Interview | We spoke to TH Racing ahead of a busy 2026 and all things Aberdare Park Road Races
- aprremail
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
With a rich history in road racing and a reputation built on dedication, resilience and passion for the sport, TH Racing have become a respected name on the roads in recent years. Led by Trev Harbinson and Willis Marshall, the Northern Ireland–based team scheduled to. return to Aberdare Park Road Races in 2026 after a year away, bringing with them a busy race programme, a formidable rider line-up and a continued commitment to grassroots road racing. We caught up with Trev and Willis to discuss their plans for the new season, the challenges facing independent teams, and why Aberdare Park remains one of the most special events on the calendar.
The start of another season on the roads is upon us, and TH Racing have another busy schedule ahead of them. What are your plans for 2026 and what are your ambitions going into the new season?
This will probably be our busiest season to date, with no less than seven machines at our disposal. The new rule changes for TT 2026 regarding the Next Generation regulations in the Supersport class have presented a few challenges. We have two 2024/25 Supersport 600 Hondas which are eligible for the North West 200 and other events, but it became a bit of a headache trying to juggle the costs of either converting those bikes or purchasing fully prepared Next Gen machines.
In the end, we decided to retain our Supersport Hondas and acquire two Next Generation 600 Hondas previously raced by Nathan Harrison in 2025. Alongside the 600s, we’ll be running two Aprilia RS660s for the Twins races, as well as the Hywel Griffiths ER650 Kawasaki, so there’s certainly plenty to keep us busy.
As you’ll know, we’ve signed South African rider AJ Venter and Yorkshire’s Joey Thompson, with the possibility of giving young Loris Britton an opportunity in selected races during 2026. As always, our aim is to compete competitively, safely, and above all to enjoy ourselves. If we can better our 2025 results, we’d say we’ve had a successful 2026.
Despite TH Racing only being a few years old, you’ve both been in the game for many years. For those who may not be aware, can you tell us how TH Racing was formed and how you’ve progressed during this brief time?
Trevor Harbinson is the linchpin of the team — the main man. TH Racing came about after both Trevor and myself (Willis Marshall) had a brief stint with the former Wilson Craig Racing Team. One night we got talking, and as Trevor already owned one of the 600 Hondas being used by Wilson Craig, we decided to have a crack at it ourselves.
Between us, we’ve been involved in the sport for longer than we’d like to remember, with associations including Darren Lindsay, Richard Britton, Robert and William Dunlop, Jason Griffiths and Michael Pearson. Our first rider as a team was Ty Jones, whom we all got on well with. Since then, we’ve introduced riders such as Jay Bellers-Smith, AJ Venter, James Chawke, and now Joey Thompson and AJ Venter for this season.
Every year has been a steep learning curve, and we’re committed to progressing step by step, season by season.
We have to talk about the Isle of Man TT and the obstacles that independent teams need to overcome during TT fortnight. What are the biggest challenges for TH Racing during that magical period on the island?
Let’s make no bones about it — the TT Races are the Mecca of road racing. Nothing else comes close. There’s probably no greater or more anxious feeling than seeing one of your machines blast off the start line at the TT. No drug could give you that feeling — it’s surreal.
For a private team like ours, the hurdles and costs are extreme. We cover all shipping and logistics ourselves — some people think the organisers pay for travel, but the reality is we pay for everything. Accommodation for the team, general expenses, and relying on team members to take three weeks off work is a huge ask.
Thankfully, we have a brilliant group of lads who never question it. Quite frankly, if they weren’t there, neither would we be.
Road racing is at the heart of what TH Racing does. Do you think the sport is in a healthy place, or are there things that need to be done to make it more sustainable?
That’s a difficult question. If you’d asked us in 2020, we’d have said it was on a downward slope. Thankfully, the Southern Irish roads look set to return, and with the possibility of the Ulster Grand Prix coming back in 2027, it feels like the sport is on the rebound.
Insurance remains the biggest issue. Clubs struggle to secure the financing they need, and personally, we’d like to see mandatory admission charges at road races where practical. It wouldn’t work at the NW200 or TT, but if spectators contributed just a few pounds or joined clubs as sleeping members, it could make a huge difference. We can’t continue with free viewing — those days are long gone.
Fuchs Silkolene returning as a key partner for 2026 is a significant boost. How vital are relationships with sponsors and technical partners?
Having sponsors like Fuchs Silkolene is absolutely vital — it’s hard to overstate just how important they are. Without sponsors, everything from planning to competing becomes uncertain. With a partnership like this, the weight is lifted, knowing your machines are running the best lubricants possible, which gives peace of mind from team to rider.
Every sponsor matters, whether it’s £500 or thousands — each one is a spoke in the TH Racing wheel. Remove one spoke and the wheel becomes weaker. A lot of my time is spent keeping sponsors informed before and after race meetings and ensuring they receive maximum exposure. Social media is a powerful tool when used correctly, and some teams could do far more to showcase their partners. The tools are there — use them.
You’re both big supporters of Aberdare Park Road Races and have sponsored the event in the past. What is it about Aberdare that you love?
Simple — it’s unique. Aberdare will never be the TT, and vice versa. Each is its own special, one-off event. First and foremost, the organisation is faultless. We built a strong relationship with Derek Smith early on, and he and his team go out of their way to make our weekends as stress-free as possible.
The Welsh people are incredible — some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. There aren’t many events where you’re counting down the days on the calendar, but Aberdare is one of them. It generates a feeling like no other national road race. We’ve said before that Aberdare is a jewel in the road racing calendar, and we still stand by that. Pure class.
Do you feel events like Aberdare Park are becoming increasingly important in keeping the sport accessible and visible to new fans?
One hundred percent. Aberdare is a foundation stone of road racing culture — one that may have been hidden in the past. The organisers, particularly the public relations team, have elevated the event massively in recent years. The introduction of King of the Roads coverage by Greenlight Television proves that. Aberdare is now talked about, not whispered. Whatever they’re doing, it’s working.
TH Racing returns to Aberdare Park in 2026. What are your plans regarding riders and classes?
We haven’t looked too far ahead just yet, but we won’t disappoint. Joey Thompson will be our number one rider in 2026 and will compete in the Park Challenge and Welsh Open races, as well as the Supertwins class — so he’ll be kept busy. Whether we field a second rider remains to be seen, but we’re confident that we will.
Finally, what message would you like to send to fans at Aberdare Park who will see TH Racing back on the grid next year?
Just come out and support the event — whether we’re there or not. Every team and rider deserves support. There are many great teams at Aberdare Park each year, all of whom we respect immensely. Riders, teams, organisers, marshals and fans — we’re all part of one big family.
Support the club, support the riders, and respect the beautiful town and park that hosts one of our favourite race meetings of the year. And who knows… maybe the Ace of Aberdare awards will be resurrected in 2026.
Early Bird tickets for the Samco Sport Aberdare Park Road Races 2026 are now on sale and available until 2nd February. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early and take advantage of frozen prices via the official website:
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