By The latest in a long line of world-class Sidecar racers, eager to take on the other worldly Mountain Course, Scottish ace Steve Kershaw is giving full focus to his maiden TT tenure, competing aside rostrum finisher on debut in 2024, Rhys Gibbons in Quattro Plant/Express Tyres (Lockerbie) backed Kershaw Racing, Louis Christen Racing Honda equipment.
One of Scotland’s, top 21st century drivers, Kershaw collected British Championship glories in 2018 and 2020, has twice finished third in the World Championship, scoring along the way, multiple race wins.
Explaining what’s made now the right time, to add TT action to his vastly decorated racing CV, he stated:
“I first thought about contesting the TT about ten years ago but after my big crash at Knockhill, my outlook changed, and the short circuits got all my attention in terms of what I wanted to achieve.
From the British Championship to the Word Championship, it was all a natural progression, and I’ve achieved everything I want to in the F1 class.
The TT is the final part of what I want to compete in and where I want to achieve things and the time’s right now to give it my all.”
Earlier this month, P1 from both FSRA (Formula Sidecar Racing Association) F2 Championship races at Mallory Park, Kershaw is already extremely happy with the partnership he’s obtained with highly rated next gen passenger Gibbons (featured above).
“The TT is getting my full focus now and we’ve had several outings in the FSRA British Championship, with good results, so I’m very pleased with the partnership with Rhys.
He’s got great drive and enthusiasm and obviously learnt a lot with Alan last year, so we’ve gelled straightaway.
It’s all with the view of arriving on the island with the LCR fully set up to my liking.
Getting to the TT with the outfit doing what I want it to do means there’ll be one less thing to think about and I can focus on learning the course on closed roads.”
Kershaw continued:
“I was over at last year’s TT for a few days and spoke to Todd (Ellis) a lot which has helped in my preparation, and I’ve been back a few times since so I feel my course knowledge is coming along well.
Although going through Ballagarey at 150mph as opposed to 30mph will obviously be a bit different!
We, as newcomers, are so lucky to have Dave Molyneux tutoring us and he’s been so thorough in explaining everything and I’ve been taking it all in like a sponge.
It’s all about building up gradually, getting the laps in and having an enjoyable, solid TT this year before coming back in 2026.”
Quotes courtesy of TT Races press team.
Photo courtesy of TT Races press team.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
