The lap records theme, that has lit-up the 2022 Southern 100 continued in the Daryl Blake Construction Sidecar Championship race.
First lap proceedings saw Rich Energy Bonovo Action Racing’s Tim Reeves/Kevin Rousseau lead the quality filled field, holding a modest lead over pre-race favourites Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley.
It was roles reversal on lap two as FHO Racing’s Founds/Walmsley hit the front, leading Reeves/Rousseau with the Triumph powered Crowe brothers Ryan & Callum, close behind.
Competition would enter another level on lap three as Founds/Walmsley, the Crowe’s both obliterated the existing lap record set by John Holden/Lee Cain.
Founds/Walmsley were first to accomplish a new lap record, setting the first 102 mph Sidecar lap at Billown, lapping at 102.082 mph.
This was quickly bettered by the Haven Homes supported Crowe’s, lapping at 102.398 mph.
Hitting a hot streak of form, the Crowe’s soon took the race lead but then they were reported to have not made it to Cross Four Ways.
Soon it was announced that the Manx driver/passenger pairing had been involved in a minor incident at Ballakeighan.
With the Crowe’s out of the equation, this enabled Founds/Walmsley to take complete race control.
Keeping up a consistent, rapid pace out front, they stylishly went onto defend the Sidecar Championship title, winning by just over 16.2 seconds.
Fast starters Reeves/Rousseau took second with the final spot on the rostrum banked by the evergreen duo of Conrad Harrison/Andy Winkle.
Greg Lambert/Andrew Haynes took fourth, finishing 0.8 behind Harrison/Winkle.
Others to complete the eight-lap race were Wayne Lockey/Matty Rostron, Darren Hope/Lenny Bumfrey, Alun Thomas/Kenny Cole, Derek Lynch/Anthony Mcdonnell and David Marshall/Mark Gash.
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou
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