Imatra Road Races to be held in June next year instead of early July

Motorcycle racing has a long tradition in Imatra. From 1964 up to and including 1982, the Finnish Grand Prix was even held at the circuit not far from the Russian border. Following the fatal accident involving the Scottish sidecar world champion Jock Taylor, the natural race track – which even back then was considered too dangerous by countless riders – was dropped from the world championship calendar.

From 2016 until last year, the event – which also attracted TT winners such as Michael Dunlop and Peter Hickman – formed part of the International Road Racing Championship (IRRC). After the IRRC had scrapped the Superbike class following the 2025 season, the European Series Road Racing (ESR) Superbike races were held for the first time in early July this year on the circuit named after Finland’s only solo world champion, Jarno Saarinen.

Next year, the races on the street circuit will take place as early as June. The event is being brought forward from its traditional date in early July to 18–20 June. This decision was taken by the organiser, the Imatra Motor Club, in consultation with the town authorities, due to the international racing calendar and the general events calendar in the region.

A key factor was the fact that the Czech Tourist Trophy, which is held annually in August in Horice, will take place in July in 2027 due to roadworks. As the races in Chimay are also scheduled for July, there would be too many road races that month, and the organiser fears this could reduce the number of international riders competing in Finland.