Interview | Robbie Silvester Reflects on VSR Racing, Andy Smart and the Magic of Aberdare Park Road Races
- aprremail
- 7 hours ago
- 6 min read
Few figures in road racing embody resilience, passion and dedication quite like Robbie Silvester.
A former racer whose life changed dramatically after a serious accident at the 2006 Isle of Man TT, Silvester refused to step away from the sport he loves. Instead, he channelled that passion into building VRS Racing, a team that has supported dozens of riders and achieved success across the road racing scene.
Despite recently undergoing his 66th operation related to his TT injuries, Robbie remains as committed as ever - preparing for another busy season while continuing to support riders both on and off the track.
In this interview with Aberdare Park Road Races, Robbie reflects on the journey of VRS Racing, the remarkable comeback of Andy Smart, and why the unique Welsh park circuit continues to hold a special place in his heart.
Robbie, thank you for taking the time to chat to us today. First things first, you’re recovering from your 66th operation following your accident at the Isle of Man TT in 2006. How are you feeling, and have you had a chance to put your feet up?
There hasn’t been much time to put my feet up to be honest. I’m a teacher and I’ve got students going through exams at the moment, so I need to be there to help them get their qualifications. On top of that the racing season is fast approaching, so there’s plenty of preparation going on for the year ahead.
It’s fair to say that VRS Racing has cemented itself as an established road racing team over the years. How proud are you of what you and the team have achieved?
VRS Racing has been my passion for many years — 43 years involved in the sport now. Since my accident we’ve had 58 riders compete on VRS machines, along with many others we’ve supported along the way.
Over the years we’ve seen everything — TT wins, lap records, championships, but I’m just as proud of the riders who might be further down the field. Seeing my bikes out there being raced is something that always makes me proud.
The team actually started while I was still in hospital after my crash in 2006. I’d been told I’d be in a wheelchair, which meant I had bikes I couldn’t ride anymore. When I came out of intensive care I was on a ward with three other TT riders, Rob Frost, Dave Molyneux and Keith Stewart. Keith had lost his ride, while I had bikes but couldn’t ride them.
That’s how it started. You can imagine the banter between us all. We actually had Keith back racing at the Ulster Grand Prix before the end of that same year.
What was your first experience of Aberdare Park and what were your initial impressions of the event?
My first experience of Aberdare Park was back in the mid-1990s when I was working as a mechanic for Micron. There were some serious riders there back then, the Dunlop boys, Ian Lougher and plenty of other big names.
We also had some memorable nights at the presentations in the Miners Welfare — some memories from those nights will stay with me forever!
I returned later in 2003 for my first ever road race as a rider. I rode for McAdoo Kawasaki that year alongside Ryan Farquhar, and I competed at the Park on an R6 in VRS colours.
I just found the place magical — the crowds were brilliant. Riders were invited into the park during the break to sign autographs and give away posters. It was a fantastic atmosphere.
Andy Smart suffered a serious accident at the Southern 100 in 2023. How did that impact the team, and how did you help Andy through his recovery?
Andy’s accident had a huge impact on the team. For some of the lads it was their first real experience of the serious side of road racing.
I’ve been through that journey myself with my injuries, which actually helped me support Andy both emotionally and physically through the recovery. I own a medical laser that helped regrow my bones and nerves after my crash and ultimately helped get me out of the wheelchair, so I was able to use that to assist Andy as well.
His return hasn’t been straightforward either. We’ve had to adapt the bike to suit Andy’s disability — moving the gear change to the right-hand side. On the new Yamaha R7 we even had to use button gear shifts and a thumb brake for the rear brake. It takes a lot of getting used to.
Andy made his Aberdare Park debut in 2024 and immediately showed strong pace. Was the goal to return and challenge for the title in 2025?
There wasn’t really a specific goal. Andy had only just returned to racing at the Southern 100 a few days earlier where he actually won a race.
We knew he had good pace, particularly from riding the Kawasaki before, so we just worked through the weekend making small improvements to the bike each session.
Andy told me he had the speed but just couldn’t quite get past Ryan because he was defending really well. I told him to keep applying the pressure and the opportunity would come.
The battles between Andy and Ryan Dixon were incredible to watch in 2025. What was it like witnessing that from a team boss perspective?
I’m probably the worst person to ask because I rarely watch the races!
Although my body can’t do it anymore, my mind still wants to be out there racing, so I struggle to watch. I usually sit in the awning following the live timing or the live stream — although sometimes Andy is already back telling me where he finished before the stream has even caught up!
From my perspective the most important thing was the feedback Andy was giving me about the bike. That allowed me to keep making adjustments and we really seemed to gel well together as a team that weekend.
We’re a very family-orientated team, which helps riders relax and focus on their job.
Andy also set a sensational new lap record of 38.481 seconds. That must have been the perfect ending to the weekend?
That lap record was just the icing on the cake of what had already been a magical week.
We’d just returned from the Southern 100, where Andy had also won races, then drove straight to Aberdare and ended up with wins there too.
To come away with the Welsh Open Title and the lap record, well that was the icing, the cherries, the chocolate sprinkles and probably a few JD’s on top as well!
Looking ahead to the new season, what are the team’s plans for 2026?
We’re flat out preparing for the season. The plan is to contest several events including the North West 200, Isle of Man TT, Scarborough, and the Manx Grand Prix with various riders.
And of course we’ll be returning to Aberdare Park — this time with the number one plate, which is always something special.
You’ve spoken before about your love for Aberdare Park. What makes the event so special to you?
Aberdare has always felt like family to me. One of the riders who raced for me on the Fabien Foret R6, Mark Buckley, sadly lost his life at the North West 200. Mark’s father Jimmy invited me back to Aberdare when a corner was named after him. I was incredibly proud to be there.
Despite being in a wheelchair at the time, Derek and the team lifted me onto Mark’s bike so I could take part in the parade lap. They even caught me when I came back in and put me back in my chair!
I was a coal miner myself for 15 years and from the first time I came to Aberdare it always felt like home. The people are fantastic.
Last year I stopped on the hill by the bandstand and looked around the park. The setting is beautiful, the people are brilliant and the atmosphere is incredible.
What more could you want?
Tickets for Aberdare Park Road Races 2026 are on sale! Click below to get your hands on tickets what is expected to be another epic year!
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