The penultimate and fifth round in the 2024 season took place amidst a weekend of sidecar nostalgia at Cadwell park in Lincolnshire.

Friday was an official practice day for those teams who registered interest in some last-minute testing before the three points-scoring races over the weekend. It was very hot and humid, giving cause to hope the race days would be better. That turned out to be the case. A good turn-out included all the top runners in the current points table, plus reigning world champions Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement, and former and eight-times world champion Tim Reeves with Mark Wilkes alongside. Other world championship contestants out to impress were the Christie brothers Sam and Tom, and Kevin Cable/Charlie Richardson. All these big names having an occasional ride, were bound to cause problems for the dedicated British Championship regulars. Saturday was indeed much cooler, with qualifying set to be late morning, and the first of three races later in the afternoon. However, the weather took a turn for the worse as free practice loomed, with several top teams choosing not to go out. Steady rain persisted for most of the morning ahead of qualifying.

Qualifying

The scheduled twenty-minute session was reduced to fifteen because of crashes and other delays in the programme. From the word go, Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney made their intentions clear, vying for dominance with Sam and Tom Christie, with Todd Ellis/Emmanuelle Clement never far behind. Sam and Jack Laidlow confirmed their pace as members of the elite group with yet another mature and impressive performance.

Tim Reeves and Mark Wilkes, still needing track time on the long bike, ended up heading row four, but did significantly better in the race to underline that point.

Steve Kershaw having a reunion ride with Stuart Clark did not seem totally at home this weekend, but with three races ahead of them, they would give it everything they had as they always did together. So, it was Blackstock and Rosney for DHR racing on the front row alongside the Hannafin Yamaha of the Christies.

Race One

From the lights it looked as if Sam Christie already had it done, but Blackstock, slower away than usual, made a move inside at Coppice to take the lead, never to relinquish the place. The race was shortened to ten laps, and he and Paddy had to make every single one count. They had the Christies climbing all over them for most of the race with a similar battle between Ellis/Clement and the Laidlow brothers behind. For the youngsters to be in this situation lap after lap shows how far they have come, and they acquitted themselves brilliantly throughout. Fourth place was a good place to be as the three in front were all being defensive.

Behind this very rapid quartet came an equally thrilling scrap featuring Kershaw/Clark, Paul and Tom Kirby, and eight-times world champion Tim Reeves/Mark Wilkes.

Reeves eventually fought his way through, choosing his moments carefully, but by that time, the front four were away in an enthralling battle which lasted the entire race. Short of a crazy move from either one of them, there was no way past the leaders Blackstock/Rosney who rode intelligently and with consistent lap times to keep the Christies at bay.

Victory for Blackstock/Rosney moved them to within a point and a half of the overall series lead behind Laidlow, with Kershaw slipping further behind on points difference in sixth place.

This was a great example of clean, fast and stylish sidecar racing boding well for the remaining two on Sunday.

Result

1/ Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney (DHR Yamaha)
2/ Sam/Tom Christie (Hannafin Yamaha)
3/ Todd Ellis/Emmanuelle Clement (Brookland Yamaha)
4/ Sam/Jack Laidlow (Laidlow Racing Yamaha)
5/ Tim Reeves/Mark Wilkes (Bonovo Action Adolf RS Yamaha)
6/ Steve Kershaw/Stuart Clark (Blinkbonny Quarry Yamaha)
7/ George Holden/Oscar Lawrence (Holden Racing Kawasaki)
8/ John Holden/Clement Conil (John Holden Racing Yamaha)
9/ Paul Kirby/Tom Kirby (KRT Racing Adolf RS Yamaha)
10/ Kevin Cable/Charlie Richardson (L&W Contractors Yamaha)

Race Two

Sunday dawned chilly but dry, set to be fair all day for the two upcoming races. Everyone was looking forward to a renewal of the fantastic action from Saturday, and they were not disappointed. The race was red flagged after two laps with Blackstock and Rosney leading, when George Holden’s Kawasaki blew the engine and deposited oil on a large section of the circuit.

A full restart over fourteen laps saw Blackstock again repeat his form off the line to lead from the Laidlows, Ellis/Clement and the Christie brothers. Four laps in, and Reeves/Wilkes had won their personal battle with Kershaw and were closing on fourth place when the Christie brothers pulled off into pit lane, unhappy with the dust from the oil spill. The outfit felt unstable under these conditions, and they felt it was too risky to continue.

Nonetheless, the race went on with Todd Ellis claiming the lead, just as the Blackstock outfit slowed with throttle body trouble. They did make the finish but gave away more points to Laidlow. Their challenge to the Laidlow brothers in the standings was therefore dented and put on hold.

Ellis/Clement made the most of the advantage, opening a seven second gap from the Reeves/Wilkes Yamaha Adolf RS, now sitting second ahead of Kershaw/Clark. Sam and Jack Laidlow slackened the pace with clutch issues, dropping back to a safe fourth ahead of Cup runners-up Paul and Tom Kirby. This race lost its sparkle with Blackstock dropping back and the Christie bothers departing the scene, but there was no taking away from the victory of Ellis/Clement and a good second from Reeves/Wilkes.

Result

1/ Ellis/Clement
2/ Reeves/Wilkes
3/ Kershaw/Clark
4/Laidlow/Laidlow
5/ Kirby/Kirby
6/ Cable/Richardson
7/ Blackstock/Rosney
8/ Peach/Edwards
9/ Bell/Colbrook
10/ Pottinger/Dodds

Race Three

This one saw Todd Ellis/Emmanuelle Clement on their Brookland Yamaha on pole by virtue of their race two fastest lap, with the “now-fixed” DHR Yamaha of Blackstock/Rosney alongside. The Laidlows and Reeves/Wilkes were on row two, with Steve Kershaw and his former championship-winning passenger Stuart Clark lining up with the Christie brothers. Once again, the Blackstock outfit pulled off a magical start to eclipse Ellis off the line and into the lead at Coppice.

We were then treated to a six-outfit train as Blackstock, Ellis, Laidlow, Reeves, Kershaw and Christie circulated in a high-speed convoy. This was building to a fantastic twelve-lapper when on lap four, Reeves visibly slowed and pulled out of the race with technical issues. That was a shame for him, but his loss was Kershaw’s gain, with the two Scots having another good ride this time out, very much in touch with the front. Meanwhile, Ellis was closing, then dropping back in a fascinating game of see-saw with the gap never more than two seconds.

A final push in the closing stages saw him right on the back of Blackstock and Rosney, but the red outfit had enough of a cushion to hold it to the flag and twenty-five points. Lap times always around two seconds shy of Ellis’s record set in 2022, but there has been a change of tyre supplier since then, so who knows?

Blackstock’s win moved him back to within two and a half points of leaders Sam and Jack Laidlow in the overall standings, with Steve Kershaw having used a third passenger this weekend now up to third having overtaken the unfortunate George Holden/Oscar Lawrence.

Result

1/ Blackstock/Rosney
2/ Ellis/Clement
3/ Laidlow/Laidlow
4/ Kershaw/Clark
5/ Christie/Christie
6/ Holden/Conil
7/ Cable/Richardson
8/ Kirby/Kirby
9/ Peach/Edwards

Overall points table

Laidlow 236.5
Blackstock 234
Kershaw 174
G. Holden 164
Kirby 126
Biggs 121
J. Holden 95
Christie 85
Clarke 80
Ellis 67

All other updated standing will be available here on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk and also on www.tsl-timing.com.

The final round with season closing two races comes from Brands Hatch mid-October.

It’s that time of year again, and the epic surroundings of Cadwell Park will once again ring to the sounds of yesteryear as sidecars from six decades line up to compete, excite, and entertain. This popular Lincolnshire circuit provides the perfect backdrop for period racing, as it was a much-celebrated venue over the entire period during which sidecar racing evolved. The Revival meeting has become a regular feature on the Cadwell Park calendar and will again attract friends and fans old and new to its unique atmosphere.

The high point of the weekend for modern-day followers of the sport is the British Sidecar Championship, recognised as the premier series for long chassis F1 600cc outfits. A six-round series, Cadwell brings us to the penultimate round, with three races on the programme, before we head to Brands Hatch for the season finale in mid-October. It has been a fascinating year to this point, as a new pairing from Dufton in Cumbria lead both the overall standings and their Cup class rankings.

Sam and Jack Laidlow head for Cadwell with a slender eight and a half-point lead over Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney. Pre-season favourites Lewis and Paddy were totally dominant last year at Cadwell, so they will be tough opposition for the young pretenders.

Ultra-consistent George Holden and Oscar Lawrence sit third overall, second in the GP class, and are fighting a rear-guard action against the advancing Steve Kershaw/Ryan Charlwood on the Blinkbonny Quarry Yamaha. The Lauder-based Kershaw has forsaken his World Championship challenge and arrives at Cadwell determined to make up the deficit from missing the opening round in Wales. With three races and seventy-five points up for grabs, he has every chance. Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers have had an eventful but successful campaign, sitting nicely in the top five in both sets of points.

Behind Laidlow in the Cup class, there is a three-way punch-up featuring Paul/Tom Kirby, Craig Clarke/Peter Ensor and Rob Atkinson/Josh Smith, all of whom are well clear of Andy Peach/Ken Edwards. Two of the above teams ride the Adolf RS chassis in contrast to the favoured LCR machine. There is nothing between these three teams in the standings.

The Cadwell Park weekend presents the perfect opportunity to see F1 sidecar racing from the best in Britain whilst giving the spectators the chance to mingle and catch up with heroes, old friends, and many celebrities from this very special sporting family.

We wish everyone a thoroughly enjoyable time, and to leave with that nice warm feeling we all get when we walk among like-minded people.

There is no live Eurosport TV involvement, although some independent Youtube Channel coverage is planned to be available after the event.

Meanwhile, stay across all the news and updates as they happen here on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

This weekend kickstarted part two of the six-round season, and there was no better place to be than the Snetterton 300 Circuit. This round sponsorship was courtesy of Lifesafety Systems, a Kent-based fire and safety organisation.

Fewer than twenty outfits made the journey, with the Crowe brothers and Tim Reeves/Mark Wilkes opting for the Southern 100 instead. Also absent were Sam and Tom Christie with their Hannafin Yamaha. This left the door open for Steve Kershaw/Ryan Charlwood and Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney to challenge the Laidlow brothers for prime honours.

Free practice gave the teams six laps to find their feet, and as predicted, just four tenths of a second split the top three teams. There was nothing between the two GP crews of Blackstock and Kershaw, with Laidlow some three tenths behind.

Qualifying

Friday weather was kind, so the track was in perfect order for the teams to aim for grid positions. The battle between the top three continued into this session, with George Holden/Oscar Lawrence maintaining their watching brief in fourth on the Holden Racing Kawasaki. As the only Cup class outfit in the top four, Sam and Jack Laidlow were more than holding their own, with both the outright and Cup class leads at stake.

The Paul and Tom Kirby ARS outfit was very closely matched with Phil Bell/Phil Hyde on the Marin Motorsports Yamaha, but their main threats in the Cup class war, Craig Clarke/Peter Ensor, appeared to be off the pace on the Honda. Rob Atkinson/Josh Smith on the other hand, were getting the hang of the long bike and claimed tenth fastest.

Meanwhile, pole position went to Blackstock and Rosney, with the DHR Yamaha two tenths ahead of Kershaw/Charlwood sharing the front row.

The Laidlow brothers headed up row two from George Holden, with John Holden alongside Biggs/Segers on row four. Ferry Segers had an earlier incident, flying down the tarmac, but was unharmed. He jumped back in and did his job well. All sixteen entrants contested qualifying, with series promoter Andy Peach heading up row six alongside Clarke/Ensor. With wet weather predicted for the two races, Peach/Edwards could well benefit in adverse conditions. The sole F2 Suzuki outfit of Billy Pearson/Jon Restall was outside the 115% of pole time but would contest the races from the back.

