Scarborough back on the road again

ROAD racing will return to England this year following the news a new club has taken the helm at Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough.

Mick Grant and Eddie Roberts, both former Isle of Man TT stars as well as race winners and former record holders at the circuit, have confirmed they will work alongside the all-new 243 Road Racing Association to run two events this season, with a view to bring more into the frame next year.

The public road circuit has sat unused as a competition site ever since the crashridden 2017 Gold Cup, when a bike broke through a safety fence and injured spectators.

As a result, the ACU, UK motorcycle sport’s governing body, shut down action until improvements were made.

But the revocation of the former organiser’s licence to run races at the Mount forced Scarborough council into a scramble to find a new club to put on events.

Now, 18 months after the incident, fresh faces have descended on the North Yorkshire circuit and promised two weekends of racing this season.

One of the 243 club bosses, Roberts, is no stranger to the art of track rescue. Back in 2013, he stepped in to help save Mallory Park alongside BSB team boss Stuart Hicken.

And with the required safety improvements at the Mount already in full swing, thanks in large part to the 1946 Marshals Association, he says there’s no doubt racing will be back this season.

“Behind the scenes there have been months and months of planning and there are a huge number of people I need to thank,” Roberts said. “Finally, we can confirm road racing is set to return to Oliver’s Mount.

“We are working side-byside with the ACU and work is already under way to improve the safety of the track for both for riders and spectators.

“We know it’s a huge task to undertake, but we are 100 per cent confident racing will take place at Oliver’s Mount this year.”

Seven-time IOMTT winner Grant added that the circuit is part of his own racing history, and he was never content seeing it go unused.

“I watched my first road race at Oliver’s Mount in short pants back in the early ‘50s and it ignited my passion for racing,” he said. “We couldn’t let this historic track crumble into the history books.

“We need road racing in England, it’s one of the finest tracks in the world and it’s unique. I can’t wait to hear and witness classic and modern bikes race around this demanding track once again.”

Organisers have set dates for the Barry Sheene Classic on 27 and 28 July before the traditional season-ending Gold Cup on September 28 and 29.