SIDECAR Speedway returns to Brandon Stadium this Friday after a four-year absence for the inaugural Sidecar Spectacular, writes Robin Allen.
The event, organised by the Heart of England Motorcycle Club, is the brainchild of Rugby’s Mark Cossar who is looking to boost the sport’s profile in Britain after completing a six-month tour of Australia.
“The Sidecar spectacular title is a new meeting that I’m aiming to be prestigious,” said Cossar. “There will be 16 top class 1,000cc bikes competing for the title as well as a support class of 500cc Sidecars.
“I’ve just done a six-month tour over in Australia where it’s really big, its bigger than solo’s and from what I’ve learnt; I’m trying to bring over here to get Sidecar Speedway running again.
“I’d like a big crowd because we’ve done a lot of promotion, there’s a few of us in a very small team that’s done a lot of work.
“We are hoping it’s going to pay off because people don’t know how action packed Sidecar racing is and they don’t know what they are missing.”
There is expected to be an explosive showdown between Cossar and his arch rival Rod Winterburn, the current British Masters Champion.
Other top names that are capable of winning include former British Champions Robbie Wilson, Liam Winterburn and Paul Whitelam
Cossar will be hoping to win the event despite being without his regular car passenger Carl Blyth who is currently away in Rhodes getting married.
Having won three of his four British Masters Grasstrack titles with Blyth, Cossar knows just what a big asset his regular passenger is.
But his replacement Liam Brown has plenty of experience and happens to be one half of the reigning British Masters crew.
“Liam has been a fierce but friendly rival,” said Cossar. “But we’re joining forces for the Shootout.
“The pressure is on, but hopefully we’ll gel and make the grand final.
Tapes go up at 7.30pm with admission prices just £10 for adults and children under 16 go free.
