By Three wheeling greats in abundance are Castletown bound next week, with a selection of the world’s best Sidecar teams, ready to battle it out for victories around the acclaimed, 4.25 miles in distance Colas Billown course.
Amongst those hoping to taste success include current Sidecar Championship holders, Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley.
FHO Racing’s Founds/Walmsley, enjoyed their best TT tenure to date last month, recording successive second place finishes, topping the 120-mph lap-mark, more than nipping at the heels of the history-making Birchall brothers Ben & Tom.
Unquestionably capable of going unbeaten next week, you can apply the same notion to World Sidecars legend Tim Reeves/Mark Wilkes (Bonovo Action Racing).
Added top contenders for podiums, victories include Steve Ramsden/Matty Ramsden, 17 times TT winner Dave Molyneux/S100 newcomer Justin Sharp and Team A.R.C’s Lee Crawford/Scott Hardie.
Alan Founds joined by nephew Rhys Gibbons, Wayne Lockey/Matty Rostron, Greg Lambert/Andrew Haynes, Darren Hope/Lenny Bumfrey can’t be discounted either from obtaining top three placings.
Wrapping up the 16 strong entry-list are racing all-rounder Alun Thomas/Kenny Cole, Shaun Chandler/Ben Chandler, Paul Riley/Jody James.
David Marshall/Anthony Pitt, Derek Lynch/Anthony McDonnell, newcomer drivers Paul Reck, Robert Atkinson respectively partnered by Ian Tennant and Mark Middleton.
A perennial favourite with S100 racing fans, Sidecar competition at Billown in recent years has gone from strength to strength.
Whilst entry numbers are down compared to previous years, hardy pure road racing fans, three wheeling aficionados, first time Southern 100 visitors, are certain to be treated soon to viscerally enthralling racing, Sidecars style at the ‘Friendly Races’.
Photo credit: Mark Corlett
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
