and there’s lots to look forward to for road race fans, racers, teams, marshals in 2021.
Here’s to a much happier 2021 for everyone and finally my thoughts go out to all those affected by Covid-19 during 2020.
Words by Stevie Rial, #dontletfearcontrolyou