Race One

On a day when the weather had been extreme, with delays throughout the race programme, sidecars came to the line early evening to a wet track bathed in new sunshine. From the lights, Blackstock and Rosney made their usual lightning start to lead from Steve Kershaw and Charlwood. The conditions threw up some surprising names, with Andy Peach/Ken Edwards in fourth place and Phil Bell/Phil Hyde charging past the Laidlow brothers to attack the front. All this frantic action was on the opening lap, and was shaping up to be a fascinating race, when Bell/Hyde upended early on lap two to bring out the red flag. All teams returned to pit lane to be told the evening curfew had brought an end to proceedings for the day. The result was cancelled with a new race scheduled for Sunday morning. Sadly, Phil Bell collected a broken collarbone in the incident, so he was heading back to Bedlington.

Race One restart

In bright sunshine, Blackstock and Rosney again stole a march on Kershaw when the lights went out. A short five-lapper meant no time to waste, and everyone gave it their best shot. The Laidlows were initially in third, but George Holden/Oscar Lawrence grabbed the place on the opening lap. They had only borrowed it, and were obliged to hand it back one lap later when Sam and Jack Laidlow made a lovely move underneath to reclaim the place. That is where they stayed, seemingly unable to close on the leading pair.

At half race distance, Kershaw made his move at Murrays and took control at the front. That is where he stayed, looking very purposeful. Despite Blackstock’s best efforts, the gap at the flag was over one second.

Further back, a spirited fight between John Holden and Paul Kirby featured a strong passing move by the TT veteran who then set after Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers, sitting in a good fifth place. The Holden family were going well with George fourth and John sixth. World championship regulars Kevin Cable/Chaz Richardson were safe in eighth, ahead of a much-improved Rob Atkinson/Josh Smith. The RAF team have really got to terms with the long bike.

Back at the front, Kershaw sealed the win, his first of this season in this title chase.

Result

1/ Steve Kershaw/Ryan Charlwood (Blinkbonny Quarry LCR Yamaha)
2/ Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney (DHR Yamaha)
3/ Sam Laidlow/Jack Laidlow) Express Tyres Services/Pendragon Yamaha)
4/ George Holden/Oscar Lawrence (Holden Racing Kawasaki)
5/ Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers (Express Tyre Service/Santander Salt Yamaha)
6/ John Holden/Clement Conil (John Holden Racing Yamaha)
7/ Paul Kirby/Tom Kirby (KRT Racing Adolf RS Yamaha)
8/ Kevin Cable/Charlie Richardson (L&W Contractors Yamaha)
9/ Rob Atkinson/Josh Smith (Mecsia/RAF Engineering Adolf RS Yamaha)
10/ Craig Clarke/Peter Ensor (Centurion Packaging/Fineline Sealants Honda)

Race Two

Showers had once again plagued Snetterton during the afternoon, but things had settled down before the final race of the day.

Kershaw, by virtue of his race one speed, started on pole, but he was about to lose that advantage from the lights as Blackstock/Rosney made yet another of their flying starts to grab the lead up the straight. Again, Sam Laidlow ducked out of Kershaw’s wake, but hit Riches in third place. That was to be the Laidlow destiny for the entire race, but the top three were welded together in the early stages with Kershaw trying every move in the book to gain the lead.

Perseverance paid off, as they made the move at about half distance, and thereafter, fought off every attempt by Blackstock to reclaim the place. Inch by inch the duelling pair eased away from the Laidlows, finishing around ten seconds clear at the flag.

Meanwhile, behind them, we were treated to a family feud as George and John Holden scrapped lap after lap, with George getting the final verdict. They were also involved in a four-way fight as Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers staked their claim to an eventual sixth place.

Kevin Cable and Chaz Richardson on the L&W Contractors Yamaha showed their class, staying in touch throughout, just waiting to pick up some pieces if it all went wrong ahead. This race-long battle was a thoroughly entertaining spectacle which had us all enthralled.

Paul and Tom Kirby ran on at turn five, dropping them almost into the clutches of Rob Atkinson/Josh Smith, with Craig Clarke, Andy Peach and Gordon Pottinger completing the twelve finishers.

Blackstock rode a calculated weekend, safe in the knowledge that Steve Kershaw has a lot to do if he is to pass him in the title chase, whilst the series leaders, Sam and Jack Laidlow, are now just single figures ahead.

Result

1/ Kershaw/Charlwood
2/ Backstock/Rosney,
3/ Laidlow/Laidlow
4/ Holden/Lawrence
5/ Holden/Conil,
6/ Biggs/Segers
7/ Cable/Richardson
8/ Kirby/Kirby
9/ Atkinson/Smith
10/ Clarke/Ensor
11/ Peach/Edwards
12/ Pottinger/Dodds.

Round Five comes from the Cadwell Sidecar Revival over the weekend of August 3-4th, with three races on the programme.

Meanwhile, all results and championship standings are here, along with other news as it unfolds on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

Photo credits: Glyn Richardson

We are now at the halfway stage of this sidecar season as the series arrives at Snetterton over the weekend of 5-7 July. The first three rounds have been nothing short of sensational for Sam and Jack Laidlow from Dufton in Cumbria. From being virtual newcomers a couple of years ago, they lead the outright championship having taken three race victories.

Double victory last time out at Knockhill in atrocious conditions means they lead Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney by a slender twelve and a half points, whilst are unbeaten in the Cup class, enjoying a fifty-plus point lead.

GP class leaders Blackstock and Rosney have got work to do if they wish to oust the youngsters at the ultra-fast Norfolk circuit. Their focus will be exactly that going into part two of the year.

Expect also to see the battle lines drawn up between Blackstock, Steve Kershaw and Ryan Charlwood and Christie brothers Sam and Tom, fresh from a successful World Championship round recently in the Czech Republic.

They entertained us royally at Donington Park in round two, and the Snetterton track will doubtless provide the same level of competition.

George Holden/Oscar Lawrence sit third overall/second in class, but just need a touch more speed to stay with the leaders. They are extremely consistent however, and despite playing the long game, will be keen to find that speed at Snetterton. Holden senior John, Tim Reeves/Mark Wilkes and double IOM TT winners Ryan and Callum Crowe are also early entrants, so these class names will add colour and excitement to proceedings, if they make the journey. Rob Biggs and Ferry Segers are always in the hunt with the Express Tyre Services/Santander Salt Yamaha and head a bevy of long outfits all looking for points.

In the Cup class, watch out for Paul and Tom Kirby on their ARS Yamaha, and Craig Clarke/Pete Ensor with their Honda. They complete the top three behind the Laidlows.

Both races will be broadcast live on Eurosport, either in the TV transmission window of on the Eurosport App. Our Youtube Channel will also carry the races for your enjoyment an analysis.

Meanwhile, all results and championship standings are here, along with other news as it unfolds on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

Photo credits: Snap-it Photography
Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram

The teams would have something of a challenge to match the stunning action from the previous round at Donington, but if any track lends itself to close racing, it is the Knockhill circuit.

A relatively small turnout saw just thirteen outfits on track for free practice, with qualifying later Friday afternoon. Various domestic issues plus injuries kept several teams away and the session started in wet weather, although things improved deeper into it. Rob Biggs and Ferry Segers showed a clean pair of heels to the pack in the free session, repeating the speed we saw from Biggs on earlier appearances at Knockhill.

They were just ahead of John Holden using Clement Conil as stand-in passenger, and Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney fresh from two good rides at the TT. Local talent Steve Kershaw was enjoying the services of Justin Sharp in the absence of Ryan Charlwood who was working in France this weekend.

Qualifying

The twenty-minute session was in wet conditions, although blue sky prevailed towards the end. Due to the damp, it seemed some teams had problems getting their drive down, to the point where John Holden and his French passenger were seen deep in conversation as to positioning at that spot. John appeared happy, qualifying mid-pack just two seconds off pole.

The session was hotly contested between Blackstock/Rosney and Kershaw/Sharp with Sam and Jack Laidlow coming into the picture late on.

It was tit-for-tat as the times changed lap after lap, with the overall series leaders stealing pole position in the closing stages. Andy Peach/Ken Edwards had engine problems and did not register a time, They would be burning the midnight oil to make the grid.

Two-tenths split the top three, so this was going to be a great entertaining weekend.

Grid

1/ Laidlow/Laidlow
2/ Kershaw/Sharp
3/ Blackstock/Rosney
4/Bell/Hyde
5/ Biggs/Segers
6/ Holden/Lawrence
7/ Holden/Conil
8/ Bell/Colbrook
9/ Clarke/Ensor
10/ Atkinson/Smith

Race One

Torrential rain during the afternoon forced a delay in the schedule of well over one hour. The opening sidecar race got underway at around 7.15 pm in dubious conditions. There was standing water in some areas of the track, but that did not prevent Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney rocketing into the lead from the lights.

Duffus Dip was interesting first time around as Sam/Jack Laidlow diced with Steve Kershaw/Justin Sharp for second place. The Laidlow brothers got the verdict and set after Blackstock. These three outfits were then chased by a fast-starting Phil Bell and Phil Hyde, who held fourth place for the entire race.

Then on lap four, the Laidlow brothers made their move to take over at the front, and eventually hold that lead despite Blackstock trying hard every lap at the hairpin to reclaim the place. There is no doubting the improvement in the Laidlow brothers, they have stepped up to the next level and are now a real force to be reckoned with. Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney were as reliable as ever, just keeping their cool and playing the long game. They promoted themselves to with half a point of the GP class lead and are just eight and a half behind the Laidlows with around eight races still left to do. It’s going to be an interesting run-in to the Brands Finale.

The entire top six teams then remained in formation to a premature end of proceedings when the red flag came out on lap seven. This was brought about by a collision between Rob Biggs and Mick Bell when Rob made a move at the hairpin, only to aquaplane and collect the outfit in front.

This resulted in significant damage to Rob’s bike and a result was declared.

Half points were awarded due to the shortened nature of the race.

Result

1/ Sam/Jack Laidlow (Express Tyre Services/Pendragon Yamaha)
2/ Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney (Dave Holden Racing Yamaha)
3/ Steve Kershaw/Justin Sharp (Blinkbonny Quarry Yamaha)
4/ Phil Bell/Phil Hyde (Marin Motorsports Yamaha)
5/ George Holden/Oscar Lawrence (Holden Racing Kawasaki)
6/ John Holden/Clement Conil (John Holden Racing Yamaha)
7/ Andy Peach/Ken Edwards (Lifesafety Yamaha)
8/ Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers (Express Tyre Services Yamaha
9/ Atkinson/Smith (RAF Engineering/Mecsia Adolf RS)
10/ Moss/Hope (Lifesafety Yamaha)
11/Pring/Parkin (Shand Yamaha)

Race two

Once again the heavens had done their worst ahead of the mid-morning start, and the track was very wet. From the lights, the Laidlow brothers shot into the lead into Duffus dip and never looked back. They set fastest lap on lap eleven, eclipsing Blackstock’s time by one tenth.

Blackstock and Rosney were hard on their heels and despite trying every move in the book, that was how it stayed throughout. Spray from the fat Hoosiers was a major problem and lack of visibility affected overtaking moves.

Kershaw and Sharp were once again best of the rest, holding third place and bring it home for another podium in what had become quite a processional affair due to the poor visibility.

Phil Bell/Phil Hyde showed their knowledge of Knockhill with another strong fourth place.

The battle at the front though was fierce, and it was also good to see Rob Biggs and Ferry Segers back in action after a major repair overnight.

