A.C.U. / F.S.R.A. British F2 Sidecar Championship – Round Three Preview

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Words – Tim Langham / Photographs – Ste McNorton

Round three of the series resumes on the 25th and 26th June at Anglesey Circuit, North Wales, this event following something of a sombre fortnight at the Isle of Man T.T. Races, where three sidecar competitors sadly lost their lives. The thoughts and condolences of all at the F.S.R.A. go out to the families, friends and teams involved, and no doubt there will be much reflection and memories shared over the course of the weekend.

It has been a long three years since the last visit of the British F2 Sidecars to Anglesey – obviously no thanks to the global pandemic. While the series was successfully run in 2021, unfortunately the planned visit to the Welsh island had to be cancelled owing to devolved government restrictions still being in place when the event was scheduled.

A mere four points separates the leading teams in the Super F2 standings. Pete Founds / Jevan Walmsley (LCR Honda) took a double win at the season opener at Brands Hatch, although Founds (with stand-in passenger Jake Lowther) had no answer to Lee Crawford / Scott Hardie (LCR Suzuki) who won both races last time out at Donington Park. Both teams were in a class of their own, breaking the lap record on every outing. Founds / Walmsley took two podium places at the T.T., while Crawford / Hardie scored a sixth place, lapping at over 112mph in their debut year, so both teams have carried on their exceptional form during the break from the short circuits.

Father and son Steve & Matty Ramsden (LCR Suzuki) sit third overall, having taken a trio of third place finishes in their last four starts, and have a wealth of experience at Anglesey, being well-known as “circuit experts”. Manxmen Mike Jackson / Jake Roberts (DMR Suzuki) have enjoyed numerous close battles so far this year with Wayne Lockey / Ben Binns (LCR Honda) and Gary Gibson / Tom Christie (CES Suzuki) and these three teams will be eyeing a podium finish. Adding in the likes of Conrad Harrison / Andy Winkle (Bellas Honda); Ryan & Callum Crowe (LCR Honda) and Gary Horspole / Kenny Cole (Baker Suzuki), there should be plenty of hard fought racing.

Four wins from as many starts sees Rob Atkinson / Mark Middleton (Bellas Yamaha) heading the F2 Cup class with a maximum 100 points so far. Similarly, Brian Ilaria / Arlo Brown (DDM Suzuki) have taken four convincing runners-up placings, putting them firmly into second place in class. Both teams have also been consistent top ten finishers overall, and a top six finish would not be a surprise. Added to the mix include the likes of Chris Schofield / Shane Colbrook (Baker Honda); Paul Riley / Jody James (DDM Suzuki); Bruce Moore / Amy Dodd (Ireson Honda) and David Schofield / Josh Smith (Windle Suzuki) to name just a few. The action in the Cup is always close in the midfield pack, and any of the entrants could well find themselves on the podium.

Current Lap Records:
Super F2 – Neary / Chauhan – 01:12.668 (25/07/10)
F2 Cup – Atkinson / Knapton – 01:14.091 (08/05/11)

Thanks as ever go to the A.C.U., along with the series sponsors. Finally the F.S.R.A. would like to thank Wirral 100 and to all their dedicated staff, officials, marshals, medics and all the other volunteers involved in running the event, and for continuing to host our series at several of their meetings.

With a number of competitors bound for the Isle of Man once again for the Southern 100 Races, there now follows another six week break before the series resumes on the 6th and 7th August at the immensely popular “Cadwell Park Sidecar Revival”. In the meantime, please keep up to date with F.S.R.A. news, including race reports and up to date championship points on the website – www.fsra.org.uk