Five Sidecar Champions have entered the 2022 Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races, as previously announced, along with the crème of the Sidecar road racing family, looking forward to returning to pit their skills against the 4.25-mile Colas Billown Course aft
er a three-year break due to the Covid pandemic.
That five has increased to six, with 2017 Sidecar Champion John Holden having re-submitted his entry, which he withdrew during the TT period, when he pulled out of the Mountain Course races due to passenger issues.
John has teamed up with four-time Sidecar Passenger Champion, Manxman Dan Sayle, who feels confident enough to assist the Blackburn driver to his second Championship, John having finished runner-up with Lee Cain in 2019.
Dan will have a busy week, as he is already entered in the Lightweight races on a 250cc RS Honda, the Sulby man having previously won the Sidecar Championships with Nick Crowe in 2007, Klaus Klaffenbock in 2010 and 2011 and Tim Reeves in 2013.
Another Sidecar team member who is also mixing it with the solos is Salisbury’s Michael Russell, who will be even busier than his Manx adversary having entries in the Lightweight, Supersport and Superbike races. Michael made his debut in 2019 and has Dave Dean in the chair of the Shellbourne Suzuki for this year’s races.
The action commences on Monday evening 11th July between 6.05pm and 9.40pm with practice and continues Tuesday with final practice, plus two races commencing at 8.00pm. Wednesday has four races, whilst Thursday, Championship Day the morning session between 9.30am and 12.45pm four races are to be run and finally between 1.30pm and 4.45pm four races including the two feature races, the Solo and Sidecar Championships.
The Southern 100 concludes with an Open-Air Prize Presentation in the Market Square from 8.30pm.
Further information can be found on the official website: www.southern100.com
Photo courtesy of Dirk Wharton shows close action from the 2019 Southern 100 Road Races.