Next up – Donington Park with title fight already shaping up
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.
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