The breathtaking 1000cc methanol-guzzling sidecars are heading to the Isle of Wight next Saturday Night (June 1st) for the opening round of the ACU British Sidecar Speedway Championships. The UK’s top sixteen crews will be locking horns at Smallbrook Stadium, the home of the Wightlink Warriors speedway team.
Sidecar Speedway GB organised five championship rounds last season as well as a very successful team event. On every occasion the fans and riders left the stadium with the adrenaline flowing after 20+ heats of fairing-rubbing racing. The sight and sounds of four 1000cc multi-cylinder 170bhp ‘monsters’ screaming into the first bend is one of the most breathtaking sights in sport. Feel the suspense and the tension rise as the machines roll-up to the tapes. The start marshal is ready, the driver focused on the tape and the passenger hangs on tightly waiting for launch. The starter walks away, the decibels reach the maximum and in a flick of a switch the race is on, more action in 60 seconds than an entire F1 GP.
Reigning British Champions Paul Whitelam/Alan Elliott will begin their defence of their title facing some tough opposition. These include ex-champions and last season’s runner-up Mark Cossar who will have Sam Heath on the back in place or regular passenger Carl Blyth . Both very experienced crews, as are Mick Cave/Bradley Steer and Will Penfold/Ricky Pay. All these riders have raced against the best in the world in Australia, the spiritual home of Sidecar Speedway. All turned down invites to compete in this year’s World Cup in order to concentrate on preparation for racing in the UK in 2019.
The crews warmed up for the season at the 'Season Opener' in Leicester. After 22 heats of thrilling, fairing-rubbing, edge of the seat racing, 2017 champions Mark Cossar/Carl Blyth took a well deserved win. Not such a great night for the defended champions as Paul Whitelam/Alan Elliott blew an engine early on, but if you are going to suffer gremlins then better to do it at warm up event rather than drop championship points.
Sidecar GB had an awesome year in 2018 and with some of the newer less experienced crews getting quicker on the shale meeting by meeting it looks like 2019 is going to be a cracker.
The date for your diary is Saturday June 1st, the venue Smallbrook Stadium, Ryde on the Isle of Wight. The action begins at 7pm and it's a great night for all the family. 20+ action-packed races for the bargain price of £10 for Adults, Under 16's FREE!
3-wheels...2 riders...1 aim...to win! Come and support the sidecars!
www.sidecarspeedway.co.uk CHAMPIONSHIPS A CLASS LINE-UP
Paul Whitelam/Alan Elliott
Mark Cossar/Sam Heath
Mick Cave/Bradley Steer
Rob Wilson/Terry Saunters
Matt Fumarola/Gareth Williams
Kevin Lapham/Coran Allen
Simon Beaney/Gareth Bemister
Will Penfold/Ricky Pay
Mick Stace/Ryan Knowles
Will Offen /Stephen Hargreaves
Tom Cossar/Wayne Rickards
Clint Blondel/Kevin Bennett
Philip Wynn/Adam Cowper Smith
Jack Penfold/Kizz Ivy
Nevill Penfold/Kev Jones
Joe Mogg/Joe Smith
CHAMPIONSHIPS SUPPORT B CLASS LINE-UP
Andy Cossar/ A N Other
Ian Lee Amies/Kieran Robb
Steve Maitland/Terry Madley
Pics: Marc Webslade