Knockhill waits with bated breath ahead of round three

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