Welsh Road Race 2018

[ZX10R NIN]

Mods I'd like this left in General Gassing please.

Well for those of you that have wanted to see some Road Racing & haven't managed to get over to Ireland (you've been missing out) then you're in luck there's now another Road Race in Wales (there's been racing in Aberdare Park) & you really should come & see it , unlike the TT this is proper Racing so you'll get to see the stars in proper battles.

The other side to this coin is that it means things like the a Macau style event are a step closer to becoming a (once they see the money it brings to the area) reality:

Here's the onboard of the new circuit:

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=...

Talking to some involved it's going to be a cracker it looks really quick, not fast enough to challenge the Ulster GP as the world's fastest road race but it won't be slow.

I'm looking forward to getting there & seeing how we fare.

So Pistonheads my question to you is where would you like a street circuit made?

It can be for cars or bikes or both but I'd be interested to see where you'd like to see some racing.

Oh here's a clip of what you can expect if you decide to come:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Va8gLlBXMnQ

https://youtu.be/dse3ONWaFj4

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Saturday 25th November 11:45

[V8 FOU]

"unlike the TT this is proper Racing so you'll get to see the stars in proper battles."
Wot?
The TT isn't proper racing? Really? How to win friends and influence people...........

That aside, it looks quite good. First section is very straight and fast - but it gets more interesting later.
Cars? Not much room for overtaking.

[smifffymoto]

The TT is a time trial in theory.

[ZX10R NIN]

The TT is racing against the Circuit TT yes you're battling someone but they might be 30 seconds in front or behind you, so you're battling the clock not the actual person, with Road Races you're Racing the Circuit & the person.

At the TT you're riding the wheels off the bike as you would at the NW200 but you've got the whole circuit to play with, without the worry of someone taking a stab up the inside of you.

I enjoy the TT but I love Armoy/Cookstown/Skerries/NW200/Ulster GP much more from a team point of view the easiest is the TT.

[ZX10R NIN]

Forgot to add the Welsh Circuit won't suit cars but I was more interested where people would like to see a street/road event that would suit either cars or bikes.

[Blayney]

Epynt ranges yeah? As long as they don't change any of it and the Harry Flatters still goes on (around the same time) the bikes can do what they like. Suits rally cars just fine.

[S6OOH]

Well no idea what it will be like but I have booked

[Maruchino]

This Welsh race is a time trial of sorts as well. Not gonna be a mass start. 2 riders setting off every 10 seconds.

[robinh73]

I am just thankful that a new road race is on the cards. The only downside is that it clashes with the Ulster GP, which is by far my favourite circuit to race on. That said, I have registered as a competitor for the Welsh Road Race. Fingers crossed I get in!

[ilovequo]

robinh73 said:

I am just thankful that a new road race is on the cards. The only downside is that it clashes with the Ulster GP, which is by far my favourite circuit to race on. That said, I have registered as a competitor for the Welsh Road Race. Fingers crossed I get in!

Surely that date clash is the major flaw in this venture?!
None of the big names will risk a bike at this event while they could be at practice for the UGP...

[robinh73]

ilovequo said:

robinh73 said:

I am just thankful that a new road race is on the cards. The only downside is that it clashes with the Ulster GP, which is by far my favourite circuit to race on. That said, I have registered as a competitor for the Welsh Road Race. Fingers crossed I get in!

Surely that date clash is the major flaw in this venture?!
None of the big names will risk a bike at this event while they could be at practice for the UGP...

I think it is a flaw too. I am genuinely torn between which event to enter, but part of me is saying try the Welsh RR as it is a new event and it would be good to support it. But I wouldn't mind betting that they will take the big names first before the like of me. It is always a frustration with such events, as the invariably restrict entries and give the big names free entry and often pay them a start fee to make an appearance. However, the majority of racers such as myself, pay a fair whack to enter and get overlooked in favour of the bigger names. I appreciate that a race event needs big names to pull in the crowds, but they also need to look after the self funding racers. I do wonder how many of the big names will actually appear come the day.

[ZX10R NIN]

robinh73 said:

I think it is a flaw too. I am genuinely torn between which event to enter, but part of me is saying try the Welsh RR as it is a new event and it would be good to support it. But I wouldn't mind betting that they will take the big names first before the like of me. It is always a frustration with such events, as the invariably restrict entries and give the big names free entry and often pay them a start fee to make an appearance. However, the majority of racers such as myself, pay a fair whack to enter and get overlooked in favour of the bigger names. I appreciate that a race event needs big names to pull in the crowds, but they also need to look after the self funding racers. I do wonder how many of the big names will actually appear come the day.

