International Sidecar Superprix by Bonovo Action

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Schlosser/Fries supreme in part one of the International Sidecar Superprix – By Barry Nutley, photos and info from Mark Walters

Oschersleben Germany

In good sunny weather and ideal track conditions, the opening salvos were fired in the German leg of the International Sidecar Superprix at the weekend, with a dominant performance by the Swiss pairing of Markus Schlosser and Marcel Fries on their LCR. Now firmly accustomed to 600cc power, the duo showed an incredible turn of speed, particularly towards the later stages of both races. It is they who carry the main advantage forward into the second leg at Brands Hatch in two weeks.

Race One – Leaders from the lights were Tim Reeves and Kevin Rousseau on their Adolf RS Yamaha chased by similarly mounted Benny Streuer and Ilse de Haas. Streuer is in a rich vein of form again, and he took the fight to Reeves and Rousseau. These two teams set a blistering pace and looked uncatchable early on.

In a strong third were Todd Ellis and Charlie Richardson (Santander Salt Honda LCR) having their first taste together of International competition.

Behind them came Josef Sattler and Luca Schmidt on another Adolf RS Yamaha with a determined Schlosser/Fries keeping them company.

John Holden/Jake Lowther came next on the Silicone Barnes Racing Adolf RS with Ted and Vincent Peugeot charging hard behind.

Pekka Paivarinta/Emmanuelle Clement were making up ground after a torrid start, but the Finn had his work cut out to get with the leaders.

At the front, Streuer was staying in the wheel-tracks of Tim Reeves who by half-distance was already in trouble with his front tyre. He was as determined as ever though, and simply threw everything at staying ahead of the Dutchman.

Schlosser capitalised on this scrap, and once by Ellis/Richardson, set after the leading pair. Such was his pace, it was simply a question of when, and as Streuer and Reeves fought their long-standing battle, the Swiss seized the opportunity and shot past the pair of them to grab the lead.

Todd Ellis had become immersed in a huge scrap for fourth with Sattler/Schmidt, only for their rivals to lose a sidecar wheel-arch causing them to pit four laps from the end.

This took the pressure off the British pair, who had done well in their debut world-class event. Paivarinta claimed fifth with a happy John Holden not far behind.

Race One Result – 1/ Schlosser/Fries, 2/ Reeves/Rousseau, 3/ Streuer/de Haas,

4/ Ellis/Richardson, 5/ Paivarinta/Clement, 6/ Holden/Lowther, 7/ Peugeot/Peugeot,

8/ Kimeswenger/Kolsch, 9/ Archer/Chandler, 10/ Cable/Masters.

Race Two – One day later, the weather was still fine, but noticeably cooler as the lights went out ahead of sixteen laps. This time around, Schlosser/Fries, inspired by race one victory took the early lead. Hot on their heels came Ellis/Richardson, with Sattler/Schmidt for company.

The Yamaha LCR of Paivarinta/Clement had a better start this race and sat fourth just ahead of Holden/Lowther and Streuer/de Haas. Next came Tim Reeves and Kevin Rousseau who did not have a good start. They would have to work hard to catch the leading bunch, all of whom were flying. This had all the makings of a great race and did not disappoint. Streuer and Reeves are both masters of making up for lost time through a busy field, and they set about that challenge with typical enthusiasm.

Once past John Holden, reeves had his eyes on the five teams ahead, and that was his singular focus.

Kevin Cable and Kyle Masters were having an exceptionally busy time with Remse/Weschelberger and Kimeswenger/Kolsch until both the latter crews retired with mechanical issues.

This left Cable/Masters in a safe position, and they were to bring it home ninth in their debut overseas foray.

Up the sharp end, Schlosser/Fries were away and gone, with Ellis still second, but under real pressure from Benny Streuer who had overhauled Sattler/Schmidt and Pekka Paivarinta/Clement.

Similarly, Reeves/Rousseau were now with these crews and were all over the back of the Finnish multiple World Champion. The persistence of Tim Reeves prevailed, and he was to make his way to fourth, but was unable to go one place better and get the better of Todd Ellis. This was a great race, but a real display by runaway winners Schlosser Fries.

Race Result – 1/ Schlosser/Fries, 2/ Streuer/de Haas, 3/ Ellis/Richardson,

4/ Reeves/Rousseau, 5/ Sattler/Schmidt, 6/ Paivarinta/Clement, 7/ Holden/Lowther,

8/ Peugeot/Peugeot, 9/ Cable/Masters, 10/ Schwegler/Kopechy

Aggregate scores are carried forward to the second two-race leg at Brands Hatch with Markus Schlosser and Marcel Fries leading the way with maximum points

Credit and thanks to Mark (Wally) Walters for copy information and images

Media Matters Barry Nutley barry.nutley@btinternet.com