Incredible entry for Sure Mobile Sidecar TT races
Thursday 21 February 2008
TT
The Sure Mobile Sidecar races at the Isle of Man TT continue to grow in stature, and competition in 2008 looks set to be incredibly close.
Some of the star names that will take on the Mountain Circuit this year were revealed at the official TT launch party at the Villa Marina, Douglas, on Monday.
Undoubtedly one of the biggest coups for the TT is attracting triple World Sidecar Champion Tim Reeves, but the major talking point remains the rivalry between two local competitors.
Manxman Dave Molyneux, who took victory in both races at the Centenary TT to take his tally to an incredible 13 wins, is the man to beat.
Moly admitted his 2007 double was unexpected.
He said:
‘I started out in both races thinking it was almost too difficult to comprehend, but that’s the TT and the way it goes.’
His new passenger Andy Smith said he is honoured to be alongside a TT legend.
He said:
‘I cannot believe Dave asked me. Dave has been a hero for so long, I am so proud to be asked. He has every bit of respect I have got.’
Explaining his switch from Honda to Suzuki machinery, Molyneux added:
‘I decided after last year that it was kind of time for a change, to present myself with a new challenge.’
The Manxman is also relishing the prospect of a strong field of competitors in 2008.
‘I don’t think I have ever seen a sidecar class so strong. It is incredible to think we can attract a current World Champion to race in the Isle of Man.’
‘There are a lot of people in with a shot of winning this year, but I am as up for it as ever.’
Despite an incredible talented field of competitors, perhaps the biggest threat to the pairing of Moly and Smith, is Manxman Nick Crowe, who teams up with Mark Cox for ’08.
Crowe picked up a double in 2006, but it was his turn to be out of luck in 2007 when he was forced out of both races whilst leading. Having been in the shadow of Moly, Crowe looked like he would finally get the better of him in a straight battle and a new outright lap record of 116.667mph showed that he had done more than step up to the plate.
However, it wasn’t to be as Crowe was forced out of both races in 2007 when he suffered mechanical problems while leading.
In 2008 he is expected to be a major player in both the three-lap races, and the lap record is likely to be under threat again. However, Crowe has had to overcome a leg injury sustained on holiday. He told Monday’s launch party that won’t hold him back.
Crowe said:
‘I’m feeling strong and stronger by the week. I’m always fairly organised, but I’ve had plenty of time on my hands having nothing to do for past five months so I’m pretty ready.’
He added lessons have been learned for ‘07 and he believes he will quickly match and exceed last year’s record-breaking pace.
Cox is a new passenger for Crowe, and despite being experienced admitted joining the lap record holder brings new challenges.
Cox said:
‘It is a bit of a step up. I’ve done 110mph, but to do that much faster means I’ve got a lot to learn. However, I think I can do it. I’m fit enough and I think it will be no problem.’
Crowe and Molyneux won’t be the only ones to watch at TT2008.
John Holden and Andy Winkle increased their lap speeds by superb margins in 2007, and the Lancastrian only just missed out on his first ever TT victory when Molyneux overhauled him on the final lap of the A race.
He became the third-fastest driver in the history of the event and has been rewarded with a place in the Relentless by TAS Suzuki set-up, the first foray into sidecar sponsorship by the Northern Ireland-based concern.
Winkle said:
‘Last year we got very close, but this year I think we have a good chance of actually doing it.’
Holden added:
‘I am confident we can do well, and hopefully do better than last year.’
Steve Norbury secured two third places last year and can be counted upon to deliver more of the same, if not better, this time around with new passenger Rick Long, the most successful passenger in TT history
Another team looking to build on success in 2007 is the pairing of Simon Neary and Jamie Winn.
Neary said:
‘This year is going to be a big year for us. Everything we have done in the past we’ve done great, but hopefully this year, with the new Suzuki, it is going to bring what we’re looking for.’
‘Obviously, we want to be quick, but you have to be reliable as well.’
Based on 2007 form, other pairings who will be fighting it out for podium places include 2001 World Champions Klaus Klaffenbock/Christian Parzer, Allan Schofield/Peter Founds, Nigel Connole/Dipash Chauhan, Roy Hanks/Dave Wells, Conrad Harrison/Kerry Williams, Gary Horspole/Scott Parnell, Phil Dongworth/Stuart Castles and Tony Elmer/Darren Marshall.
The supporting cast, like the solos, is stronger than ever, with Andy Laidlow, Gary Bryan, Glyn Jones, Kenny Howles, Greg Lambert, Tony Baker, Roger Stockton and Bill Currie just some of the names expected to be in the hunt for silver and bronze replicas.
The recruitment of newcomers for the F2 sidecar class has been stepped up dramatically and 2007 saw Dougie Wright become the fastest sidecar newcomer in TT history as he lapped at 106.485mph.
The young Leeds driver picked up two bronze replicas for his 15th and 17th place finishes, while German GP drivers Mike Roscher and Eckart Rosinger also impressed as they both lapped in excess of 101mph.
TT and Motorsport Development Manager Paul Phillips said:
‘The Sidecar TTs are probably the best sidecar races in the world in terms of prestige, number of teams and quality of entries.’
‘We are joined by more stars from the world series year-on-year, which goes to show the impact the TT is having on the global scene.’
Tim Reeves is easily the highest profile sidecar newcomer competing at this year’s TT.
The 35-year-old, who only started competing as a driver in 1999, has enjoyed a rapid rise to the top of the three-wheeled discipline. Reeves clinched his first world title in 2005, and followed that by taking the crown again in 2006 and 2007.
His preparations for the TT have been nothing short of first class, exactly what you’d expect from a World Champion, and he could really spring a surprise in June.
He told Monday’s launch party:
‘Ever since I started racing this has been something I have wanted to do. This year it all fell into place and I can’t wait. I am really looking forward to it.’
‘You can drive round and round in a car and Nick and Dave have been fantastic and a lot of help, but when you get on the bike it is going to be different. My main aim is to have fun and go home alive. I will be coming back and back and want to win a TT, but I will have to wait and see how long it takes me.’
Tim has a highly respected and experienced passenger in Patrick Farrance, who has been competing on the Island since 2002 with numerous top 10 results.
There will be more news from Monday’s launch throughout this week, so keep checking the news page of the Official website of the Isle of Man TT.
Read all about the 2008 TT by downloading the Press Pack in Adobe PDF Format (1.8Mb). Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader from Adobe.com.
Additional reporting by Phil Wain