In the closing stages, sixth placed John Holden got it sideways on lap ten and turned upside down, with Andy Peach unable avoid the incident. He in turn went off the track and was out of the action as well. John had been scrapping once again with son George, and Rob Biggs inherited sixth place. A fine ride under the circumstances.

Knockhill always delivers great racing and even though the entry was low in numbers and the weather appalling, there was no shortage of drama and close racing.

If this weekend taught us anything, it cemented the opinion that the Laidlow brothers have arrived, they are here to stay. They are unbeaten in the cup class as well as holding the overall lead in the championship.

Result

1/ Laidlow/Laidlow
2/ Blackstock/Rosney
3/ Kershaw/Sharp
4/ Bell/Hyde
5/ Holden/Lawrence
6/ Biggs/Segers
7/ Clarke/Ensor,
8/ Atkinson/Smith
9/ Bell/Colbrook
10/ Moss/Hope
11/ Pring/Parkin.

Standings

Overall – Laidlow 140.5, Blackstock 128, G. Holden 106, Biggs 91,
Kershaw 72, Kirby 70, Clarke 62, P. Bell 53, Stevens 48, Christie 47

GP – Blackstock 132.5, G. Holden 128, Biggs 119, Kershaw 75, J. Holden 63,
Williams 60, Christie 47, Cable 28.

Cup – Laidlow 162.5, Clarke 110, Kirby 104, Atkinson 103, P. Bell 77,
Stevens 62, Peach 48, M. Bell 44, Moss 42, Nicol 16, Hauxwell 10.

Both Knockhill races will be aired on our Youtube Channel, whilst round four comes from the Snetterton 300 Circuit in Norfolk over the weekend of 5-7 July, so be sure to catch that and all other reports and news as it unfolds here on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

If the action we witnessed at Donington Park is a measure of what to expect north of the border, then the sidecar fans at Knockhill over the weekend of June 14-16 are in for a real treat. The close nature of the racing between three former and current World Championship teams was second to none.

Local stars Steve Kershaw and Ryan Charlwood gave it everything last time out, just missing out on the top step of the podium. They will be determined to right that wrong on home soil. Their two races put them straight in at ninth in the overall table, just five points adrift of the Christie brothers who emerged as top dogs from Donington with a win and second place.

Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney, in second place in the overall standings trail newcomers Sam and Jack Laidlow by eight points, and similarly George Holden/Oscar Lawrence by three points in the GP class. Knockhill suits Blackstock, and they will have every intention of improving that position.

Sensations of the season so far are Sam and Jack Laidlow (Express Tyres Services/Pendragon Services Yamaha) who have not only dominated the Cup class, but in terms of open race positions, are also on top of the pile in the overall standings. Their determined riding style will stand them in good stead at Knockhill provided they make a good start.

Eight times world champion Tim Reeves with Mark Wilkes is down to ride, and we eagerly await his input on the long GP bike, as his efforts so far have been restricted to bedding in his TT machine which he can now park up for a while.

A full grid will be a spectacle, and we have around twenty confirmed at the time of going to press. Both sidecar races will be in the Eurosport schedule, either for live transmission or on the Eurosport App.

The hairpin is the place to watch, as sidecars are notoriously difficult to get stopped and turned quickly. Knockhill always delivers good racing, so provided the mist stays up the mountain, we will have a cracking round three of this six-round series.

Both races will be aired on our Youtube Channel, with round four coming from the Snetterton 300 Circuit in Norfolk. Be sure to catch that and all other reports and news as it unfolds here on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

Photo credits: Snap-it Photography
Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram

One month since the opener, you could be forgiven for thinking the teams had forgotten how to race. Nothing could be further from the truth as action got underway at the brilliant Donington Park circuit over the weekend.

A great turnout and a complete array of talent made for yet another fascinating and entertaining mix to entertain the hordes of spectators descending on Leicestershire.

Just two vital races at Donington Park in this six-round series would mean every place and every point would count, and those teams who had missed round one, had to really maximise their chances.

We were treated to world-class performances from the leading trio of outfits, plus spirited and attacking rides from the entire field.

Friday arrival was under a grey, damp sky, heavy rain having fallen overnight. The forecast for an improvement was good, so a decent set of conditions for racing was expected. Free practice got things underway with Sam and Tom Christie setting the standard on the Hannafin Yamaha just ahead of Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney (DHR Yamaha), with Steve Kershaw/Ryan Charlwood next up on their Kershaw Racing Yamaha.

Tim Reeves and Mark Wilkes were out on their TT LCR short bike, bedding in a few things before departing for the Isle of Man.

Qualifying

The sun was out with a vengeance, and track conditions perfect for the one and only twenty-five-minute session.

It was a strong line-up comprised almost entirely of long GP and Cup class bikes with a couple of exceptions, one being the Tim Reeves/Mark Wilkes TT model, and the other the Suzuki LCR of Billy Pearson/Jon Restall.

Charlie Moss on the Lifesafety Yamaha had as passenger the seventeen-year-old, six-feet four-inch Josh Hope, having his third-only race. This pair is one of the youngest teams in terms of combined ages.

The opening flying lap put Sam and Tom Christie at the head of the pack with a 1.38.307.

The top teams were rapidly into the quicker times with Kershaw/Charlwood registering 1.35.794 after five laps, from the Christies followed by the ever- consistent Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney. Cup leaders, another young crew Sam/Jack Laidlow were fifth fastest at half-distance, ahead of Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers. The performance by the Laidlow siblings this season is nothing short of astonishing.

As the clock ticked down, pole position was going the way of Kershaw/Charlwood, with the Christies needing to find half a second to close the gap.

Blackstock/Rosney were a further two-tenths back, with the Holden/Lawrence Kawasaki fourth, but two seconds adrift.

Luke Williams/Jason Pitt sat ahead of the Laidlow brothers, as Paul/Tom Kirby pushed Rob Biggs back one more place with five minutes left on the clock.

Kershaw, still fastest, was around six-tenths shy of the lap record pace, held by Todd Ellis/Emmanuelle Clement, absent from the event due to the up-coming Isle of Man TT. Then with two minutes remaining, the Christie brothers nailed it, going under Kershaw’s time with a 1.35.692.

Grid

1/ Christie/Christie (Pole Position)
2/ Kershaw/Charlwood
3/ Blackstock/Rosney
4/ Holden/Lawrence
5/ Williams/Pitt
6/ Laidlow/Laidlow
7/ Biggs/Segers
8/ Kirby/Kirby
9/ P. Bell/Hyde,
10/ Reeves/Wilkes

Race One

It was late in the afternoon when the lights went out on the first race. Ten laps and twenty-five miles lay ahead of the field as they streamed into Redgate for the first time.

From pole position, Sam and Tom Christie (Hannafin Yamaha) just managed to hold the advantage from Steve Kershaw/Ryan Charlwood, with Blackstock/Rosney eyeing up the gap through the middle.

George Holden/Oscar Lawrence were slow to get going, as Luke Williams and Jason Pitt, slotted fourth, and despite putting in lap times around the 1.37’s, were obliged to call it a day after eight laps with electrical problems.

Holden gradually pulled through, fighting with Sam/Jack Laidlow all the way and following their every move. This took the rookies to fourth at the flag, with Holden/Lawrence close behind in fifth. The Kawasaki had lost its edge, and they were down on power as a result.

The Laidlow brothers, based on overall race results, now lead the complete field by nine points, from Blackstock/Rosney after this opening race. For a pair of newcomers, this is an astonishing feat.

Meanwhile, words can hardly describe the fierce action from the leading two outfits as lap after lap Kershaw/Charlwood tried every move in the book to muscle past the Christies. This was a terrific race at the front, with Kershaw setting the fastest lap of the race, and thus claiming pole position for race two.

There were good battles right down the field, with Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers giving a good showing until they hit trouble and dropped down to ninth place.

Tim Reeves/Mark Wilkes ran top ten early stages, but they too retired with continued mechanical issues. Another high-profile casualty was Kevin Cable, who spun the outfit on the last lap, taking him out of eighth place.

Result

1/ Christie/Christie (Hannafin Yamaha)
2/ Kershaw/Charlwood (Kershaw Racing Yamaha)
3/ Blackstock/Rosney (DHR Yamaha)
4/ Laidlow/Laidlow (Express Tyres/Pendragon Services Yamaha)
5/ Holden/Lawrence (Holden Racing Kawasaki)
6/ P.Bell/Hyde (Marin Motorsport Yamaha)
7/ Kirby/Kirby (KRT Adolf Yamaha)
8/ Clarke/Ensor (Centurion Packaging Honda)
9/ Biggs/Segers (Express Tyres/Santander Salt Yamaha),
10/ Atkinson/Smith (Adolf RS Mercia/RAFMSA Honda)

Race two

At the end of a gloriously sunny day, the sidecars brought proceedings to a close in fine style. A packed crowd had been treated to a stunning display by the Superbike stars and they were not keen to leave before all the action was over. It was vital therefore, that the sidecars put on a show, and that they certainly did. What unfolded was a breathtaking display of rivalry, track- craft and downright determination.

Steve Kershaw and Ryan Charlwood from pole position had a plan, and that meant making the most of the start and trying to gap the chasers. This they did, with Blackstock/Rosney slotting into second, with the Christie brothers third. Next up, with a flying start, came the precocious Laidlow brothers, ahead of Biggs/Segers, the Paul Kirby ARS and Holden/Lawrence.

Having been given a fresh engine overnight, the Kawasaki of Holden seemed to have more grunt, and they used every inch of it. Once past Kirby, the challenge to get by Biggs was a different proposition.

Sadly, for Tim Reeves, his gremlins were still at work, and he did not make the opening lap, just as Luke Williams was unable make it to the line with fuel problems.

For lap after lap the three rivals at the front were covered by a fraction of a second, with Blackstock and the Christies ducking right and left to gain a clear shot at race leaders Kershaw/Charlwood.

This was an enthralling race-long battle, with Holden making his way onto the back of the Laidlows at half distance to have a serious lunge at the Esses. An excursion across the gravel and a bit of contact was the result, but the Marin Motorsport boys held firm and that was how it stayed.

This was as good a race as we have seen in many seasons at the front with it all coming down to the last lap at the Melbourne Hairpin.

Under huge pressure, Kershaw went in just too hot, the front appeared to lock up at the apex and he ran wide. A delighted Lewis Blackstock was not going to pass that up, and followed by the Christies, shot through the gap.

Kershaw recovered to claim the final podium step from an impressive Laidlow pairing and an equally upbeat George Holden. Blackstock had certainly found something, as in his post-race interview, he stated they had taken nine seconds off their total race time. That is almost one second for
each lap.

British sidecar racing is alive and well, and this one was a fine example.

Result

1/ Blackstock/Rosney
2/ Christie/Christie
3/ Kershaw/Charlwood
4/ Laidlow/Laidlow
5/ Holden/Lawrence
6/ Biggs/Segers
7/ Bell/Hyde
8/ Kirby/Kirby
9/ Cable/Richardson
10/ Clarke/Ensor.

Standings

Are available on the British Sidecar Championship website and www.tsl-timing.com. There is now an additional table for the overall position as well as the individual class results.

Both Donington races will be aired on our Youtube Channel, and round three comes from the Knockhill Circuit in Fife, so be sure to catch that and all other reports and news as it unfolds here on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

Photo credits: Snap-it Photography
Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram

After a full month reflecting on the opening round in Wales, the teams are now ready for the next stage in the six-round championship. This takes place alongside the Bennetts British Superbike Championship on one of the most sidecar-friendly and iconic circuits in the country. Round Two takes place at Donington Park on the Grand Prix circuit over the weekend of 17-19 May.

