Upfront............................................
The Welsh Road Race will return to the historic Eppynt circuit in 2018 and is intended to be the biggest road race on mainland UK tarmac in the last 50 years.
The race will be held on a ballsy 5.25 mile circuit in remote rolling countryside, complemented by designated viewing areas, purpose built grandstands, plus catering and retail facilities over a two-day racing period. It is hoped that the race can eventually be expanded into a five-day festival, supported by the establishment of a road race academy for young and old racers alike.
The first event will take place on the 4th and 5th of August 2018 featuring the following classes: Ultra Lightweight – 125cc to 250cc, Lightweight Supertwin – 650cc, Welsh RR Zero – Electric, Supersport – 600cc and Superstock – 1000cc. Each class will have a cap of 40 entrants, with two riders setting off at ten second intervals – the finishing time will then produce the eventual winners for each class with the Superstock winning rider receiving the original and historic trophy. With around 150 marshals, a mobile doctor, ambulance crew, trained first aid personnel and rapid response teams the Road Race of the Mainland really means business, alongside being in talks with North One Television for a live showing.
Health and safety and rider liaison director Steve Plater said: “When I was asked if I wanted to be involved the first thing I did was jump on the bike and rode all the way down from the North West 200 to check it out! The track is in really good order with incredibly good tarmac and barely any furniture whatsoever (like houses, lampposts, cat’s eyes or drains). Because the track isn't the widest, we straight away opted for a time trial format as we felt it would permit the safest and closest racing.
“Although it’s only 5.25 miles long, the layout is incredibly technical and has a load of crests, jumps and blind corners, which means learning it won’t be easy, but the viewing areas will be absolutely mega. This has all come from the passion side of the sport and I can’t wait to get stuck in and do my bit to help make this dream a reality!”