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The dunes and jumps of the Weston Beach Race present their own specific challenge to the thousands of riders who tackle the annual end of season three-hour enduro. This year Paul Rowlands and Laurie Squirrell, who are both paraplegic after racing accidents, made their competitive comebacks in the quad race and successfully overcame the personal and physical challenges presented by this unique event. The fact they competed at all was subject to conjecture with both riders going against an ACU ruling that neither would be allowed to start.
Subsequent to the completion of the quad race, ACU Director and Chairman of the Motocross Committee, Roy Humphrey held discussions with Phil Armes of PA Promotions, himself paraplegic, and decided to call a meeting on Sunday with all interested parties. Paul, Laurie, and Phil, together with Gareth Hockey and Phil Roberts of Weston organisers RHL Activities, Tony Nash of the Quad Racing Association (QRA), and Roger Harvey from Honda met with Roy in the VIP marquee where Roy issued the following statement;
"Whilst the ACU, myself as Chairman of the Motocross Committee and a Director of the ACU, condemn yesterday's action by both Paul & Laurie, I applaud their skill and determination in proving a point. The ACU will take no action against either Paul or Laurie, but instead invite them to work with the ACU and other interested parties, to help devise a protocol and systems whereby disabled people can access and enjoy participation and competition in motorcycle sport. Motorcycle racing should not be in isolation from other sports that have progressed the active participation of disabled people.
The ACU, RHL Activities, and the QRA will endeavour to explore all possibilities with the insurers and medical specialists to achieve this common aim."
Tony Nash of the QRA was pleased with the outcome of the meeting and added;
"I have been actively promoting the inclusion of disabled people within our sport for some time. This is a golden opportunity to take this issue forward and I will do all I can to assist with making these aims a reality."
Gareth Hockey of RHL Activities endorsed Roy's handling of the situation and said;
This is a really positive outcome from the events of this weekend.
The Weston Beach Race provides a different kind of challenge to normal off road competition, and we are pleased that the ACU have recognised this and I look forward to working with Roy on developing the opportunities for disabled participants."
For any further information please contact Brian George, ACU Press Officer 01788 566428 brian[AT]acu.org.uk.
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