World Champions put TT on top of the world
Former sidecar World Champions Tim Reeves and Klaus Klaffenböck have described the Isle of Man TT as the ‘true’ test in world sidecar racing.
The pair have also backed the introduction for the 2009 TT of a championship points system. This year points will be awarded to the top 15 finishers in each of the Sure Sidecar Races, with the aggregate allowing a table of overall results to be created for the first time.
Three-times World Champion Reeves, partnered by Patrick Farrance, achieved a podium in his TT debut last year, a feat not achieved by any sidecar racer since Jock Taylor in 1978.
He said:
‘I now consider the Isle of Man TT to be the best sidecar race in the world.’
‘It has potentially the strongest field and the test of skill and ability, physical strength and machine durability means that the winner of the two races can rightly call themselves the best in the world.’
‘I will not consider myself a true sidecar champion until I have stood on the top step at the TT and will focus all of my efforts on achieving this.’
Klaffenböck added:
‘I was ready to give up last year if I didn’t complete a race as I kept having to retire.’
‘The course is the most challenging and unforgiving in the world and as a result nothing compares to finishing the race on the Isle of Man.’
‘I will be back and will be putting everything I can into achieving a podium this year. To win a TT would definitely be the highlight of my career.’
Reeves and Klaffenböck will compete in the 2009 Sure Sidecar TT Races, against local heroes 13-times winner Dave Molyneux and last year’s double winner and lap record holder Nick Crowe.
Tourism and Leisure Minister Martyn Quayle said:
‘This is a great endorsement for sidecar racing in the Isle of Man from two of the world’s leading drivers.’
‘It also reflects the commitment and challenges faced when competing on the Isle of Man.’