By This afternoon’s TT 2025 update, pinpoints on a newly confirmed driver/passenger partnership, TT newcomer George Holden and podium finisher previously aside Tim Reeves, Mark Wilkes.
Driver Holden following in the footsteps of dad, three wheeling TT great John Holden, first Mountain Course racing trek, sees him aboard Yamaha powered, Barnes Racing DMR tackle, with the outfit created, prepared by the most winning Sidecar driver in TT Races history, Dave Molyneux.
Third within the British Sidecar Championships of 2023 and 2024, the goal of joining TT competitor ranks has loomed large for many years for Holden.
“With Dad racing for so long, I’ve obviously grown up with the TT so competing has been on my mind for a long time and now the time’s right to turn that dream into a reality. I’ve been building my experience up on the short circuits but, to be honest, it was only in 2023 when everything started to come together for making my TT debut.
I obviously know which way the course goes but since 2023 I’ve turned my attentions to approaching it as a driver as racing around the Mountain Course is a whole different ball game to going round in a car at 30 mph!
I’ve been watching onboard laps all the time and going over to the island as much as possible so it’s simply a case of trying to soak it all in. I’ve got Dad helping me and Dave Molyneux has been superb with his coaching.
The F2 outfit is very different to the long wheelbase outfit as it requires a different style, never mind the fact there’s not as much as room, but I had a few outings last year on the DMR Yamaha and have a few more lined up between now and the TT.”
Adding his thoughts about competition, alongside twice Southern 100 Sidecar Championship race winner Wilkes whose services became possible, after eight times World Champion, the above-showcased Tim Reeves TT entry withdrawal, he said:
“When Mark became available, we soon got everything arranged and it’s great to have a passenger on board of such high calibre and with so much experience. That can only be of benefit.
Ian Barnes has been terrific with his support and I’m not putting a label on lap times or positions.
I just want to enjoy it and soak it all up, building on what I’ve learnt the previous night. I’m looking forward to it more than anything else.”
Quotes courtesy of TT Races press team.
Photo courtesy of TT Races press team.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
