Thousands expected to attend walderstown races

THOUSANDS of spectators are expected to flock to the midlands this weekend to attend one of Ireland’s most renowned and popular road races.

The annual Race of the South, held in Walderstown, Athlone, and hosted by the Fore Motor Cycle Club, will take place over Saturday (practice) and Sunday, and race organiser Austin Dobson said he expects this year’s Races to attract huge numbers to the area.

However, this year’s race meeting has been overshadowed somewhat by the untimely death of Irish road racing doctor, John Hinds, who died after his motorcycle crashed into a wall as he followed contenders during a practice session at the Skerries 100 Races near Dublin.

The Armagh native was an experienced trauma specialist and volunteered as a motorcycle-mounted medic for the Motorcycle Union of Ireland. The late Dr Hinds was expected to operate at the Race of the South this weekend, confirmed Dobson.

“The news of John Hinds’ passing is extremely regretted and very sad news for everyone connected to motor cycle racing in Ireland, both north and south. John was a great friend of the Race of the South and had worked with us for several years, along with a number of other mounted medics. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and may he Rest in Peace,” Austin said.

This year’s Race of the South, which begins with the practice session on Saturday (12.30pm) is likely to consist of twelve races, including its most high-profile race, the 1010cc Open Championship Race, which was won last year by Northern Ireland’s William Dunlop.

Race organisers are hopeful that William Dunlop and his brother, Michael, will be taking part at this weekend’s event, along with other leading riders like Mullingar’s Derek McGee, the Irish Supersport Road Race champion who finished second behind William Dunlop in last year’s 1010cc Open Championship in Walderstown. Alan Kenny and Derek Shiels, two other renowned racers, are also expected to take their place in the Races at the weekend.

“We will, as always, have some of the very best riders in Walderstown, and are looking forward to another fantastic event,” said organiser Dobson.
“Road racing is growing more and more popular every year, and we expect in the region of 7,000 to 10,000 spectators over the weekend,” he added.

Dobson was also keen to thank the locals in the Walderstown area for their support in staging the race over the years.
“It would not be possible without them - and obviously all the services that engage with us and help out on the day,” he said.
Entry to the Races, for the two days, is €15, said Dobson, with free car parking provided. A souvenir race programme is also available at a cost of €10. Details of road closures for the event are listed below.

Since 2000, the Race of the South has been held on the Walderstown circuit, a few miles from Athlone. The Race has a long history, stretching back over 30 years to 1973 when the first Race of the South, promoted by Dublin-based Fingal Motor Club, was held on the Fore village circuit, near Castlepollard.