By When analysing the fifty quickest drivers in Sidecar TT racing history, certain facts stand out. Which include:
• The top fifty all boasting lap speeds in excess of 108.7 mph.
• 34 over the 110-mph lap mark.
• Just eight 116 Mph Club members
• Only non-UK, Isle of Man, European driver to feature, Colin Buckley.
The present top three in terms of all-time most rapid Sidecar TT drivers, is 12 times winner Ben Birchall (119.25), Southern 100 Champion Pete Founds (118.718), Billown course lap record holder Ryan Crowe (118.57).
Completing the overall top ten are John Holden (117.878), Tim Reeves (117.729), 17 times TT Champion Dave Molyneux (116.785).
Nick Crowe (116.667), Alan Founds (116.367), Klaus Klaffenbock (114.798) and Conrad Harrison (114.674).
Fastest female driver is Estelle Leblond (110.732) whilst added overseas heroes within the ‘Top 50’ are Paul Leglise (111.053), Frank Lelias (109.461), Michael Grabmuller (108.908) Mike Roscher (108.723) and the aforementioned Colin Buckley (108.785).
Drivers not showcased yet who feature amongst the fifty quickest TT drivers list, are as follows:
Lewis Blackstock (114.145), Ian Bell (114.058), Phil Dongworth (114.045), Gary Bryan (113.196), Simon Neary (112.972), Steve Norbury (112.835), Lee Crawford (112.36), Karl Bennett (112.01).
Tony Elmer (111.896), Dougie Wright (111.805), Steve Ramsden (111.779), Matt Dix (111.634), Rob Fisher (111.58), Allan Schofield (111.518), Harry Payne (111.166), Gary Knight (111.029).
Tony Baker (110.672), Nigel Connole (110.562), Wayne Lockey (110.492), Roy Hanks (110.165), Steve Coombes (110.131), Andy Laidlow (110.08), Gary Horspole (109.993), East Yorkshire’s Gary Gibson (109.907), Greg Lambert (109.771), Darren Hope (109.765).
Robert Handcock (109.704), Glyn Jones (109.523), Gordon Shand (109.289), Michael Jackson (109.198), John Saunders (108.933), John Lowther (108.92), Bill Currie (108.858) and Ben Dixon (108.72).
(Fastest lap speed located near racer’s name)
Photo credit: Nick Wheeler
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