The standings are close all down the field in both the premier “long-bike GP class” and the Cup series, with good support from established names and new blood alike.

Sidecar racing, by definition, is different, yet incredibly exciting to watch, and Donington offers a viewing experience second to none.

George Holden and Oscar Lawrence will be hell-bent on protecting their fragile series lead in the face of tough competition from pre-season favourites Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney. Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers and Luke Williams/Jason Pitt are also right up the front, with veteran John Holden/Matt Gordon in fourth. John is enjoying seeing his son mature and deliver good results. Blackstock gave away twenty-five points in the previous round and can ill-afford to do that now that Steve Kershaw and Ryan Charlwood have pledged support for the remainder of the season. On paper you must assume Kershaw will bring his world-class speed to Donington as he plays catch-up. It might not be that straightforward though, as also returning for this round are Sam and Tom Christie (Hannafin Contractors Yamaha) and Kevin Cable/Charlie Williams (L&W Contractors Yamaha). They, along with Kershaw, have been plying their trade at world level with many successes along the way. Eight-times World Champion Tim Reeves with Mark Wikes alongside, has also signalled his intention to do battle at Donington.

The Cup class will be no less thrilling as new names do battle, and we have Sam and Jack Laidlow, sons of TT star and Grand Prix sidecar driver Andy sitting atop the standings with a maximum ahead of round two.

Paul and Tom Kirby are next up just two ahead of former champion Ricky Stevens. The Crowe brothers head the F2 class, and it is hoped their preparation for the up-coming Isle of Man TT will not impede their participation.

A full grid across the three classes and two races over the weekend, along with Eurosport live TV or coverage on the Eurosport App, will guarantee another great sidecar racing weekend.

Live timing is on www.tsl-timing.com/Results/bsb and a full report of the event will follow here on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

Photo credits: Snap-it Photography
Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram

Round Two of the “new-look British Championship” takes place at Donington Park on the Grand Prix circuit over the weekend of 17-19 May.

The opening encounter in Wales got the season off to a great start with just twelve points splitting the top five teams in the GP class. George Holden and Oscar Lawrence have a slender one-point advantage over Rob Biggs and Ferry Segers, with Luke Williams/Jason Pitt just one point further back.

The Holden Racing Kawasaki duo have a reputation for a regular and methodical approach, and are now reaping the rewards.

Williams by contrast, is undeniably fast, but has yet to find that level of consistency, having suffered from mechanical woes at crucial moments. Biggs/Segers are very much a proven force, with Rob having vast experience at all levels of the sport.

Pre-season favourites, Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney did not make the best of the three-race weekend, with one DNF hitting what could easily have been a maximum. They now have work to do, particularly as double champions and FIM World top runners Steve Kershaw and Ryan Charlwood are back in the domestic chase for the full season.

The Cup class sees the birth of a new talent in the shape of Laidlow brothers Sam and Jack. They had a clean sweep in Wales and have since been scoring good points on the World stage as well.

Paul and Tom Kirby trail by eleven points, just two ahead of a resurgent Ricky Stevens on the Ryde chassis with brother Wayne alongside. The Kirby pairing have also been in World action claiming six points in the Le Mans opener.

The Crowe brothers head the F2 class, but it remains to be seen if they will come to Donington given its proximity in timing terms to the Isle of Man TT.

A more detailed preview and entry list will be published nearer the time, but as this is the first round scheduled alongside the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, expect a big attendance and a busy grid.

Stay with us across the year for all news and reports as they happen here on  www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

Photo credits: Snap-it Photography
Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram

An alternative event kept several World Championship teams away from Pembrey, but Steve Kershaw/Ryan Charlwood, to name but one top crew, have pledged to attend all other rounds in search of the British title.

The practice took place in damp, difficult conditions, and the sixteen-strong grid did eight laps in the one and only free session. Andy Peach and Ken Edwards emerged top of the pile, ahead of Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney and Clarke/Ensor. The weekend was to see a tight final points situation between the entire GP class field headed by George Holden and Oscar Lawrence, but the big surprise came in the shape of Cup contenders Sam and Jack Laidlow as they took a clean sweep of the class.

Qualifying

Track conditions had improved, but it was still damp as the outfits took to the tarmac in search of grid position in a twenty-minute session. One race lay ahead of them in the afternoon, with two more on the schedule for Sunday. The rain then returned, but despite this, lap times improved. The entire field was on slicks, but the red flag came out when Craig Hauxwell broke down.

At the restart – everyone had fitted wets to cope with the deteriorating conditions. The Laidlow brothers looked very good, holding a top spot throughout. Then it happened, as Blackstock/Rosney hit the top, going sub-one-minute.

Over half-way through the session, and they were the team to beat. The Laidlow brothers were still knocking at the door, looking very much a class act for the future, along with Holden/Lawrence on their Kawasaki never far out of the hunt. With four minutes left on the clock, Luke Williams/Jason Pitt moved second, just one-tenth behind Blackstock. The top four were split by just three-tenths, with two minutes remaining. Paul and Tom Kirby moved fifth fastest, carrying forward their form from 2023. They were narrowly ahead of Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers. Ricky Stevens/Wayne Stevens improved on the new Ryde chassis to finish eighth behind John Holden/Liam Gordon.

With three classes doing battle in the same race, it would be a very mixed picture until the close of play when all scores would be revealed by class.

Race One

From the lights it was a frantic charge to turn one, with Blackstock/Rosney heading straight into a lead which they were never to lose. They were in dominant form throughout with consistent lap times. Behind them, there was a spirited performance from Sam and Jack Laidlow who fought a race-long battle with Luke Williams/Jason Pitt. Fourth pace for most of the race was occupied by the Holden Racing Kawasaki of George Holden and Oscar Lawrence. They inherited the final podium place when the Willams/Pitt Yamaha suffered clutch problems, dropping them down to tenth at the flag. Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers (Express Tyres/Santander Salt Yamaha) scrapped tooth and nail with Paul and Tom Kirby, finishing just behind Holden, but three seconds clear of the Kirby ARS Yamaha. Former double champion Ricky Stevens, along with brother Wayne, was markedly improved over his return last season on the new Ryde chassis. They made sixth place their own, as their confidence grew. Andy Peach/Ken Edwards were handicapped by Andy’s recent replacement knee surgery, with Andy in a degree of discomfort.

With two more race to come, signs were good for the Laidlows and Luke Williams/Pitt, both crews having shown themselves more than capable of taking the fight to Blackstock/Rosney. Holden/Lawrence were once again consistent, taking third place.

Race One Result

1/ Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney (DHR Yamaha)
2/ Sam/Jack Laidlow (Marin Motorsport Yamaha)
3/ George Holden/Oscar Lawrence (Holden Racing Kawasaki)
4/ Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers (Express Tyres/Santander Salt Yamaha)
5/ Paul/Tom Kirby (ARS Yamaha)
6/ Ricky/Wayne Stevens (Ryde WPS Racing Yamaha)
7 /John Holden/Liam Gordon (Holden Racing Yamaha LCR)
8/ Craig Clarke/Peter Ensor (Honda LCR)
9/ Ryan/Callum Crowe (LCR Yamaha)
10/ Luke Williams/Jason Pitt (LCR Yamaha).

Race Two

It was a case of “déjà vu” for Blackstock/Rosney when the lights went out in this one. They were going to make no mistake in grabbing maximum points advantage as they shot into the lead.

In the Cup class, the Laidlow brothers held their heads high with another strong start, slotting into second spot and giving chase. Into third went Williams/Pitt with George Holden/Oscar Lawrence once again tucking into fourth. The Stevens brothers have improved immensely since the 2023 debut of the Ryde, and they were having an inspired ride ahead of Biggs/Segers and the Kirbys, who were later to suffer with tyre issues.

Lap after lap they circulated in this order, as Blackstock eased into a five or six second lead. On lap ten, Williams attacked the Laidlow outfit, grabbing second spot, which he was to hold to the flag.

New Cup contenders, Atkinson/Smith did a great job getting to terms with the long bike to bring it home in tenth place. At the flag, six seconds was the winning margin for Blackstock/Rosney. They were having a great weekend with one more race to do. Holden/Lawrence had stayed in tough the whole race and once again, bagged solid points.

Race Two Result

1/ Blackstock/Rosney
2/ Williams/Pitt
3/ Laidlow/Laidlow
4/ Holden/Lawrence
5/ Stevens/Stevens
6/ Holden/Gordon
7/ Biggs/Segers
8/ Kirby/Kirby
9/ Clarke/Ensor
10/ Atkinson/Smith

Race Three

All ideas of a maximum went out of the window for Lewis Backstock when the DHR Yamaha failed to complete the green flag lap having developed gearbox problems. Just twelve outfits came to the line, but when the cat’s away, the mice will play, and play they did. Sam and Jack Laidlow got a terrific start to lead from the lights, but there was nothing mouselike about their dominance. The brothers have arrived on the scene in style, sending a clear message to the field they are here to stay. Williams/Pitt were right on their tails, with Biggs/Segers having their best ride this weekend in third. Then came

Clarke/Ensor and the Stevens brothers.

Next time around, it was status quo for the top three, but Stevens moved fourth with Kirby going with him. Clarke had dropped back two places, but still hung in. Next up were the Crowe brothers on their F2 outfit.

Lap five, and Williams had gone from second place with brake problems, dropping back to around ninth place giving himself plenty of work to do.

Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers took over behind the Laidlows, with a sensational effort by Ricky Stevens to go third, but under pressure from an attacking Paul and Tom Kirby. This battle raged all race-long with George Holden/Oscar Lawrence and Craig Clarke/Pete Ensor also very much in this mix.

Williams/Pitt were playing catch-up, but their problems persisted. They eventually finished in sixth place, second in GP class.

Kirby passed Biggs, claiming second on the road and in class, but Rob Biggs took his first GP class victory as the Laidlow brothers made it a clean Cup sweep. George Holden’s third place in class was enough to give him the GP class overall lead at the close of play.

Two victories for Ryan and Callum Crowe gave them the lead in the F2 class.

Race Three Result

1/ Laidlow/Laidlow
2/ Kirby/Kirby
3/ Biggs/Segers
4/ Stevens/Stevens
5/ Clarke/Ensor
6/ Willams/Pitt
7/ Holden/Lawrence
8/ Crowe/Crowe
9/ Holden/Gordon
10/ Atkinson/Smith

Championship standings

GP Class
Holden/Lawrence 62
Biggs/Segers 61
Williams/Pitt 60
Holden/Gordon 54
Blackstock/Rosney 50

Cup Class
Laidlow/Laidlow 75
Kirby/Kirby 64
Stevens/Stevens 62
Clarke/Ensor 54
Atkinson/Smith 44
Nicol/Conil 16
Peach/Edwards 14

F2 Class
Crowe/Crowe 50
Founds/Gibbons 47
Pearson/Restall 42

From Barry Nutley, with acknowledgement to Jed Pilmoor-Brady.

Stay with us across the year for all news and reports as they happen here on  www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

Photo credits: Snap-it Photography Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram

The British Sidecar Championship heads for South Wales and the Pembrey Circuit over the weekend of 13/14 April for the opening round in the 2024 season.

The track, located West of Llanelli and South of Carmarthen has hosted solos and sidecars at the highest level over many years, so is well equipped to stage this event. Organisation is by the Bemsee (BMCRC) club, with its usual busy programme of support races.

Three sidecar classes within the entry allows for differing chassis configurations and specification, so there will be no shortage of variety on show. The entry list contains strong names, with the absence of the defending champions, and one or two other world championship teams. The Pembrey event clashes with a World Championship sidecar event elsewhere, taking several teams out of the reckoning. This will only serve to strengthen the resolve of those teams registered for the entire season, who will profit from good points in the opener. Top of that list must be Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney, twice runners-up, and twice third in the series. Could 2024 be the year for the DHR Yamaha duo? If so, they must make Pembrey count.

