Four Sidecar Champions Renew Their Rivalry
The current and three previous Southern 100 Sidecar Champions with thirteen championship wins between them are set to renew their rivalry at the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Southern 100 Road Races which starts on Monday 10th July 2023.
Double Champions, 2022 and 2019, Pete Founds and Jevan Walmsley will carry the number one plate for the second time on their FHO Motorsport 600 LCR Honda outfit.
Six times winner Dave Molyneux with passenger Justin Sharp making his debut will be on the Kel Properties 890 KTM DMR with the No. 3 plate.
Carrying their familiar number 69 crew of 1997 champion Greg Lambert with the ‘racing preacher’ Andy Haynes in the chair of their 600 LCR Honda.
With four titles to his name Tim Reeves will have Mark Wilkes alongside, who has helped with two of the four wins. Their Bonova Action Racing 600 LCR Yamaha is sponsored by Carl Cox Motorsport and will be recognised by the usual no.77.
Making a welcome return after having to miss 2022, is Alan Founds with Rhys Gibbons by his side. Other regulars returning include Wayne Lockey and Matthew Rostron; Lee Crawford and Scott Hardie; Shaun and Ben Chandler; Steve and Matty Ramsden, and Alun Thomas and Kenny Cole, all capable of throwing a surprise or two once the action gets underway.
The promoters, Southern 100 Racing are pleased also to welcome three teams from Ireland (Eire), On board their Eclipse Racing 600 DMR Suzuki for Dubliner Derek Lynch and passenger Anthony McDonnell from Clondalkin. Tipperary’s David Marshall brings his 600 DMR Suzuki to the Isle of Man, whilst his passenger Anthony Pitt has only travelled a few miles from Port St Mary (IOM)!
Co Cork resident Paul Reck is one of two drivers making their Southern 100 debuts, he has Ian Tennant , who hales from Cheshire in the ‘chair’ of the 600 Narin t.m MDR600.
The second newcomer’s driver is Robert Atkinson, with Mark Middleton who is also making his Billown debut on their Artic Building Services 600 Bellas Honda.
Manxies Darren Hope, a previous three champion passenger with Nick Crowe (2004, 2005 & 2006), has Lenny Bumfrey by his side on their LCR Hope/Bumfrey Racing Honda. Shepton Mallet’s Paul Riley and Newport’s Jody James complete the field on their 600 DDM.
Whilst the quantity of the field is slightly down on previous years, you are guaranteed close exciting racing with the sidecar teams as they pit their skill again machine and the arduous 4.25-mile Colas Billown Course.
The action commences on Monday evening 10th July between 6.05pm and 9.40pm with practice and continues on Tuesday with final practice, plus two races commencing at 8.00pm. Wednesday has four races, whilst Thursday, Championship Day the morning session between 9.30am and 12.45pm five races are to be run and finally between 1.30pm and 4.45pm four races including the two feature races, the Solo and Sidecar Championships.
The Southern 100 concludes with an Open-Air Prize Presentation in the Market Square from 8.30pm.
Further information can be found on the official website: www.southern100.com
