We had a load of spammers register (don’t know how they get through the anti spam measures but they’ve found a way again) and some real people got caught up in the lists.. I have just been through and activated a few – if you did register and are not active please just mail me steve@steveenglish.com and I’ll have a look for you!
The last round of the 2024 FIM Sidecar World Championship once again took place at the circuit of Estoril in Portugal.
Only seven points separated the two top teams of Schlosser/Schmidt, & local racer Harry Payne with his French passenger Kevin Rousseau. The teams have been neck and neck throughout the 2024 season and it all came down to a last round fight for the title.
Harry and Kevin with Sidecar Legend Rolf Steinhausen – photo by Mark Walters
It was to be Harry & Kevin who drew first blood by topping the practise and qualifying leaderboards. Starting from pole position, the Steinhausen racing duo of Payne/Rousseau took the honours on the 10 lap sprint race, reducing the championship deficit to just 2 points with one race to go.
With everything on the line in a winner takes all scenario, the race got underway. It was a duel all race long with the two teams swapping places multiple times. It all came down to a last lap drag race to the line with Harry & Kevin taking the victory by 0.053 seconds, and in turn won the 2024 ‘FIM Sidecar World Championship’ by just 3 points!
It’s been a long road to the top for Harry, who starting competing in motorcycle trials at the age of 10. He went on to race classic Sidecar Motocross as a passenger from the age of 18, and moved into road racing at the age of 23. Harry worked his way up the ladder winning international level events as a Sidecar passenger. He then began driving sidecars full time just 4 years ago, in the midst of Covid time. Winning the ‘Isle of Man Centre Sidecar Championship’ in 2020, the ‘FSRA British F2 Cup’ in 2021, and now the ‘FIM Sidecar World Championship’!
You can find out more on their social media: @team45racing
With the sidecar season coming to an end the training and learning isn’t stopping with the Greg Lambert sidecar school if anyone is wanting to have a go or thinking of starting racing here are November school dates for people to book on as drivers or passengers
November 4th November 11th / 12th November 19th November 25th/26th
Contact Greg Lambert on Facebook @ Greg Lambert racing. eMail greg_lambert_racing@yahoo.com Or 07980292819 or 07899261614
There could be no better place for the closing round than the Grand Prix Circuit at Brands Hatch. Steeped in sidecar tradition, this finale attracted a full entry including current world championship runners. The weather conditions were perfect for free practice and qualifying on Friday, which took place in glorious autumn sunshine.
The wait is over! Entries are now open for the EMRA Finale at Mallory Park on Sunday, 13th October and we are excited to welcome sidecars back to the grid!
Since you competed in Round 2 back in May, you are now eligible to compete for the prestigious DONGO Trophy. That’s not all, your entry fee is capped at just £80 thanks to someone who wishes not to be named and is covering the rest of your entry.
Here’s what else is in store:
Cash prizes for 1st to 6th place
A special £200 bonus for the ‘Most Entertaining’ rider in each race
Please note that this reduced entry fee only applies to those of you receiving this email, who entered in May. Entry for other competitors is £200 for this meeting.
To secure your place, simply call the EMRA office on 01455 360 260. But hurry – entries close at 17:00 on Friday, 27th September!