Father and son lock horns once again as veteran John Holden returns with Liam Gordon in the chair of his Yamaha LCR, whilst George Holden is back, and still with the talented and experienced Oscar Lawrence, aiming for glory on the 636 Holden Racing Kawasaki.

A thorn in the side of these regulars will almost certainly be relative newcomer Luke Williams, who with Jason Pitt for company on the Na Timber-AQ Logistics Yamaha LCR has more that proved his worth running at the sharp end last season. The former kart and car racer has brought that four-wheel form to sidecars with great success. They are destined for big things, and plan to contest the entire season. A compliment of over twenty teams have signed up for the full year, with Pembrey promising to be a good launch pad for what we know will be an eventful and thrilling season.

From Wales, the series moves to BSB at Donington Park, but for now, all eyes are on Pembrey.

Stay with us across the year for all news and reports as they happen here on  www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

The 2024 season is now here and will once again see the bulk of this thrilling series on the BSB stage. It kicks off at however, at Pembrey in South Wales with six rounds currently scheduled before the traditional closer at Brands Hatch.

Expect to see the usual eclectic mix of long and short outfits, with the GP premier class attracting world-class names once again.

The Cup class was fiercely contested last season, so there will be no shortage of battles for honours all the way down the field.

The final entry list will be announced shortly, but the provisional calendar is listed below.

April 13-14 – Pembrey
May 17-19 – Donington Park
June 14-16 – Knockhill
July 5-7 – Snetterton
August 3-4 – Cadwell Revival
October 11-13 – Brands Hatch

Stay with us for all news as it unfolds here on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

Photo credits: Snap-it Photography
Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram

This final round had two unique features which could easily turn the year on its head. Both races would carry the traditional double points allocation, and in a final twist, all competitors were obliged to drop the two least productive races. Where races were missed through non-attendance, then those missed races could be included in the calculation. Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement therefore, would keep all points earned thus far, as they missed three Cadwell Revival races due to world championship duties.

Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney have scored every round, so they would need to shed points, provided they scored again in one or both races at Brands. It is often the case the end of season Brands Hatch closer attracts a variety of weather conditions, and that was the case for the free practice. It would have been so easy to throw it away and ruin the weekend, but Todd and Emmanuelle (LCR Brookland Yamaha) were taking no such chances. Instead, they left it to the young guns to set the standard, with Luke Williams/Jason Pitt (WSRT Yamaha) heading home Lee Crawford/Scott Hardie (ARC/Marin Motorsport Kawasaki). Joint leaders Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney sat a reliable fourth fastest on the DHR/Express Tyre Services Yamaha.

Qualifying

Blackstock/Rosney came out swinging with an early fast lap, with Williams/Pitt close behind. The track was dry, so times were good, whilst well shy of lap-record pace. After four laps, George Holden/Oscar Lawrence went fourth fastest, just as Ellis/Clement stormed ahead with am 1.33.684, only to eclipse that on lap nine with a 1.32.252.

Crawford/Hardie completed just two laps, obviously hitting problems, ending bottom of the pile with no more circuits completed.

Fastest Cup team were Paul and Tom Kirby, ending a very creditable fifth on their Adolf RS Yamaha ahead of fellow Cup runners Simon Robinson/Phil Hyde. Ellis/Clement and Williams/Pitt will line up on the front row for the two races, with Blackstock/Rosney and Holden/Lawrence sharing row two.

Race One

In contrast to yesterday morning, the morning was cold, crisp and clear. With the sidecar race late in the day, it would be hoped these conditions would hold. Mid-morning a heavy shower made things tricky for earlier sessions, so it was a case of crossed fingers and hope.

From the lights, the sprint to Paddock Hill Bend was won by Blackstock and Rosney, making their trademark start from row two, going straight through the middle. Luke Williams and Jason Pitt in plain black bodywork were immediately on their case and joined in the battle at the front. They matched the race leaders wheel for wheel, setting the fastest lap in the process.

Ellis claimed the lead on lap three, but Williams/Pitt went with them as they diced with Blackstock/Rosney. Up to fourth were George Holden and Oscar Lawrence on the Barnes Racing Kawasaki, who unbeknown to them were about to benefit,when at two thirds race distance, Blackstock had an electrical problem, dropping them back. He later recovered to stay in touch, but Williams wanted this one and almost passed Ellis for the lead with three laps remaining.

Cup leaders Phil Bell looked also to have a problem, as did Brian Gray and Clement Conil, spinning and jettisoning the passenger up the track.

Paul and Tom Kirby were then in the Cup hunt, but leaders of that class were Simon Robinson/Phil Hyde.

Final lap and Williams/Pitt were pushing hard, just as Ellis claimed the fastest lap of the race. Then disaster struck for Williams, and they pulled off with a blown engine. This elevated Holden/Lawrence to third behind Blackstock and Rosney, with Robinson/Hyde a fine fourth and Cup race winners, ahead of Kirk/Masters and the Kirbys. Incredibly, Williams/Pitt had just bettered Ellis with another fastest lap of 1.33.077 just before they broke down. This would earn them pole position for race two.

Result

1/ Todd Ellis/Emmanuelle Clement (Brookland Yamaha)
2/Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney (DHR/Express Tyre Services Yamaha)
3/George Holden/Oscar Lawrence (Holden Racing Kawasaki)
4/Simon Robinson/Phil Hyde (Alan Blaylock Haulage Yamaha)
5/Martin Kirk/Kyle Masters (MK Racing/5ive8ight Designs Yamaha)
6/Paul Kirby/Tom Kirby (KRT Racing Adolf RS Yamaha)
7/Kevin Cable/Chaz Richardson (L&W Yamaha)
8/Craig Clarke/Pete Ensor (Centurion Packaging/Fine Line Sealants Honda
9/Sam Laidlow/Jack Laidlow (Laidlow/Marin Yamaha
10/Phil Bell/Carl Bell (Marin Motorsport Yamaha).

Race Two

Blackstock and Rosney came to the line knowing that to take the title, they would need a top three place even if Ellis/Clement were not to finish.

This was a tall order, and with a 100% record, the reigning champions were sitting pretty. Nonetheless, Blackstock gave it his best shot, once again grabbing the hole shot from the second row and leading the charge round Paddock Hill Bend from Williams/Pitt and Ellis/Clement.

The chasing pack streamed round behind, as Paul Kirby and Martin Kirk came together and got it sideways. They both went hurtling into the gravel, one of them upside down. Thankfully, both drivers and passengers escaped serious injury but were out of the race.

Attrition was high, with five outfits out of the action on the first two laps, with three others to follow as the race infolded. Nonetheless, there were sixteen finishers including a brave fight by Nicholls/Janssens to take the final place.

Meanwhile, at the front, Ellis took just two laps to muscle ahead, and once there, did not put a foot wrong. He was chased all the way by Williams/Pitt who this weekend showed what they can really do. Their future in this sport is bright, and we all hope to see a full season from them in 2024.

Blackstock/Rosney, safe in third, were on their way to runner-up spot in the series, one place better than last season. Can they go one better in 2024? only time will tell. Further back, a terrific charge by the Laidlow brothers Sam and Jack saw them get the better of first Kevin Cable/Chaz Richardson and then Simon Robinson/Phil Hyde.

The latter two outfits collided at Surtees as Robinson turned in, unaware Cable was making a play up the inside. They somersaulted and skidded off the track with Simon pinned beneath the bike. “Super sub passenger” Phil Hyde took flight and landed feet-first before tumbling off the track. Again, no serious injury resulted, so this was good news.

Sadly, the Laidlow brothers’ efforts came to nothing as they retired from fifth place in the closing stages. They had made their mark and will be a welcome addition to the series going forward.

Meanwhile, Todd and Emmanuelle finished the job at the front, winning by eight seconds, taking the championship with an unbeaten win record.

Phil and Carl Bell had a strong sixth and were class winners, sealing their Cup class championship ahead of the unfortunate Kirby pairing, with Brian Gray/Clement Conil third, just four points adrift of Kirby.

A maximum for Rob Atkinson/Josh Smith saw the RAF F2 team take the title in that class from Greg Lambert/Andy Haynes.

Result

1/Ellis/Clement
2/Williams/Pitt
3/Blackstock/Rosney
4/Holden/Lawrence
5/Cable/Richardson
6/Bell/Bell
7/Gray/Conil
8/MacLaurin/Hope
9/Currie/Sharp
10/Peach/Edwards.

Final standings

GP Class

1/ Ellis/Clement (Champions)
2/Blackstock/Rosney
3/Holden/Lawrence
4/Kirk/Masters
5/Biggs/Segers
6/Currie/Sharp
7/Christie/Christie
8/Kershaw/Charlwood
9/Cable/Richardson
10/Archer/Christie

Cup Class

1/Bell/Bell (Champions)
2/Kirby/Kirby
3/Gray/Conil
4/Robinson/Fairhurst
5/Clarke/Ensor
6/Pottinger/Dodds
7/Bell/Colbrook,
8/Laidlow/Laidlow
9/Peach/Edwards
10/Williams/Pitt,

F2 Class

1/Atkinson/Middleton/Smith (Champions)
2/Lambert/Haynes
3/Founds/Walmsley
4/Crawford/Hardie
5/Gibson/Gibbons
6/Crowe/Crowe.

TV highlights will also be available shortly after on our Youtube Channel.

For all other news at it happens, stay in touch on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

Photo credits: Snap-it Photography
Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram

The weekend began as early as Friday with an open test session giving interested teams the chance to re-acquaint themselves with the 1.2 mile circuit. Express Tyre Services sponsored the British Championship races, enabling this prestigious series to run within the Jock Taylor Memorial event.

Several teams took the practice day option up, including the defending champions.

The weather was kind and lap times did not disappoint. A sub-52 second lap would be needed to set a new lap record, and this was a real possibility with the quality entry.

Three races over the weekend with two of them scoring points gave the teams a golden opportunity to maximise this trip north of the border, so we were set for two days of competitive action.

Qualifying

From the off, Blackstock/Rosney (DHR/ExpressTyres Yamaha and Ellis/Clement (Brookland LCR Yamaha) were in the groove. Just four minutes in, a red flag stopped the session. Prior to the stoppage, Steve Kershaw/Ryan Charlwood had put the Quattro Yamaha third fastest on local soil. The three classes were all well-supported, so it was a very busy session with Lewis Nicoll heading the Cup class in the early stages. Sadly, Nicoll and Pattie’s weekend was over almost before it began with that early crash in which Lewis broke a shoulder and collarbone.

Away again with a full ten minutes of the session remaining, and Ellis/Clement were on provisional pole two-tenths ahead of Blackstock.

George Holden and Oscar Lawrence were out on John Holden’s F2 bike, having experienced handling problems with their long Kawasaki.

Martin Kirk/Kyle Masters who were mistakenly registered as Cup contestants for Saturday, topped that class early on, with Lee Crawford/Scott Hardie ahead in the F2’s.

Phil and Carl Bell secured Cup pole at the flag with a very quick final tour of 53.7 against Crawford’s 53.011 F2 time and Ellis’s GP class sub-lap record performance of 51.908. Blackstock was a few hundredths shy, second fastest in the GP class.