The big names will get start money it's the way it is, but as you move up the ranks the events do help privateers out with ferry costs/entries etc & it does help but I can understand your frustration.

Ulster is a great event the big names won't go as the UGP is so close most won't risk it, I'd expect the Welsh event to be embracing privateers especially as the UGP will no longer allow National licence holders to race in the Superbike & Superstock classes & no Dundrod 150 Races anymore, as well as there normally being a BSB round on that weekend, so I'd expect to see a few familiar faces from the Irish championship turning up & a few from BSB.

It's not to big of a deal if you want to do both with no practice until Tuesday getting the 10.30pm ferry from Birkenhead on the Sunday will have you at the Circuit first thing Monday morning (speak to Nutt Travel they do great deals for competitors) but the big pain is you normally leave the bikes in Ireland after Armoy now they'll have to come back.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 27th November 21:45

[Dick Seaman]

As a humble spectator, I've booked tickets and a nearby hotel room for the weekend.

Can't wait to see how it pans out.

[Blayney]

Talking of accommodation ^^ there's a lovely cottage in trecastle on air bnb that I used for the Tour of Epynt last year, highly recommend it.

[ArnageWRC]

Having spectated on Epynt many times; I'm sure it's going to be mega fast....I wish them good luck, though I'm not sure about the date they've chosen.

[robinh73]

ZX10R NIN said:

robinh73 said:

I think it is a flaw too. I am genuinely torn between which event to enter, but part of me is saying try the Welsh RR as it is a new event and it would be good to support it. But I wouldn't mind betting that they will take the big names first before the like of me. It is always a frustration with such events, as the invariably restrict entries and give the big names free entry and often pay them a start fee to make an appearance. However, the majority of racers such as myself, pay a fair whack to enter and get overlooked in favour of the bigger names. I appreciate that a race event needs big names to pull in the crowds, but they also need to look after the self funding racers. I do wonder how many of the big names will actually appear come the day.

The big names will get start money it's the way it is, but as you move up the ranks the events do help privateers out with ferry costs/entries etc & it does help but I can understand your frustration.

Ulster is a great event the big names won't go as the UGP is so close most won't risk it, I'd expect the Welsh event to be embracing privateers especially as the UGP will no longer allow National licence holders to race in the Superbike & Superstock classes & no Dundrod 150 Races anymore, as well as there normally being a BSB round on that weekend, so I'd expect to see a few familiar faces from the Irish championship turning up & a few from BSB.

It's not to big of a deal if you want to do both with no practice until Tuesday getting the 10.30pm ferry from Birkenhead on the Sunday will have you at the Circuit first thing Monday morning (speak to Nutt Travel they do great deals for competitors) but the big pain is you normally leave the bikes in Ireland after Armoy now they'll have to come back.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 27th November 21:45

I am not really moaning about it, as I totally understand that it is the big names that bring in the crowds and at the end of the day, I am racing because I want to and not because it is a means of earning my crust. In fact it is a means of pretty much disposing of my crust and I am just grateful that I am able to be able to head out onto the likes of the Ulster and Oliver's Mount for a play.
The Ulster is still my favourite event to attend as I think the Dundrod circuit is simply awesome to ride. It did take some lives this year sadly, including a good friend in my race. I can see why they have had to change the format for it, newcomers were just getting too fast too soon. I realistically can't do both, so need to see how things pan out with the Welsh RR before making a final decision. Either way, it should be a great year on the roads again.

[graeme4130]

robinh73 said:

ZX10R NIN said:

robinh73 said:

I think it is a flaw too. I am genuinely torn between which event to enter, but part of me is saying try the Welsh RR as it is a new event and it would be good to support it. But I wouldn't mind betting that they will take the big names first before the like of me. It is always a frustration with such events, as the invariably restrict entries and give the big names free entry and often pay them a start fee to make an appearance. However, the majority of racers such as myself, pay a fair whack to enter and get overlooked in favour of the bigger names. I appreciate that a race event needs big names to pull in the crowds, but they also need to look after the self funding racers. I do wonder how many of the big names will actually appear come the day.

The big names will get start money it's the way it is, but as you move up the ranks the events do help privateers out with ferry costs/entries etc & it does help but I can understand your frustration.

Ulster is a great event the big names won't go as the UGP is so close most won't risk it, I'd expect the Welsh event to be embracing privateers especially as the UGP will no longer allow National licence holders to race in the Superbike & Superstock classes & no Dundrod 150 Races anymore, as well as there normally being a BSB round on that weekend, so I'd expect to see a few familiar faces from the Irish championship turning up & a few from BSB.

