Tim Reeves confirms late passenger change ahead of 2010 Isle of Man TT
Three-times World Sidecar Champion Tim Reeves has announced a change in passenger for the 2010 Isle of Man TT.
With little more than three weeks until the action gets under way at the 2010 TT, Reeves has confirmed Dipash Chauhan will partner him for the two Sure Sidecar races. Manxman Dan Sayle, a four-times TT winner and the outright lap record holder, was due to work with Reeves this year, but is reported to have now swapped to another outfit.
It is the second time in recent weeks Reeves has seen his TT plans thrown into disarray. The loss of a major sponsor almost saw him withdraw from the event, until other backers stepped up their support to ensure he could race.
After Sayle’s decision to move on, Reeves again faced the possibility of not racing or, with most teams sorted for the TT, putting a rookie in the chair.
Fortunately, the experienced Chauhan was able to step in. Chauhan was due to partner newcomer Carl Fenwick, but he has graciously allowed him to partner Reeves instead. Fenwick will now be partnered by Keir Pedley on his TT debut.
Reeves and Chauhan have already tasted success together having driven to victory at last year’s International Gold Cup races at Oliver's Mount, Scarborough, with Chauhan also having already lapped the 37¾-mile Mountain Course in excess of 110mph with Nigel Connole in 2008.
Reeves said:
“First and foremost, I’ve got to say a big thank you to Carl for allowing Dips to passenger for me and we’ll be doing everything we can to help him and Keir on their TT debut in terms of both course knowledge and machine preparation.”
“I was faced with the prospect of pulling out or going with my regular passenger Gregory Cluze and, although he’s world-class, it would have been unfair to go with him and expect to challenge for the wins in his first year. To do that, I really need someone who’s capable of lapping in the 115mph bracket and whilst Gregory will be up to speed in a year or two’s time, I really want to go for the wins in 2010.”
“Dips knows his way round the course and has a number of TT meetings already under his belt so I know he’ll be perfect for the job.”
Despite the news, Reeves’ race preparation ahead of the TT is still going well. Reeves and Cluze enjoyed another successful weekend of racing at Snetterton over the weekend, extending their lead in the race for the Battle of Britain British F1 Sidecar Championship.
The duo took a win and a brace of seconds to move into a commanding 41-point lead, having now taken four wins and two seconds from the opening six races.