Race One

Eighteen laps lay ahead of the pack as the lights went out. A good start is imperative on this tight track. Several incidents in the earlier FSRA F2 race delayed proceedings somewhat, but conditions were good for the start and Blackstock/Rosney made the best of it. They continued their run of hole shots chased by Ellis/Clement, but the world champions were soon ahead with a new record time of 51.450. The Christie bothers sat third ahead of Kershaw/Charlwood. Two F2 bikes came next with Lee Crawford and Pete Founds doing a great job. Founds was to slip back, but it was an excellent performance by the two short bikes. In the Cup class, the honours were going Phil Bell’s way with a three tenths advantage over Martin Kirk. Kirk was still showing as a Cup entrant, but that anomaly was ironed out in the points before Sunday’s race. Then there was an amazing charge by the Laidlow brothers Sam and Jack to fight through to second place in class. Meanwhile, at the front, Sam and Tom Christie moved second behind Ellis/Clement, taking Steve Kershaw and Charlwood with them. Such was the race leaders’ speed, they pulled a ten second advantage over the race distance, with the battle for second place very much alive between Kershaw and the Christies. Blackstock was next, having settled in fourth.

Martin Kirk had spun on the opening lap, colliding with Simon Robinson who later retired. Kirk got his head down and earned points for a finish.

This was Ellis’s race to lose, and there was no way he was going to. In metronomic fashion he reeled off lap after consistent lap. Closing stages, and Kershaw nailed Christie at the hairpin and held it to the line. Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers made it to sixth in the race on a track which Biggs clearly enjoys. Fifth position and class win by Crawford/Hardie was outstanding on their F2 machine. The GP Class points gap was narrowed to seven points with race two still to come.

Result GP Class
1/Todd Ellis/Emmanuelle Clement (Brookland LCR Yamaha), 2/Steve Kershaw/Ryan Charlwood (Quattro Yamaha), 3/ Sam/Tom Christie (Hannafin Yamaha), 4/Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney (DHR/Express Tyres Yamaha), 5/Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers (Express Tyres Yamaha), 6/Rupert Archer/Adam Christie (Hannafin RSR Yamaha) 7/George Holden/Oscar Lawrence, 8/Martin Kirk/Kyle Masters (MK Racing Yamaha).

Cup Class
1/Phil Bell/Carl Bell (Marin Motorsport), 2/Sam/Jack Laidlow (Laidlow/Marin Yamaha), 3/ Paul/Tom Kirby (KRT Yamaha ARS), 4/Brian Gray/Clement Conil (Brian Gray Powerbiking Yamaha), 5/Mick Bell/Shane Colbrook (Marin Motorsport Yamaha), 6/Gordon Pottinger/David Dodd (GB Precison/Opal Lazer Yamaha).

F2 Class
1/Lee Crawford/Scott Hardie (Team ARC/Marin), 2/Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley (Team Founds Honda), 3/Greg Lambert/Andy Haynes (Greg Lambert Racing)

Race Two

A three-hour delay due to a red flag in an earlier race gave those with last-minute repairs and maintenance a massive breathing space. Great weather conditions and track temperature of twenty-five degrees prevailed for the second encounter which would run over a reduced distance. The Jock Taylor Memorial race scheduled for later in the day was incorporated with the grid due to the
organisers running out of time, so this one was the biggie and well worth waiting for!

Ellis lined up on pole as the grid was set on lap times, alongside the Christie brothers. Row two featured Kershaw and Blackstock. Row three saw the flying F2 of Crawford partnered with Biggs/Segers. Blackstock and Rosney’s slender seven- point lead in the title chase might not be enough, so this would be damage limitation. George Holden/Oscar Lawrence were out in warm-up on the long Kawasaki, but once again had fuel issues. They would be using John Holden’s F2 once again.

From the lights, the sprint to Duffus Dip saw Christies and Ellis fighting for the lead with Blackstock and Kershaw duelling it out behind.

Ellis was charging hard and away at the front two seconds clear of Christie and Kershaw when on lap three Kershaw and Christie came together at the chicane, with Blackstock involved as well but continuing as Christie retired.

Lee Crawford was promoted to third because of the incident, but Blackstock was back in business and fighting through. Kershaw/Charlwood still sat second from Crawford with Blackstock absolutely flying, now past Rupert Archer into seventh place, but fourth in class. Then suddenly, Crawford was out with a problem, handing third place to Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers.

This fifteen-lapper flew by, action-packed all the way down the field, with Ellis/Clement supreme lifting maximum points, the Jock Taylor trophy and the Steve Webster fastest lap award.

It was indeed damage limitation for Blackstock/Rosney, giving away seven points to Ellis, now sharing the series lead.

N.B – Official standings will be available prior to the final round from the BSB official timekeepers TSL, but below are my calculations based on the Speedhive timekeeping data from the Knockhill organisers. Please accept apologies if there are errors.

Result GP Class
1/Ellis/Clement, 2/Kershaw/Charlwood, 3/Biggs/Segers, 4/Blackstock/Rosney, 5/Archer/Christie, 6/Kirk/Masters, 7/Holden/Lawrence

Cup Class
1/Bell/Bell, 2/Robinson/Van Middelgaal, 3/Gray/Conil, 4/Bell/Colbrook, 5/Pottinger/Dodd, 6/Kirby/Kirby.

F2 Class
Founds 97, Atkinson 50, Lambert 22, Crawford 25, Gibson 22, Crowe 20.

Standings GP Class
Ellis 237.5, Blackstock 237.5, Holden 189, Biggs 137, Kirk 134, Christie 132, Kershaw 99, Currie 80, Archer 79, Cable 27.

Cup Class
Bell 264.5, Kirby 222, Gray 216, Robinson 184, Clarke 129, M. Bell 109, Pottinger 107, Laidlow 92, Williams 87.5.

F2 Class
Founds 97, Atkinson 50, Lambert 22, Crawford 25, Gibson 22, Crowe 20.

The final round comes from Brands Hatch over the weekend of 13-15 October, where double points are on offer. Eurosport TV will be covering both races either in the live TV slot or on the Eurosport App.

Meanwhile, keep up with news as it happens here on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk

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Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram

The Jock Taylor Memorial meeting over the weekend of 2/3 September is a well-supported stand-alone event which will see the “Best of British” go head-to-head for points in the penultimate round of the British Sidecar Championship. It is a true festival of sidecars spanning all classes and ages, including a guest appearance by Steve Webster MBE on his World Championship winning two-stroke outfit. This meeting is supported by the well-known and respected Express Tyre Services organisation, who have a long-standing sidecar racing tradition, and already actively support several of the teams competing at Knockhill.

Since double victory at Thruxton which took them to within fourteen points of series leaders Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney, the Ellis/Clement dynamic duo has been in action in Assen, scoring another double win to go top of the world table in defence of their title.

Blackstock and Rosney (DHR/Express Tyre Services Yamaha) won both races at Knockhill last year in the BSB round, so clearly are at home on the tight track. Given they know Ellis is homing in on them, they will be pulling out all the stops to repeat that performance.

George Holden and Oscar Lawrence have hit a new level and now sit third in the title chase after two strong runner-up spots performances at Thruxton. This must go down as their best result yet on the BSB stage and they now trail Ellis by just twenty-six points.

By virtue of a non-attendance at the previous round, the Beverley based Christie brothers are now cast adrift in fourth with serious work to do if they are to make amends.

Local hero Steve Kershaw with Ryan Charlwood alongside will also be a thorn in the side of Ellis/Clement, having given them a run for their money at every clash home and abroad so far this season.

Phil Bell has a commanding lead in the Cup battle, twenty-seven points clear of Paul/Tom Kirby, and a further nine points advantage over third-placed Brian Gray/Clement Conil.

In the F2’s, Knockhill should attract a decent number of teams eager to challenge joint leaders Founds/Walmsley and Atkinson/Middleton. The showing of short outfits in this series has been disappointing, but with the added kudos of the Jock Taylor title, plus the nature of the Knockhill circuit, we  would hope to see more turn out for this round.

A full programme of over sixty sidecar outfits heralds the largest three-wheeled turnout in Scottish history, so it is a “must see event” for all sidecar fans.

We will issue a full report from the event, so stay abreast of the action here on  www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

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Fresh from a race victory in the World Championship round at the Red Bull Ring Austria, Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement had a rude awakening in Hampshire when their engine failed early in free practice. They spent the afternoon installing a replacement before the all-important single qualifying session. They clearly intended to support the championship and stake a claim to retain their title, unlike several other teams who gave Thruxton a miss for a variety of reasons best known to themselves. Injuries from the previous weekend were one factor, with the hard nature and fearsome record of the track on passengers certainly another cause.

Having said that, non-attendance does absolutely nothing for the profile and reputation of the championship, when all efforts are being made to preserve and maintain this unique branch of motorsport. The teams are allowed to drop their worst two race scores, so that might well have been a calculated gamble. By the same token, the Brands Finale will carry the customary double points, so literally, anything could happen.

Fifteen loyal teams were eager to compete at Thruxton however, so there was still plenty to fight for on track, with fine weather prevailing for the sole qualifying session.

Qualifying

Late in the day with track temperature good, we could expect good times. The lap record of 1.19.126 held by Ben and Tom Birchall would be a good indicator as to how far things had moved on, if at all. The best free practice time was two seconds shy of this figure, so they would need to find some more.

Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney were immediately looking fast with Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers making a good start too. Series leaders Ellis/Clement had a couple of steady laps, and then went top with a 1.21.377. George Holden and Oscar Lawrence improved after lanyard issues in free practice, to go third on lap seven. Then, with a very last throw of the dice, Blackstock/Rosney eclipsed Ellis/Clement by thirteen thousandths of one second to claim pole position, with a 1.21.364. Paul and Tom Kirby put their Adolf RS on row three as fastest Cup qualifiers.

Blackstock & Rosney

Grid

Row 1/ Blackstock – Ellis, – Row 2/ Holden – Biggs, – Row 3/ Kirk – Kirby,
Row 4/ P. Bell – Currie, Row 5/ Robinson – Gray, – Row 6/ Atkinson – M. Bell,
Row 7/ Clarke – Pottinger, Row 8/ Moss.

Race One

Early rain and ongoing intermittent showers had made for an interesting track situation going into the race. The grippy tarmac was now dry, but more rain threatened as the lights went out.

Blackstock/Rosney made their trademark lightning start, heading Ellis and Clement into the complex with Holden/Lawrence close in tow. Rob Biggs and Ferry Segers also had a flyer, sitting in a strong fourth place which they were to maintain all race long.

Biggs & Segers

Sadly, we were to lose two outfits from the fray when Craig Currie/Justin Sharp locked up and slid round going into the complex. They were then collected by Michael Bell and Shane Colbrook, extensively damaging both machines. The F2 RAF Honda of Atkinson/Middleton managed to dodge the debris but were thereafter playing catch-up. That was it for the two long bikes, with their weekend over and major repairs essential for Knockhill.

Atkinson and Middleton

Meanwhile, at the front, a fantastic scrap was unfolding, with Ellis/Clement going ahead on lap three. Blackstock/Rosney were matching the lap-times and doing a great job, with the three leading outfits covered by a couple of seconds. Then it began to rain at the back of the circuit, spurring George Holden to find his fastest lap on the penultimate tour, carrying him past Blackstock at the Club Chicane into second place. This move unsettled the #95 outfit, and they dropped a few more seconds on the final lap.

G Holden and Lawrence

Holden/Lawrence matched the race leaders, closing to within three-tenths of the Brookland LCR of Ellis/Clement at the flag.

Kirk and Masters were the final GP class bike in fifth, well clear of a great scrap for Cup honours, with class leaders Phil Bell/Mark Gash narrowly beating Paul/Tom Kirby in a thrilling five-way fight also involving Robinson/Fairhurst, Gray/Conil and Clarke/Ensor.

