Back on the big stage for round two at Donington Park

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.

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