'Race of the South' entries down but quality remains high

Motorcycling enthusiasts from all over Ireland and beyond will gather in the Athlone area this weekend for the annual Race of the South in Walderstown. One of the event's organisers, Austin Dobson, told the Westmeath Independent that the number of race entries was fewer than in previous years, but the quality of the competitors remained very high. "Entries are down a bit at all events and we're no different," he said. "Money is scarce at the moment and that affects everyone from the clubs to the competitors to the people who are helping out." The races generally attract over 100 competitors but Austin said it will feature somewhere in the region of 80 or 90 motorcyclists this year. Roads will close along the two-mile course from 12.30pm to 6.30pm on Saturday in order to facilitate a practice run. On Sunday, roads will close at 11am and reopen at 6pm. There will be eleven races in total, the first of which will get underway at 11.15 on Sunday. Many of the top racers in Ireland will be competing, including Michael Dunlop, Ryan Farquhar, Adrian Archibold, Davy Morgan, John Burrows and Paul Robinson. In addition, Westmeath will be represented among the competitors by Athlone's Damien Horan and Noel Brennan from Kilbeggan. Along with the Irish participants, motorcyclists from Scotland, England, the Isle of Man and Wales are planning to take part in the Race of the South. The annual event is promoted by the North Westmeath-based Fore Motor Cycle Racing Club. Austin encouraged people to arrive early on Sunday to see the most powerful bikes in full flight. In addition, he said the organisers had always received excellent cooperation from the local community. "We've never had any hassle, and the support we receive from the likes of Westmeath County Council and the Gardai is excellent. People in the area are often willing to help out in any way that they can." The races have been held on the Walderstown circuit every year 2000. The event's history stretches back as far as 1973, when the first 'Race of the South' was promoted by the Dublin-based Fingal Motor Club on the Fore Village circuit, near Castlepollard.