South Wales Park Hosts Top Race Action
A bumper crowd witnessed two days of thrilling race action as the annual Aberdare Park Road Races enjoyed a full entry of racers over the weekend of July 30th/31st.
There was plenty of success for local racers as well, including Aberdare man Matthew Rees competing for the first time on an MV Agusta bike, Alex Sinclair, now resident in Swindon, and Merthyr Tydfil’s Jay Bellers-Smith.
Top honours, however went to Stroud racer Dan Cooper. Despite still recovering from injuries sustained in a spectacular accident at the North West 200 road races in Northern Ireland just ten weeks ago, he took his 675cc Triumph to victory in both the Park Challenge and the coveted Welsh Open events. In doing so, he set a new 600cc lap record for the circuit, first raced on in 1950, and fell just two tenths of a second short of setting a new outright lap record.
Speaking as he received his trophies, Dan confirmed that he plans to return next year to claim that outright record, adding, “This is one of my favourite circuits.”
Also present at the circuit for the weekend were 23 times TT winner John McGuinness and British Superbike winner Peter Hickman who also holds the record for the fastest lap by a newcomer at the Isle of Man TTs. They were among a number of riders displaying an array of bikes including machinery from the Phil Morris Racing collection and they entertained the crowds with, among other things, their prowess at performing ‘wheelies’.
Speaking after the event, organiser Derek Smith commented, “last year was a special one for us but this weekend has even surpassed that. It is great to have some of the biggest names in the sport here, saying very positive things about the event and the circuit and the racing was terrific.”
Derek added, “We couldn’t do any of it without the hard work from the members of our club, Aberaman Motorcycle Club, and the support of a whole range of companies, both local and national. That includes Hel Performance brake lines, Michelin Tyres and Yamaha UK. We also have to say a special thank you to Phil Morris Racing for their continued support. Phil and his team have done so much to help us grow this weekend.
“It was great, as well, to welcome Rhondda Cynon Taff council leader Andrew Morgan to the event and to hear his positive comments about it.”
“Work has already begun on the 2017 meeting and we have set ourselves quite a challenge, topping this year’s event!”
