Tradition Meets Progress: Race Director Derek Smith on the Growth and Future of Aberdare Park Road Races

This feature was produced as part of a sports journalism student’s project, exploring the stories and partnerships that shape road racing today. This is the second part of a few interviews that will be published in the coming weeks and months.

In recent years, Aberdare Park Road Races has undergone a period of remarkable growth, both in terms of exposure and attendance. With TV coverage, live streaming, and an ever-expanding fanbase, the event has evolved into a modern road racing spectacle — while still retaining the unique heritage and atmosphere that has defined it since the 1950's.

We sat down with Race Director Derek Smith, to discuss the challenges, the achievements, and the vision behind steering Aberdare Park into a new era.

Derek, over the last couple of years, Aberdare Park Road Races has seen huge growth in exposure and attendance. From your perspective as Race Director, what do you think has been the key driver for this progress?

“Well, that’s a starter for 10 with a bonus for 20 if ever there was!” Derek laughs.

“In truth, we are right in the middle of a major stage of expansion — both commercially and in terms of popularity. On the commercial side, we’ve really flourished in a short space of time, which has always been part of the long-term plan. Popularity-wise, we’ve exploded thanks to our marketing strategy, television, and now live streaming. For us, it really does feel like part of a dream coming true.

“Online ticket sales increased, but we would like to see our gates increase a bit more each year. I think this year was largely down to the date clashing with World Superbikes and that’s something very much on our radar to get right. But ultimately, this progress comes down to one thing: pure dedication and teamwork. That sentence sums it up perfectly.”

What has been the biggest challenge in balancing the tradition and heritage of Aberdare Park with the modern developments like live streaming, increased sponsorship, and international attention?

“The heritage of the event dictates that we keep things as traditional and manual as possible. That means handballing equipment, keeping the parkland setup authentic, and making sure the event retains its atmosphere."

“That said, we have to embrace modern improvements where safety and progress demand it — things like safety crash barriers alongside hay bales, advanced safety equipment, and professional ambulance services instead of just relying on St John’s and a stretcher."

“Live streaming has been a massive positive. It connects us with an armchair audience, gives sponsors direct exposure, and helps raise international awareness. It’s all part of returning Aberdare Park to the world stage, but while never losing sight of what makes it special.”

Race Director Derek Smith at Aberdare Park Road Races 2025

The TV deal and live streaming have taken the event to a global audience. How important has that been for the future of the races?

“Quite honestly, it’s been a godsend. It safeguards the future of what is a very prestigious event. Without that exposure, events like ours can struggle, but with it, the future feels much more secure.”

Aberdare Park is a unique circuit in the UK and globally. How do you keep that “magic” while also making improvements for riders, teams, and fans?

“This is where precise planning comes into play. Running modern machines in a traditional race format, set in a Victorian park, is magical. It’s completely unique, and once you’ve experienced it, you carry it for a lifetime. That magic is something we’ll never lose.”

Looking back, what’s the biggest behind-the-scenes achievement you and the team have made in the last two years that fans may not realise?

“Easy — the recruitment and formation of the APRR media and photography team. The results are overwhelming. I might be the Race Director and financier of the event, the one who takes the bullets but there’s one man spearheading our media efforts, and I hope he continues for many, many years to come. We all work brilliantly together in that department, and I think other events and organisations could learn from it.”

What is your vision for the event in the next 3–5 years?

“My vision is clear: to keep growing, to safeguard the heritage, and to make sure Aberdare Park continues to stand tall on the world stage of road racing. I’d love to see us attract even more international interest while maintaining that close community feel that makes the Park so special.”

Finally, how do you personally measure success for Aberdare Park?

“For me, success isn’t just about crowd numbers, rider turnout, or sponsorships — though they all matter. It’s about fans leaving with a smile, riders wanting to return, and everyone feeling that Aberdare magic. That’s the true measure.”