British Sidecars are “GO” Oulton Park April 29th-May 1st

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The picturesque parkland venue of Oulton Park is the scene for the opening round of the 2023 British Sidecar Championship with two races on the schedule alongside the Bennetts British Superbikes.

A change of the rules allowing short and long outfits to compete on level terms has resulted in a strong field, thereby addressing the problem of last season which saw a recurrence of dwindling grids.

The result is a very healthy entry headed by reigning British and World Champions Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement on their Santander Salt Yamaha. They have pledged to compete in all rounds which do not conflict with the defence of their FIM title.

The same is true of multiple World and British Champion Tim Reeves, paired up yet again with the experienced Mark Wilkes. The Bonovo Action sponsored duo will be a welcome addition to the “new look” British series, whilst almost certainly eyeing up a return to the top spot at world level.

Former British Champions Steve Kershaw and Ryan Charlwood bring the Quattro Yamaha to Cheshire with every intention of also making their mark at home and abroad this year.

Last year’s runners-up Sam and Tom Christie brothers, along with Lewis

Blackstock and Paddy Rosney who finished third, are also back to fight again.

No fewer than twenty-five outfits are entered, with a handful of those being short chassis F2 bikes. These run to FSRA rules and are allowed in with TT tuned engine specification. Included in the Oulton Park line-up are the 2022 FSRA Champions Peter Founds and Jevan Walmsley. They have proved many times they are more than capable of mixing it with the long bikes in an open fight.

A “Cup” class for long outfits will also allow the heavier lower spec bikes a shot at a trophy of their own. A revised scoring system will also offer a more equal points system down to fifteenth place, but closer margins at the higher level. Now the dark pandemic days are behind us, there is a real sense of normality and hope for the future of sidecar racing and the entertainment it brings to trackside and TV audience alike. There is no better time and place to welcome a new season than historic Oulton Park on a Bank Holiday weekend.

Media Matters – Barry Nutley barry.nutley@btinternet.com