One of the highlights of the Welsh motocross calendar takes place this Wednesday, as the Rhayader Motor Club stage their annual Evening Motocross at the Cwmythig Hill circuit.
Words by Chris CZORA – Images courtesy of Gary Jones Photography
The event was re-established on the calendar in 2019 and has quickly regained its status as a must-see event, with local stars mixing it alongside some of the country’s leading riders at the spectacular mid-Wales hillside venue.
The organising club boast a strong line up of riders for the event, with reigning British Motocross Champion, Conrad Mewse (Crendon FastTrack Honda) headlining the entry list in the Pro class.
Another top rider to look out for will be the former world number two, Tommy Searle (Dirt Store Kawasaki) who will again start as one of the favourites. Searle will also be joined by his Dirt Store team-mate, Welsh hotshot Joel Rizzi.
Following a couple of difficult seasons, the young Denbighshire rider is starting to make a real impression at the front of the British Championship, and will be looking to take what would be a popular victory on home soil.
Also flying the Welsh flag will be Adam Sterry (Schmicker KTM). Sterry continues to ride in the German ADAC racing series and is currently sitting 23rd in the MXGP standings. He returns to Rhayader for 2024 in a rare UK appearance, and like Rizzi, will also be looking for a North Wales victory.
The Pro line up will be complemented by a host of favourites, with John Adamson, Alfie Smith, Taylor Hammal and Dan Thornhill amongst the star names behind the gate.
Charlie Griffiths and Jayden Ashwell will be amongst some of the local stars, whilst Rory Jones will also be hoping to be take part. Following a recent arm injury at Foxhill, Jones will be hoping to compete and get back to race pace in front of his local supporters crossing the border from Shropshire.
The event will have a 10-race format, with the Expert & Pro level class accompanied by both a Senior and Veteran category race, along with a class also being held for Novices, Ladies and Local Beginners, each class having three races each. The final race of the night will be the ‘Dash for Cash’ grand final, where the evening’s top riders go head to head in a sprint race, with a healthy prize fund for the winners.
Practice sessions will start from 5:30pm, and the first race is scheduled to start at 6:30. With short, sharp races of no longer than 15 minutes, the racing is always fast and furious, with full race commentary and a trackside DJ helping to build the atmosphere.
The already well-prepared Cwmythig Hill circuit has undergone a revamp ahead of the venue hosting the Enduro Grand Prix in August, with improved access roads and paddock facilities. The fast, hillside track offers excellent viewing facilities, with the technical layout, along with a series of spectacular jumps on each lap, often providing close racing.
Cwmythig Hill is located on the B4518 between Rhayader and St.Harmon. Postcode for sat nav systems is LD6 5NS, the circuit is also signposted from the B4518 junction at Rhayader Leisure Centre.
Tickets are priced at £10 for adults with under 14s free, car parking is available on site free of charge. Spectators can buy tickets on the gate (cash only), alternatively visit www.rdmcc.co.uk for advance tickets.
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