The 2023 A.C.U. / F.S.R.A. British F2 Sidecar Championship – Round Two Preview – Donington Park – Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th May
Supported By:- A.V. Craine & Sons; Hegarty Plant Ltd.; Pagid Racing; Whitby Cottages; Rowtec Engineering Maintenance & Tingle Windows
Words – Tim Langham (F.S.R.A. Press Officer) / Photos – Bryan Gough
Round two of the A.C.U. / F.S.R.A. British F2 Sidecar Championship sees teams head for their traditional mid-May visit to Donington Park. Running on the shorter “National” configuration, teams will do battle in a ten lap race each day, with the presitigious “Bill Boddice Trophy” being awarded – last year this was seized by Lee Crawford / Scott Hardie – who took both race wins, although they were hounded by Pete Founds / Jake Lowther, who broke the lap record several times in their pursuit.
A new season began for the series at Croft over the weekend of the 1st and 2nd April with N.E.M.C.R.C. – and it was “business as usual” for reigning British F2 Sidecar Champions Founds / Jevan Walmsley (LCR Honda) who dominated proceedings, taking pole position, a brace of wins and claiming a new lap record, seeing them topping the standings by fourteen points.
The other podium steps were shared by Steve & Matty Ramsden (LCR Honda) and Alan Founds / Jake Lowther (LCR Yamaha), both taking a second and third place a-piece in a meeting which was held in changeable weather conditions – springing several surprises – none more so than the carburetted Windle Thundercat of wild-cards Kieran Clarke / Andrew Johnson running strongly in the top six all weekend!
While a small number of “regulars” may be not be competing this weekend due to the upcoming T.T. Races, there is still a strong entry, bolstered by a number of “wild-card” competitors. Daryl Gibson / Rhys Gibbons (CES Suzuki) have been developing their new outfit almost every weekend since the season started, and they will have an eye firmly on the podium. Also likely to be in the mix are Manxmen Mike Jackson / Jake Roberts (DMR Suzuki); reigning F2 Cup Champions Rob Atkinson / Mark Middleton (Bellas Honda); Sean Hegarty / James Neave (Baker Suzuki); Wayne Lockey / Ben Binns (LCR Honda) and Gary Horspole / Kenny Cole (Baker Suzuki).
The F2 Cup once again looks like being a close-fought series all the way down the order with any one of the eleven registered teams capable of claiming podium finishes. Tied at the top having taken a win and runners-up placing each are Brian Ilaria / Arlo Brown (DDM Suzuki) and Charlie Morphet / William Reilly (LCR Honda). Series newcomers James Saunders / Sarah Stokoe (Baker Honda) and Bob Dawson / Matt Sims (LCR Honda) will both be looking to build on their promising points haul from Croft. Dave Schofield / Josh Smith (Bellas Yamaha) were on front-running pace at Croft, and will be looking to jump up the rankings, while younger sibling Chris Schofield / Dave Ryder (Baker Honda) will be looking to establish their first points on the board of 2023, having been unable to attend Croft due to personal circumstances.
Current Lap Records:
Super F2 – P. Founds & Lowther – 01:12.502 – 15/05/22
F2 Cup – Payne & Clement – 01:14.908 – 16/05/21
On behalf of the F.S.R.A., I would like to express thanks to our loyal series sponsors, who have continued to pledge their support, despite the difficult times which the pandemic and increased operational costs for businesses over the last three years have brought about. The A.C.U. have again awarded the official “British Championship” title, and along with A.V. Craine & Son; Hegarty Plant Ltd; Pagid Racing (Breitenbach Rennsport); Rowtec Engineering Maintenance; Tingle Windows and Whitby Cottages.
Finally, the F.S.R.A. would like to thank N.G.R.R.C. for hosting, and to all their dedicated officials, marshals, medics and all the other volunteers involved in running the event.
Super F2 Points Standings:
F2 Cup Points Standings:
