Weston sizzler expected!
By Mannix Devlin on 7th Oct 11
This years RHL Beach Race, fuelled by Monster Energy, at Weston-Super-Mare is certainly looking to be a scorcher as the unseasonably sunny weather in the lead up to the biggest off-road event in the UK has seen beach goers head down to the seafront in their shorts and swimwear in the build-up to the big race.
With star riders multiple World Enduro Champions David Knight and Paul Edmondson taking on Britain's 2011 triple MX1 champion, Brad Anderson, and GP rider Tom Church, the on-track action with the stars against the amateurs should be incredible.
Knighter is all set out to add a sixth win to his CV, but Henderson's unbelievable form this year, which has seen him scorch to a plethora of wins, certainly means we're going to have a fight on our hands. Not only that with Tom Church announcing his retirement in the new year, he will be looking to score highly along with late entrant and last year's surprise podium finisher, Luke Hawkins, who has suffered badly with injuries this year. Luke will also be looking to put something positive into the end of his 2011 season.
In the quad class, Britain's top dog Paul Winrow is looking to turn around a tough season with another beach race win, and with the course taking shape with some super-special obstacles for the racers to attack, the weekend is looking to be phenomenal one.
In case you're not familiar with the RHL Beach Race at Weston-Super-Mare, this event is the baddest and toughest of its type, with up to three-hours of grueling racing over dunes the size of houses in a technical course comprising a flat out 1.5-mile straight. The total track length is 6.8km and although the pros make it look easy, it's certainly no mean feat as man and machine aim to conquer their personal bests, their own targets and if it's a hot one, it's going to be tougher than usual.
The RHL Beach race is now in its 29th year and has grown beyond the imagination of the original creators of the race, as its now an end of season festival that attracts thousands of spectators who wish to get a glimpse of the madness as it unfolds. The start is possibly one of the biggest spectacles with up-to 1,000 riders thundering down the beach into the first turn and the atmosphere is always electric – there really is nothing like it.
The festivities down at Weston-Super-Mare have already begun as RHL Activities staged a press day on Tuesday to get the media up-to-speed with this year's plans. The events company, which has been involved in the race since its inception, also held special schools and colleges events on Wednesday and Thursday to introduce new people to the sport, educate them on the industry, as well as the history and importance of events like Weston to the local economy. RHL Activities and Monster Energy also held a special welcome party to open the event officially in Monster's very special event unit, which is open for spectators throughout the event weekend.
The main action however takes place this Saturday and Sunday with the Adult Quad and Sidecar races on Saturday as well as the Junior Quad and Junior 65cc (solo) races in which youngsters will tackle the beach race challenge on a shorter course.
On Sunday the rookies and Small-wheel and Big-wheel 85cc riders take on the course prior to the main solo race.
In between races, Monster Energy will be providing entertainment, while Extreme Trials rider Steve Colley will be showcasing some of his amazing trials displays on both days to wow the crowds and continue the excitement of the weekend.
The event is certainly not to be missed. The organisers have arranged special ride discounts on Saturday night. There will also be a number of trade stands for those looking to pick up bargain.
More information can be found at the event website – www.wbruk.com