Cup class podium race 1 – 1st P Bell & Gash, 2nd Kirby & Kirby, 3rd Robinson & Fairhurst

Result

1/Ellis/Clement
2/Holden/Lawrence
3/Blackstock/Rosney
4/Biggs/Segers
5/Kirk/Masters
6/Bell/Gash
7/Kirby/Kirby
8/Robinson/Fairhurst
9/Gray/Conil
10/Clarke/Ensor
11/Atkinson/Middleton
12/Pottinger/Dodds

Race Two

The track was in perfect shape for this one, with pole position sitters Ellis/Clement in place by virtue of their fastest race one lap.

From the lights, Ellis made no mistake, although challenged hard from the outset, he made the race lead their own, never looking back until the chequered flag. It was a world-class performance in which they came close to the lap record late in the race.

Blackstock/Rosney pulled off a cracking start from row two, shooting between the front row pair, to lead Holden/Lawrence into turn one and the complex. They set after Ellis, staying close for the first couple of laps, but then the elastic stretched, and Ellis was clear away.

George Holden and Oscar Lawrence had found their feet in race one, and fancied more of the same, growing in confidence lap after lap.

Phil Bell and Mark Gash

Meanwhile, the Cup battle was the most entertaining action, as Phil Bell/Mark Gash swapped paintwork with Paul and Tom Kirby for top honours. Craig Clarke/Pete Ensor were also involved in the early stages but were dropped away as the two Cup rivals slugged it out. Kirby was sideways on more than one occasion but held his nerve to bring it home ahead of the Cup class leaders.

Pottinger/Dodds were forced to retire at half distance, and there were three non-starters due to the Saturday crashes. Sole F2 exponents Rob Atkinson and Mark Middleton drew level with Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley at the top of their respective table.

Cup class podium race 2, 1st Kirby & Kirby, 2nd P Bell & Gash, 3rd Clarke & Ensor

Cup battle apart, this race lacked the close action throughout witnessed in the opener, but a good Thruxton crowd stayed to watch and appreciate.

World action beckons the top teams next weekend in Assen, with the Jock Taylor at Knockhill next up for the British regulars in early September.

Result

1/ Ellis/Clement
2/ Holden/Lawrence
3/ Blackstock/Rosney
4/ Biggs/Segers
5/ Kirk/Masters
6/ Kirby/Kirby
7/ Bell/Gash
8/ Clarke/Ensor
9/ Gray/Conil
10/ Robinson/Fairhurst
11/ Atkinson/Middleton

Standings

GP Class
Blackstock 201.5
Ellis 187.5
Holden 161
Christie 112
Kirk 106,
Biggs 101
Currie 80
Kershaw 55
Archer 48
Cable 27

Cup Class
P. Bell 214.5
Kirby 187
Gray 178
Robinson 162
Clarke 129
Williams 87.5
Pottinger 76
M.Bell 75
Laidlow 70
Crawford 50
Hauxwell 50
Peach 43
Moss 30
Stevens 6

F2 Class
Founds 50
Atkinson 50
Gibson 22
Crowe 20

With two more rounds, five races and double points at Brands Hatch, this championship is very much alive with everything still to play for. We will bring you full preview and reports of those two events as they happen.

Stay across all the news as it unfolds on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

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The fifth round of the British Sidecar Championship heads to the rapid Thruxton circuit, off the back of three races last weekend at Cadwell Park.

Well known as a daunting prospect for many passengers, this airfield track combines high speed with enormous cornering forces threatening to throw the passenger off the outfit at any moment.

Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement (Brookland Yamaha LCR) took double victories here last year and on paper are very much the team to beat. They are combining their British Championship season with the FIM World Championship, being reigning champions in both. As a result, they missed out on three races last weekend at Cadwell Park, opting to defend their world title at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. In doing so, they sacrificed the lead in the British Championship. The DHR/Express Tyre Services Yamaha of Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney profited hugely as a result, and now come to Hampshire with a twenty-four-point lead in the Championship.

Last year at Thruxton also saw double podium spots for George Holden and Oscar Lawrence with their Kawasaki, and they too have jumped ahead of Christie brothers Sam and Tom, who also headed for Austria last weekend. Craig Currie/Justin Sharp now sit fifth with their Honda ahead of Martin Kirk/Kyle Masters.

The Cup class is much more finely balanced behind leaders Phil/Carl Bell. With Phil Hyde on board last weekend, the Marin Motorsport Yamaha of Bell eked out a twenty-six-point lead from Brian Gray/Clement Conil, who in turn are just two points clear of Paul and Tom Kirby. Cadwell hat trick exponents Luke Williams and Jason Pitt are hell-bent on further gains, so their progress from sixth place in the standings should be fun to watch.

All-dominant Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley have the F2 lead, with little or no opposition to date.

Three rounds and six races remain, with no further FIM world clashes and Ellis/Clement in determined mood. The permutations are endless, but Blackstock/Rosney know what they must do, and the season is now set up for a grandstand finish.

Eurosport TV are covering both races, with highlights to follow on our Youtube channel. Make sure you miss none of the action by staying across all the news as it unfolds on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

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The weather turned nasty as we drove into the paddock on Friday for the fifth running of the Cadwell Park Sidecar Revival with more torrential rain forecast for Saturday. That did not detract from the strong entry, despite other events taking place the same weekend.

The good news for the GP class entrants was that series leaders Todd Ellis/Emmanuelle Clement were in Austria fighting for World honours, as were second in the title chase Sam and Tom Christie. Hannafin teammates Rupert Archer/Adam Christie along with L&W Contractor’s Kevin Cable/Chaz Richardson were also chasing the same dream.

Former champions Steve Kershaw and Ryan Charlwood were the final high-profile defectors, but they had not entirely committed to the British series anyway. That left the door wide open for Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney DHR/Express Tyre Services Yamaha to gain big points, thus elevating them from third place in the standings. That they did with aplomb. Opportunity also beckoned for George Holden/Oscar Lawrence, and Craig Currie/Justin Sharp who arrived at Cadwell in fourth and fifth places.

The F1 Cup class was going to be very tight, with the top three split but just four points, with leaders Simon Robinson/Mick Fairhurst looking over their shoulders. Sole F2 exponents Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley were bound to stamp their mark on that class.

Qualifying

With Blackstock, Williams, Holden and Crawford having put their marks on the early free practice session, it remained to be seen if they could replicate that feat in qualifying. Mercifully the rain had abated somewhat ahead of the twenty-minute session, but wet tyres were still the order of the day.

It was clear from the word go that Blackstock would have a fight on his hands, with the opening challenge coming from cup runners Luke Williams and Jason Pitt. The GP Yamaha of Blackstock/Rosney made amends one lap later, going provisional pole on a slightly drier track.

Half-way through, Pete Founds and Jevan Walmsley had the F2 bike fourth fastest behind Lee Crawford/Scott Hardie and ahead of Paul and Tom Kirby.

With five minutes left, Lee Crawford jumped to second, using his spare engine after blowing one earlier, forcing Blackstock to improve. He did not this time out, but still held pole, just as George Holden/Oscar Lawrence went third with one final lap left.

Row one would be Blackstock/Rosney and Crawford/Hardie, ahead of Holden/Lawrence and Williams/Pitt on row two, and Currie/Sharp sharing row three with Founds/Walmsley.

Race One

From pole position, Blackstock/Rosney shot away, opening an immediate lead into Coppice which they were to build upon as the race unfolded. Behind them a spirited charge by Crawford/Hardie got them firmly in second place, with Luke Williams/Jason Pitt fighting with F2 stars Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley.

The Honda of Founds was every bit as fast as the long bikes, but he lost ground as he made a mistake exiting Barn Corner, allowing Williams to edge by. Crawford went out on lap five with what looked like gearbox problems, so Williams then had a clear run.

In a good fourth place, George Holden/Oscar Lawrence were the best of the rest, opening a gap to ride a solitary race to the flag. Eighteen points were a good haul, but they need to find more to get with the top three in the standings. Further back, Phil Bell/Phil Hyde were having very strong ride in adverse conditions, eventually making fifth place their own, followed by Paul and Tom Kirby in an excellent sixth. Clarke and Ensor had their Honda on song, running well in the leading bunch, then lost around twenty seconds on lap six, to finish eighth ahead of the Laidlow brothers.

After a mid-pack battle around seventh or eighth place, Craig Currie jettisoned his passenger Justin Sharp on the exit from the chicane on lap eleven of twelve, this ending a good potential score. He admitted to having to fight the machine all race- long.

Eleventh in the race, but third best GP class team, got Martin Kirk and Kyle Masters onto the podium and further up the standings. This gave them a good basis for what was to be an even better result later in the day. It was a good weekend for them.

Blackstock’s score moved him ahead of the absent Christie brothers in the standings, with two races more to come.

Result

1/ Blackstock/Rosney
2/ Williams/Pitt
3/ Founds/Walmsley,
4/ Holden/Lawrence
5/ Bell/Hyde
6/ Kirby/Kirby
7/ Robinson/Fairhurst
8/ Clark/Ensor
9/ Laidlow/Laidlow
10/ Gray/Conil
11/ Kirk/Masters

Race Two

The sun was out for this one, but as it turned out, not forever! Blackstock/Rosney once again hit the front, looking a class act throughout, to take lights to flag victory. That was an impressive feat, but lots of attention focussed on the scrap for third place as Holden/Lawrence closed on fast-starting Williams/Pitt, moving ahead on lap four into second place. Behind them, a strong battle was emerging with Bell/Hyde, Currie/Sharp, Kirby/Kirby as the GP class Honda of Currie fought its way into third place in the main class, behind Holden/Lawrence. The Kawasaki pair had their season-best result to date with runner-up spot.

Just as the race was settling into an interesting stage, with Holden intent on catching Blackstock, down came the rain and a resulting red flag after six laps completed. Not, however, before Charlie Moss had lost Adam Geddes from the sidecar when he got it sideways.

A result was declared, and half points awarded, with Blackstock/Rosney coming tantalisingly close to the head of the standings, and Phil Bell extending his Cup lead.

Result

1/ Blackstock/Rosney
2/ Holden/Lawrence
3/ Williams/Pitt
4/ Bell/Hyde,
5/ Currie/Sharp
6/ Kirk/Masters
7/ Kirby/Kirby
8/ Biggs/Segers
9/ Clarke/Ensor,
10/ Laidlow/Laidlow

Race Three

Again, the weather was kind as Blackstock/Rosney shot from the line, opening a gap before Coppice. Such was their electrifying start, that officials deemed it a jump start, penalising the #95 bike ten seconds, dropping them to sixth place after lap one on the timing screens, whilst leading on the road.

This added huge drama as the race unfolded as George Holden/Oscar Lawrence bettered Luke Williams/Jason Pitt to lead the race mathematically.

They were to maintain this great pace following Blackstock home and enhancing their title chase into third ahead of the absent Christie brothers.

Founds/Walmsley had joined the race from the back of the grid and were making great strides through the field until they expired on lap nine, keeping their score for the weekend to a minimum.

Mid-pack the scraps were going on, with Bell/Hyde again showing a strong performance behind the leading trio of Blackstock, Holden and Williams.

The triple Cup winners Williams/Pitt jumped to sixth in the standings with their great showing.

As Biggs/Segers retired, along with Currie/Sharp and Robinson Fairhurst, the tables took on a different complexion with the Kirby/Kirby pairing moving to within two points of Brian Gray/Clement Conil in the Cup, and Appleby brothers Sam/Jack Laidlow making third place in the same class. This took them to eighth in the standings, ahead of many more accomplished names.

For newcomers cutting their teeth, this was a very encouraging and satisfying result. They were grinning from ear to ear on the podium.

Kirk/Masters completed a great day with a fine fifth place ahead of the Laidlow boys, and certainty of yet another podium. Sixth pace in the table heading into Thruxton was an excellent result.