It's not to big of a deal if you want to do both with no practice until Tuesday getting the 10.30pm ferry from Birkenhead on the Sunday will have you at the Circuit first thing Monday morning (speak to Nutt Travel they do great deals for competitors) but the big pain is you normally leave the bikes in Ireland after Armoy now they'll have to come back.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 27th November 21:45

I am not really moaning about it, as I totally understand that it is the big names that bring in the crowds and at the end of the day, I am racing because I want to and not because it is a means of earning my crust. In fact it is a means of pretty much disposing of my crust and I am just grateful that I am able to be able to head out onto the likes of the Ulster and Oliver's Mount for a play.
The Ulster is still my favourite event to attend as I think the Dundrod circuit is simply awesome to ride. It did take some lives this year sadly, including a good friend in my race. I can see why they have had to change the format for it, newcomers were just getting too fast too soon. I realistically can't do both, so need to see how things pan out with the Welsh RR before making a final decision. Either way, it should be a great year on the roads again.

It's a great addition to the road calendar, but like you say, why on earth did they decide to stage it on the same weekend as one of the bigger, more established races ?
I'm sure they'll get a good turn out in year one as it's something new, but if they continue to clash, they'll be in direct competition with the Ulster to get riders over.
Shame it clashes with one of my events at work, or I'd be all over coming up to see that

[ZX10R NIN]

robinh73 said:

I am not really moaning about it, as I totally understand that it is the big names that bring in the crowds and at the end of the day, I am racing because I want to and not because it is a means of earning my crust. In fact it is a means of pretty much disposing of my crust and I am just grateful that I am able to be able to head out onto the likes of the Ulster and Oliver's Mount for a play.
The Ulster is still my favourite event to attend as I think the Dundrod circuit is simply awesome to ride. It did take some lives this year sadly, including a good friend in my race. I can see why they have had to change the format for it, newcomers were just getting too fast too soon. I realistically can't do both, so need to see how things pan out with the Welsh RR before making a final decision. Either way, it should be a great year on the roads again.

I know you weren't moaning & I hope I didn't come across as putting you down, one things for sure with out privateers their would be no sport.

I agree this year was crazy with some newcomers trying to pass their chaperones on their very first lap!!

You know the saying "The easy way to make a small fortune in Racing is to start with a big fortune"

2018 is going to be a cracking year Roll on Guadix for testing in February & the Cookstown 100.

[robinh73]

ZX10R NIN said:

robinh73 said:

I am not really moaning about it, as I totally understand that it is the big names that bring in the crowds and at the end of the day, I am racing because I want to and not because it is a means of earning my crust. In fact it is a means of pretty much disposing of my crust and I am just grateful that I am able to be able to head out onto the likes of the Ulster and Oliver's Mount for a play.
The Ulster is still my favourite event to attend as I think the Dundrod circuit is simply awesome to ride. It did take some lives this year sadly, including a good friend in my race. I can see why they have had to change the format for it, newcomers were just getting too fast too soon. I realistically can't do both, so need to see how things pan out with the Welsh RR before making a final decision. Either way, it should be a great year on the roads again.

I know you weren't moaning & I hope I didn't come across as putting you down, one things for sure with out privateers their would be no sport.

I agree this year was crazy with some newcomers trying to pass their chaperones on their very first lap!!

You know the saying "The easy way to make a small fortune in Racing is to start with a big fortune"

2018 is going to be a cracking year Roll on Guadix for testing in February & the Cookstown 100.

No it didn't come across like that at all. Are you doing Cookstown 100 this coming year? It is one I am torn by doing, but it is fairly close to the opener at Oliver's Mount.
I have never seen such riding as was at the Ulster this year. It was the same at the Manx, newcomers going mental and trying to make lap records on their sighting laps. When the forecast at the Ulster was for good weather,I knew that we were in for a rough time. People try too hard, push too much and then it all goes pear shaped. I hope that people do take the time to learn the Welsh RR before pushing, as it would probably kill the event before it had got off the ground. For some reason, this year has seen far more people move from short circuits to the real roads. I have been amazed at how many more entrants there have been this year compared to previous. Good in some ways, but it does mean that there are a lot more disappointed people who get turned away.

[ZX10R NIN]

Yes that's the plan I like Cookstown it's a nice place for the riders to get the brain back in gear, I know what you mean I think some of the short circuit mentality crept in & some of the short circuit guys felt it's easy (did they get an eye opener) all in all I think there'll be a lot more people being circumspect in 2018.