Road Racing: Scarborough Races To Light Up The Summer

Top class international road racing returns to Scarborough and the historic Oliver’s Mount circuit in 2019 after a two-year absence.

Following months of negotiations and planning, the new organisers for the event – 243 Road Racing Association – secured the backing of the local council and the Auto Cycling Union to enable racing to return to the stunning North Yorkshire venue.

Two race meetings have been confirmed for 2019: The Barry Sheene Classic festival has been scheduled for mid-summer, and the hugely popular International Gold Cup will return at the end of the season.  

The Circuit

Oliver’s Mount is situated on the southern edge of Scarborough, less than a mile from the town centre. As such, whether you’re a happy camper or prefer the comforts of a hotel or B&B, you are within easy walking distance of the circuit.

The circuit is 2.43 miles in length and tree lined for almost its entirety featuring heaps of undulation, three hairpin bends, and the famous Jeffries’ Jump for the riders. As such, it has been likened to a ‘miniature TT course’ by former racers and pundits alike. A course chosen because of its high speed and technical challenge. The cream seldom fails to rise to the top here.

The circuit has traditionally been a place where all the greats of the sport have shone throughout it’s truly illustrious history: Geoff Duke, John Surtees, Barry Sheene, Mick Grant, Carl Fogarty, Joey Dunlop, Robert Dunlop, Steve Hislop, Phillip McCallen, James Whitham and John McGuinness have all tasted the winner’s champagne here. In recent years, the likes of Dean Harrison, Ian Hutchinson, Guy Martin and the much missed Daniels Kneen and Hegarty have produced crowd pleasing victories.

There is plenty to do in the town if you decide to stay on for a day or two after the races. From beaches to golf courses, surveying the views from the bay up to the North York Moors from the castle battlements, to getting spooked at the gloriously over the top Terror Tower haunted house. Scarborough really does offer something for everyone.

The Barry Sheene Classic

Saturday July 27th – Sunday July 28th

The last weekend in July will see scores of classic motorcycles descend on the circuit – and probably most of the town as well – predominantly from the 1970s and 1980s as Oliver’s Mount pays tribute to the man whom the event is named after and as a grand throwback to one of motorcycle racing’s golden eras.

The weekend is expected to be a mix of parade laps and races. In a similar vein to the Classic TT, spectators will see many of the top road racers of today do battle with each other on the championship winning machines of yesteryear. Many of which will be racing the mountain course, on these machines, later in the summer.

As such the Barry Sheene Classic is a vital meeting for the riders to fine tune their bikes and get their eye in with some serious close-quarters racing.

The Gold Cup

Saturday September 28th – Sunday September 29th

The final weekend in September sees the return of ‘the big one’ at Scarborough – The Gold Cup. With the return of the meeting confirmed for 2019, the chance for a rider to claim the international road racing triple crown (North West 200, Ulster GP, Gold Cup) is there for the taking.

Whilst the race schedule will not be published until nearer the event, previous editions have included a full range of categories from Superbikes, Supersports, Ultra Lightweights (125cc / 250cc / Moto3), Super Twins, and the ever popular and thrilling Sidecars.

Yorkshire hero Dean Harrison will look to defend his Gold Cup title, having claimed victory in the main race the last time it was held back in 2016 after a thrilling battle with the late Dan Kneen. Harrison will have to be on top form to keep his crown, as there is a plethora of young road racing talent coming through the ranks, hungry for success.

The traditional end of season showpiece event promises to be an unmissable occasion for riders and fans alike.     

Ticket Information

Both events are priced identically for 2019.

Weekend Pass (Saturday and Sunday inc. Camping) – £40

Saturday – £20

Sunday  – £25

Paddock Pass – £10 (available from duke video or at the gate)

Camping – £10 per night

Tickets are on sale now at the following: https://www.dukevideo.com/oliversmount