Celebrating its 20th successful year of trading, Coventry-based hydroponics innovator, HydroGarden, is the headline sponsor for the 34th annual Weston Beach Race, taking place in Weston Super Mare this October.
Regarded as one of the world’s biggest and most extreme off-road races, it features some of the world superstars of motocross and enduro* racing alongside amateurs. The three day festival of racing and entertainment is run by RHL Activities Ltd, the company synonymous with Off Road motorsport and promoter of the Thor British Youth National Championships.
First held in 1983 with 500 riders, the event continues to grow and now regularly attracts over 50,000 visitors, and following the dramatic transformation of Weston’s beach front into a 6 mile circuit, as many as 1,500 riders aged from 6 years to 70, of all levels of ability, both male and female, will this year compete in adult, youth (65cc, 85cc, 125/250cc), quad and sidecar races. Riders will attempt to conquer the track in up to three hours of gruelling racing, overcoming obstacles created from over 200,000 tonnes of sand. Survival to the finish line is regarded being as great an achievement as winning!
HydroGarden’s managing director, Jonathan Aldridge, attended the event last year and subsequently approached RHL about HydroGarden being involved as a sponsor:
“I was blown away by the scale of the event, the fantastic atmosphere and the sheer determination of the riders to compete to the bitter end. The fact that amateur riders can compete against hardened professionals is what gives the event its edge as there’s the potential for a new motocross star to emerge victorious.
“Being a leader in a niche market we look to create partnerships with experts that are excelling in their own niche areas. This sponsorship fits perfectly with that ethos and we’re very excited to be a part of this year’s event.”
In the past riders have travelled from over 40 nations to compete, including New Zealand, South Africa and Columbia, raising over £35m for their chosen charities. The riders’ charity for 2016 and the names of professional motocross riders and celebrities taking up the challenge this year will be announced in due course.
Gareth Hockey of RHL Activities, spoke about plans to make this year’s event the most memorable to date:
“I am very pleased to have such an innovative dynamic worldwide company outside of the sport join us. RHL prides itself on pushing and leading the promotion and the development of the sport it is passionate about and to have a company with as much passion and dedication about its product come on board, is recognition of the wider market and audience the Beach Race now extends to.”
For more information about the 2016 RHL Weston Beach Race, including how to enter and purchase tickets, visit www.rhlactivities.com and www.hydrogarden.com.
