By 2021 FSRA (Formula Sidecar Racing Association) British F2 Champion, Lee Crawford competing aside long-term passenger, Scotsman Scott Hardie is a most definite one to watch in next week’s Sidecar TT contests.
Fifth fastest thus far during the largely, weather impacted qualifying week, he’s already getting close to his current PB Mountain Course lap-speed of 115.298 mph, that makes him the ninth quickest driver in TT Races history.
“Pretty happy with everything so far, there’s a few changes, you’d be surprised you get out on a fast lap and suddenly the form you put in one area not good enough anymore, had a good chase after Ben (Birchall) on the Mountain, all positive for us, were in good spirits so far.”
Detailing why he’s made the decision to stick with Kawasaki power for TT 2025, the 31 times Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough race winner stated:
“We made a last-minute decision to revert-back to the standard class, Kawasaki comes quite well tuned as a standard factory lump.
With all the Suzuki stuff we did, you kind of find that in a Sidecar, Suzuki would be around 115 bhp (break horsepower) were as Kawasaki would come out around 125, 126.
So, there’s a big gain to be had from it in a standard lump and we want to support the standard class because if it goes that were in the future that only bodes well for us.”
We then went onto chat about the positive amount of driver, passenger newcomers this year, totalling eighteen.
“I think the Isle of Man and the TT, and the organisation have done everything they can to make it more affordable for teams coming overseas with start-permission, with start-money, so for them there’s obviously an inclination that they should come, there is a bit of help.
They’ve prioritised Sidecars so far, to get our newcomer laps in, so far this TT is going really, well but like any TT it can change quick, so we enjoy while it lasts.”
Tipped to be in the mix for podium’s next week, Crawford is pragmatic about his chances:
“With the layout of the machines that Ben (Birchall) & Paddy (Rosney), Ryan (Crowe) & Callum (Crowe), Pete (Founds) & Jevan (Walmsley), those powerplants claiming around about 140 bhp plus, for us in a standard format, you’re not going to outgun one in a straight line.
Difficult really, were going to need a bit of a lady luck but if you were talking about Southern 100 or Scarborough or any circuit then I’d say yeah, we are on for it, but we’ve got a good head on our shoulders.
We’ll see what comes, if we can keep evolving to get some good laps in, then we will see, there’s a lot of variables.”
Photo credit: Nick Wheeler
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
