Interview | Will Burchell Targets Big 2026 Season with AKR Racing
- aprremail
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
Local rider Will Burchell has confirmed an exciting set of plans for the 2026 road racing season, with a return to the iconic Aberdare Park Road Races firmly on the calendar.
After several successful seasons working alongside Ross Williams and RWEC Ltd Racing, Burchell is embarking on a new chapter that promises fresh challenges and major opportunities on the international road racing scene.
Burchell has been quick to acknowledge the role that Ross Williams and RWEC Racing have played in his development over the past three years. Their partnership has delivered strong results and valuable experience across both circuit racing and road racing events. For Burchell, the support and belief shown by Williams helped lay the foundation for the next stage of his career.
While 2026 marks a change in team colours, Burchell has made it clear that the relationship remains an important part of his journey, crediting Williams for helping him reach the level he now competes at.
For the upcoming season, Burchell will join AKR Racing, a team with proven pedigree at the Manx Grand Prix, Classic TT and the Irish circuits. The move will see him campaign a Honda CBR600RR, with testing scheduled at Mondello Park as preparations ramp up ahead of the season.
The partnership with AKR Racing presents an opportunity to build on the momentum from recent road racing performances, including a top-five finish at the Manx Grand Prix in 2026.
For fans in South Wales, Burchell’s confirmed return to the Aberdare Park Road Races will be a particularly exciting addition to the grid, after picking up a podium during last year’s Welsh Open Title.
With his career trajectory continuing to rise, Burchell will undoubtedly be one of the riders to watch when the event returns.
Will, you’ve spent the last few seasons working closely with Ross Williams at RWEC Racing. How important has that partnership been to your development as a rider?
Working with Ross has been huge for my development. The chances he’s given me have really helped build my confidence as a rider. He’s always backed me but never forced anything, which allowed me to learn the roads properly and really understand places like the Isle of Man. That kind of support gives you the space to develop at your own pace and grow into it.
A good example of that was Aberdare — my first time there and I managed to win two heats on the RWEC bikes. It absolutely hammered down all Saturday but everything just clicked. Sunday was drying out and I actually crashed twice, but Ross never had an issue. That kind of backing makes a massive difference when you’re learning.
For 2026 you’re starting a new chapter with AKR Racing — how did that opportunity come about?
It actually started in the Tandragee paddock in 2025. We got chatting to a lady there, had a bit of craic and kept in touch afterwards. Heather, who’s involved with the team, and I had spoken last year about the possibility of riding for them at some point.
Then about two weeks ago I got a message asking what my plans were for the season and whether I’d like the ride. From there it all came together pretty quickly.
AKR Racing have had strong results at the Manx Grand Prix in recent years. How exciting is it to join a team with that pedigree?
It’s really exciting. The team has had a lot of success racing in Ireland and have won a few championships along the way.
2025 was their first attempt at the Manx Grand Prix with Don Gilbert, and I believe he achieved his best result on the AKR bike while getting close to the 120mph lap mark. From what I can see the bikes are definitely capable, so it’s a great opportunity for me.
You’ve got a busy schedule planned with the North West 200 (pending approval), Manx Grand Prix, Masters Championship and Aberdare Park. What are your main goals for the season?
The goals are pretty simple really. I want to arrive at the Manx with plenty of bike time under my belt, be lighter than last year, and get as close to that 120mph lap as possible — ideally break it.
I’ve actually just finished a 92-hour fast and dropped 6.5kg, so the aim is to be leaner, meaner and keener in 2026. That’s the motto!
You’ll be returning to Aberdare Park once again for 2026 after a successful 2025. What did that Welsh Open podium mean to you and the team?
If I’m being completely honest, I probably ended up there a bit by default. Ryan (Dixon) had issues on the Sunday and Joey (Lambden) had problems on Saturday. I didn’t quite have the pace to go with them on the day.
That said, standing on the podium at Aberdare was still really special. Getting onto the Welsh Open podium there is childhood dream stuff. But realistically I know I need to find another second or so to properly fight with those boys — and when that happens, the podium will feel truly earned.
You’ve mentioned the Isle of Man TT in 2027 as the ultimate goal. How does the 2026 season help build towards that?
The TT has always been the big goal. I’d love the opportunity to ride a big bike around the Mountain Course.
For now the focus is on building through the Manx. If everything goes well in 2026 and we can get seeded, that would be a big step forward. In 2025 we managed four top-20 finishes, so hopefully that puts us in with a chance of securing that top-20 start position. That’s a really valuable place to be during practice week.
Last year we learned a lot. We only rode the twin twice in practice and even sat out the Friday session to save the bikes, but still managed 29 laps during the week which helped the flow start to come together. This year I’m going back with a slightly different mindset. It’s still a spin with the boys — just a faster one. The rest of the season is about getting as much bike time as possible and continuing to build.
Road racing takes a lot of dedication behind the scenes — what motivates you to keep pushing towards that dream?
The roads paddock is something you don’t fully understand until you’ve spent time in it. The people are incredible — everyone’s friendly and supportive, even your rivals. You build real friendships in that environment.
And the roads themselves are addictive. Where else do you get that feeling of riding right on the limit? No matter what pace you’re doing, the danger is always there and that thrill never goes away. It’s about building your pace, improving lap by lap, learning to relax and let the bike flow.
But most of all it’s the fun, the support from people following along, and the messages you get from fans. All of that keeps you motivated.
At the end of the day, I’m just a kid living his dream in an old man’s body.
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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