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World Sidecar champions elect Tim and Tristan Reeves were hoping to end their season on a high note with two wins from the final set of races in the current campaign at the Karlskoga circuit in Sweden but it soon became apparent that a difficult time was in store for all competitors with many teams voicing their concerns that the track was unsafe for racing. Although Tim and Tristan failed to complete the first race they finished second in the second affair to take 20 championship points.
“When we were told the final round was to be at this circuit we were a little apprehensive as we had a serious crash here a few years ago,” said Tim. “We were assured by the organisers that substantial improvements had been put into place and the circuit was now safe.
“After testing on Friday a number of teams decided to withdraw but the rest of us agreed that we would give it a go and not disappoint the spectators who had paid to see us race.”
After qualifying on pole the Kent brothers lined up for the start of the sprint race and it was they who led the pack around the first corner. But Billy Gallros crashed heavily leaving debris on the track and with no warning flags being waved Tim and Tris spun off into the gravel. They returned to the pits where, realising lives were being put at risk, Tim grabbed the red flag and stopped the race.
Although the majority of riders agreed with Tim’s actions the officials did not and imposed a fine of $1000 for his actions.
“The flags were not being waved to warn oncoming riders of the danger and I could see we could soon have a big problem so I took matters into my own hands. I was not going to stand by and watch someone crash when I could prevent it by putting out the red flag. I must say thanks to the lads who all chipped in to help me pay the fine.” |
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Tim and Tristan didn’t take their place on the grid for the re-start and so forfeited the points they would have won.
Fearful they could be stripped of their world title the Reeves brothers eventually decided to take part in the final race of the championship and headed the grid for the start of the 32-lap Gold race. Having put a new sidecar tyre on at the last minute there was no time to bed it in and Tim drifted wide at the last corner on the first lap. He ran across the grass and into the gravel where he sat and thought long and hard before re-joining the race in dead last place.
Tim steadily picked his way through the field and by lap 17 had moved into third place, some 15 seconds behind the leaders. As he got on terms with Tero Manninen the Fin spun off leaving the way clear for the champions to chase after the leaders.
But although he got within a few yards of Paivarinta and Karttiala he and Tristan had to settle for second place - just one second away from victory.
“Another lap and we would have had them,” said Tim. “When we ran into the gravel on the first lap I considered staying there but then thought of the spectators and didn’t want to disappoint them so we carried on. But a lot of improvements need to be made to this circuit before they contemplate putting it on the racing calendar for next year.”
Tim and Tristan have now completed their World championship campaign and bring the world title back to Kent with them for the second successive time.
The brothers will see race action again when they go to Mallory for the annual Festival of Sidecars on October 1 followed by a visit to Lydden Hill for the Sidecar Burn-up on October 22.
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