As we fast approach the beginning of October, all you can feel in your mind is the vibration of 2 stroke and 4 stroke machines bumbling up and down the beach at Weston super Mare for the coverted title “winner” of this prestige event, and a close to the MX and Quad Bike season for another year.
The message from owner of RHL Activities – Gareth Hockey, as he starts the countdown to what will be the 28th running of this traditional closer to the dirt bike competition season, on October 15-17 is that it will be a big one, and better than any other year and it will be “alive and kicking” more than ever.
Everyone could argue that we should be reporting, ‘Gareth Hockey’s alive and kicking’ after the troubled last 12 months he’s endured.
The 2009 main race at Weston had to abandoned after a serious accident at the start – which the start off months of controversy and speculation to the future of this monumental event. Then Hockey’s plans for his third British GP to be held this June ran off the rails as land issues – at one time seemingly rescued by the Chepstow Racecourse – became insurmountable.
The GP fixture was eventually relocated to the USA and Hockey, for the first time in years, fell off the radar.
Talking to TM+X Gareth Said; “No question this last year has been the worst of my life. The GP was always a difficult job, a massive drain on resources and a huge financial risk for me. With the events of the last Weston as well, in all it has been a tough time that’s hit me both financially and personally.
“I took the opportunity – once the decision to stop on the GP was made – to take a step back and review what I’ve been doing. There was little reason to be continuing with a high profile, answering to everyone’s theories and speculation as after you reach a certain point no good is ever going to come of that. Instead it was important to take time out and look at what was good and what wasn’t and determine a sound plan for the future.”
But, as Gareth explained to TM+X, it was an event worth holding on to and a must for the yearly calendar – but was that the thoughts of the local businesses who benefit to the tune of millions over the weekend?
Having spoken to many of the businesses, we found that pretty much 99% would want the event to carry on, as it was such a money spinner for them too.
But the feelings from the local district council could not be clearer, “Make sure this one goes off well, or it may be considered too dangerous to run again!
Gareth Said: “We’ve now got our five year plan sorted. We took last year’s event to bits, as we do every year – and made changes that we feel will again improve the event. We have spent many months reviewing the start procedure (we even went to look at Le Touquet to witness their race start) and everyone has come to same opinion – that the way we do it is still the safest option.
“But there were still operational matters that we felt needed revising and so while to the outside world the event will look and feel the same, RHL have taken a lot of the control of the event back in-house. We feel we are the only people that have the understanding of how the competitor and the local authority want this event to work.”
Gareth also confirmed that the event’s key sponsors – Red Bull, Doodson Motorsport, Polaris and Rock Oil – remain on board and are fully supportive of the plans to expand the event into what Hockey prefers to call a festival.
This year’s event has been expanded to three days with the introduction of the new side-by-side (Polaris Ranger Rzr ATV) race on Friday. Saturday will see a youth quad and a 65cc race followed by the traditional adult quad and sidecar race. Sunday’s programme will feature a youth 85cc race followed by the headline adult solo race.
“This year we’re negotiating to have many top BSB stars (we’ve already got a number entered) and are waiting on confirmation of signing one of our greatest Weston racers, Stefan Everts. We’re looking for a few other famous riders to swell the ‘celebrity’ ranks as well. Without question the fans love to see these names fighting it out with our regular riders – it’s what makes the race that little bit special.”
So, Gareth Hockey is back, and the Beach Race continues. The teasers set by RHL, though look a little far fetched to encourage people to register early, by saying so many competitors will get a full refund and again with the spectators, around 5 out of a potential 120,000 will get a refund if they book online during August.
Not sure which would work best, £50 to do two days at Weston Beach Race in hope to get my £50 back – or just write off the £50 as a good couple of days out with the smell of petrol fumes in my lungs, and keep doing the lottery?
Stuff it, Weston wins and so does the lotto – here goes another expenses claim for entertaining guests!!
