MOTORCYCLING legend Carl Fogarty is looking forward to meeting a local hero when he rides into the region next month.

Carl, four times World Superbike Champion and multiple TT winner, will be the star attraction at Llangollen’s popular Motorbike Show.

And he is full of praise for Llangollen TT rider Paul Owen who was awarded the inaugural Spirit of the TT award at this year’s races.

Paul was following his friend, New Zealander Paul Dobbs, during the Supersport race at the TT when Paul Dobbs crashed.

Paul Owen stopped, dismounted and gave up his own race ambitions to assist marshals at the incident, warning other racers of debris in the road. Sadly, Paul Dobbs suffered fatal injuries in the high-speed crash at Ballagarey.

Carl said: “What Paul Owen did in giving up his own race chances to stop and help was fantastic and really does sum up the spirit of the TT.”

Foggy, as he is affectionately known by fans, says he cannot wait to catch up with visitors to the Llangollen event.

He said: “I always enjoyed great support from Welsh fans, particularly at Assen for the Dutch rounds of the World Superbike Championships.

“Assen was always a favourite track of mine and I was always amazed at the number of British fans, many from Wales, who made the journey over to cheer me on.

“I know Llangollen pretty well and have done some trial riding around the area. In fact I even had some success racing in Wales.

“In 1986, 1987 and 1988 I won the 250cc and 1,000cc events at Aberdare at a time when I was learning my trade and before I moved up to superbikes.”

He added: “I know the show has only been going a few years but it’s already got a big reputation. It’s a great place to have a motor cycle show and there’s a good mix
of different things and attractions taking place.”

Organiser David Green, managing director of Xuberance Events, says this year’s show will be bigger and better than ever.

He said: “The local biking fraternity has given us fantastic support from the outset.
“This is a show for bikers from all disciplines, from the vintage and classic bikes right through to the road racing bikes.”

The Motorbike Show takes place at the Royal International Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday, August 7 and 8.

Among the displays at the show will be beautiful old bikes from the collection of
Llangollen Motor Museum proprietor Gwilym Owen.