Blackstock/Rosney protested the time penalty, and the podium was delayed until close of play, when a jury meeting and subsequent review decided there was no supporting evidence. Their win was re-instated, making it three out of three for the new championship leaders. But for half-points in race two, their margin would have been much greater.

Holden/Lawrence were therefore denied their first win, but more than justified their weekend making great inroads.

Result

1/ Blackstock/Rosney
2/ Holden/Lawrence
3/ Williams/Pitt
4/ Bell/Hyde
5/ Kirk/Masters
6/ Laidlow/Laidlow
7/ Kirby/Kirby
8/ Clarke/Ensor
9/ Gray/Conil
10/ Pottinger/Dodd.

Standings

GP Class – Blackstock 161.5, Ellis 137.5, Holden 117, Christie 112, Currie 80,
Kirk 74, Biggs 65, Kershaw 55, Archer 48, Cable 27.

Cup Class – P. Bell 167.5, Gray 142, Kirby 140, Robinson 126, Clarke 93,
Williams 87.5, M. Bell 75, Laidlow 70, Pottinger 62, Crawford 50, Hauxwell 50,
Peach 43, Moss 30, Stevens 6.

F2 Class – Founds 50, Gibson 22, Crowe 20

Stay across all the news as it unfolds on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk

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The fifth running of the popular Cadwell Sidecar Revival takes place next weekend 4-6 August against a backdrop of domination in the main British Championship class by Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement on their Brookland Yamaha LCR.

The championship races are just one part of what has become a “must see” weekend dedicated to all forms of sidecar circuit racing on one of the most historic and typically British tracks in the country. The new format sees both long and short outfits compete in the same races, with class awards for F1 Cup and F2 competitors.

RKB-F1 Motorsport is thrilled to welcome you back in numbers to witness once again a celebration of our sport across the decades, now in its fifth year. There is a real mix of machinery and personalities for you to connect with over the weekend. As well as British Championship races for the afore-mentioned long and short F2 outfits, the FSRA British F2 crews will be doing battle for championship points with an equal amount of determination.

Throw into the pot the bellowing Camathias Cup runners, a mixture of F1 and F2 Club teams, the BHR BEARS with their fascinating outfits and all manner of other classic kit, and your hunger for three wheels should be sated. A parade of GP Legend former sidecar machines adds to an incredible line-up.

There is a strong support entry of period solos too, from classic two-strokes from  a golden era to Lansdowne Cup traditional four-strokes, and a whole array of other fascinating machinery all guaranteed to delight.

The Sidecar Revival is round four of a seven-round British Championship series culminating at Brands Hatch in October, with several fast teams nipping at the heels of Ellis/Clement.

Most prominent of these, is the Hannafin Yamaha of Sam and Tom Christie who have really shown a new level of speed this season.

Next in line sit Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney on the DHR/Express Tyres Services Yamaha with every chance of reducing the twelve-point gap they trail the Christies by. It is good to see the Honda of Craig Currie and Justin Sharp in the mix, having joined the series at Donington Park. George Holden/Oscar Lawrence (Kawasaki) are just a handful of points ahead of Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers in fifth and sixth respectively.

Cup leaders Simon Robinson/Mick Fairhurst had their lead slashed to just two points at Snetterton, with Phil/Carl Bell now very much in the ascendancy, but they in turn are only two points clear of the evergreen Brian Gray with Clement Conil alongside.

The F2’s will delight as always, so there should be plenty to excite the many spectators who always turn up at this annual festival.

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Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram

A clear blue sky and soaring temperatures greeted a strong entry for round three at the Snetterton 300 circuit over the weekend.

New names and new machines saw the return of former champion Ricky Stevens with brother Wayne alongside, out for the first time on a brand-new Ryde chassis powered by Yamaha. They freely admitted this was a test outing for them to see how the rest of the season unfolded.

Another new team featured the Laidlow brothers from Cumbria with seventeen-year old Sam on the handlebars and twenty-year-old Jack holding down the third wheel. This is their first season with a long chassis, and they handled free practice well.

Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement set the pace in practice, but qualifying would show who might challenge them.

Qualifying

Track conditions were very hot, as indeed was the ambient temperature. Whilst this  should suggest maximum grip, several teams had mentioned a slippery and unpredictable surface.

However the track might have felt, there was no mistaking the intentions of the series leaders. Of the six laps they completed, the final tour was the one which came to within a second of the lap record held by Ben and Tom Birchall. A time of 1.58.017 gave Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement (LCR Brookland Yamaha) a half-second edge over the Quattro Group Yamaha of Steve Kershaw/Ryan Charlwood. These two teams would start first and second and were well clear of the rest of the grid, with third and fourth slots taken by Lewis Blackstock/Paddy Rosney (DHR/Express Tyre Services Yamaha) and George Holden/Oscar Lawrence (Holden Racing Kawasaki).

Row three comprised Luke Williams/Jason Pitt and Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers with almost identical times. Craig Currie/Justin Sharp were strong in seventh alongside Rupert Archer/Adam Christie. Given good weather for the races, the lap record could well  change.

Race One

Cloud cover had formed during the afternoon, with showers possible. Just as the sidecars came to the line, the sun was out again, and the stage was set.

From the lights, a three-way charge at the front saw Kershaw/Charlwood almost pip Ellis/Clement to turn one, but Todd Ellis out braked the Quattro Yamaha round the outside to grab the lead. Slotting into third was the DHR/Express Tyre Services Yamaha of Blackstock/Rosney.

What followed, was a race long scrap between those three crews with Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney falling back slightly into a safe podium place. Their lap times were consistent, and they looked good. Ellis/Clement were always threatened by the Quattro Yamaha but never succumbed.

In their efforts to gain control, Kershaw/Charlwood set the fastest lap on lap four to get within three tenths of Ben Birchall’s lap record.

Further back, the action was very busy with George Holden/Oscar Lawrence holding fourth, but Sam and Tom Christie were making a stunning charge through the field from last on the grid. They were passing two and three outfits each lap as they fought through.

Luke Williams and Jason Pitt were incredibly strong on their come-back ride after fifteen weeks hospital and reconstruction treatment on Jason’s legs, and Luke’s broken hand. They were running fifth all race until the Christie brothers made them their final victim on their way to fifth place.

Williams/Pitt were best Cup team ahead of Phil and Carl Bell, who are now real Cup title contenders.

Agostini’s bend caused two outfits to capsize, first to go were Rob Biggs and Ferry Segers on lap four, with Craig Hauxwell/Derek Taylor doing the same in dramatic fashion two laps later. They ran in too hot, made a late turn and were upside down as the rear end broke away.

Derek unfortunately broke an arm and foot as he was thrown high in the air before hitting the tarmac. This resulted in a red flag and a result declared with six laps completed.

There were many spirited battles through the field, and several impressive individual performances, one of which was the debut of the Laidlow brothers Sam and Jack in their first championship outing on the Marin Motorsports Yamaha to finish thirteenth overall and fourth in class ahead of several Cup regulars, with their fastest lap in the 1.24’s.

Result

1/Ellis/Clement (LCR Brookland Yamaha)
2/Kershaw/Charlwood (Quattro Group Yamaha)
3/Blackstock/Rosney (DHR/Express Tyre Services Yamaha)
4/Holden/Lawrence (Holden Racing Kawasaki)
5/Christie/Christie (Hannafin Yamaha)
6/Williams/Pitt (WSRT Yamaha)
7/Bell/Bell (Marin Motorsport Yamaha)
8/Archer/Christie (Hannafin Yamaha)
9/Currie/Sharp (Robinsons of Bawtry Honda)
10/Cable/Richardson (L&W Contractors Yamaha)

Race Two

Following a light shower, the track was once again in perfect condition with Kershaw/Charlwood on pole this time by virtue of their race one fastest lap. They denied Ellis the hole shot and led for three laps despite Ellis’s best efforts to muscle by. This also gave Blackstock/Rosney the chance to hang close in third place, although they were to lose out to the determined Christie brothers on lap three. The Hannafin duo made third place theirs just as Ellis/Clement slid underneath Kershaw on a right-hander to claim the lead.

Once again, behind the leading quartet, Holden and Lawrence were holding fifth but this time Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers were climbing all over them. Craig Currie/Justin Sharp had Kevin Cable/Charlie Richardson for company the entire race, unable to shake the L&W bike off.

Sadly, Cup class leaders Simon Robinson/Mick Fairhurst were to roll the outfit on the fifth lap resulting in Robinson getting his leg trapped and an ensuing red flag, the second of the weekend. A result was declared, and half-points awarded.

Once again, newcomers Sam/Jack Laidlow acquitted themselves with distinction, ending up on the third step on the Cup class podium. Seventeen crews finished with the returning Stevens brothers and Luke Williams/Jason Pitt among the retirees.

Result

1/Ellis/Clement
2/Kershaw/Charlwood
3/Christie/Christie
4/Blackstock/Rosney
5/Holden/Lawrence
6/Biggs/Segers
7/Currie/Sharp
8/Cable/Richardson
9/Archer/Christie
10/Bell/Bell.

Standings GP Class

1/Ellis/Clement 138
2/Christie/Christie 112
3/Blackstock/Rosney 99
4/Currie/Sharp 70
5/Holden/Lawrence 62
6/Biggs/Segers 57
7/Kershaw/Charlwood 55
8/Archer/Christie 48
9/Cable/Richardson 27
10/Kirk/Masters 25

Standings Cup Class

1/Bell/Bell 113
2/Gray/Conil 109
3/Robinson/Fairhurst 102
4/Kirby/Kirby 92
5/Bell/Colbrook 55
6/Clarke/Ensor 52
7/Crawford/Lowther 50
8/Hauxwell/Taylor 50
9/Peach/Edwards 35
10/Pottinger/Dodds 35
11/Moss/Geddes 30
12/Laidlow/Laidlow 28
13/Williams/Pitt 25
14/Stevens/Stevens 6

The highlights will be available on the Youtube Channel shortly and other information will be available on the website as it occurs. Make sure you stay across all the news and action on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

Photo credits: Snap-it Photography
Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram

Fresh from fighting in the second round of the FIM World Championship, Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement arrive at the Snetterton 300 Circuit over the weekend of 7-9 July with maximum points from the two opening British rounds. They are already emerging as the team to beat in the GP class, leading Sam and Tom Christie by fourteen points with Lewis Blackstock and Paddy Rosney a further sixteen points back.

We saw a spirited ride at Donington Park by Craig Currie and Justin Sharp on their Honda powered LCR which propelled them to fourth in the standings. They are back for more in Snetterton and will be in the thick of the action.

Rob Biggs/Ferry Segers and Rupert Archer/Tom Christie are two more teams who always provide entertainment and both capable of solid results at Snetterton. All those teams mentioned above will face stiff opposition from multiple World and British Champion Tim Reeves with Mark Wilkes alongside, and former British Champions Steve Kershaw and Ryan Charlwood. The latter crew have also been performing well in the FIM World series, and always go well at Snetterton. The F1 Cup class sees Simon Robinson and Mick Fairhurst lead the pack just twelve points in front of Brian Gray and Clement Conil, who will hopefully be making the much-awaited debut of their new Ryde F1 chassis.

In the F2 Class, leaders Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley are again absent, leaving the door open for Ryan and Callum Crowe to capitalise. The Manx brothers had a good IOM TT and should be in great form in Norfolk.

Sidecars are always a popular addition to the schedule and despite being last on the programme both days, will deliver great entertainment and bring the Snetterton weekend to a perfect close.

Eurosport will be covering both races live for the Eurosport App and highlights will appear shortly after the event on the British Sidecar Championship website. Make sure you stay across all the news and action as it happens on www.britishsidecarchampionship.co.uk.

Photo credits: Snap-it Photography
Images available on request from Facebook/Instagram