After a break of two months, the Eastern Airways Formula one British sidecar championship returned to the 2.9 mile Snetterton 300 circuit in Norfolk, writes John Mushet.
Lauder’s Kershaw racing team of driver Stephen Kershaw and passenger Rob Wilson made the long trip to this very technical circuit which is run along side the British Superbike championship. Qualifying took place on Friday, June 13, and the gremlins hit the team in the form of a brake problem which put them in 15th place and on row eight of the grid.
Friday night was spent changing an engine on their Suzuki-powered machine and also finding the brake fault. As a result, they didn’t start Saturday’s afternoon race. However, the motorcycle gods played a part and, after only three laps, the race was stopped due to oil on the circuit, and was held over for several hours, giving the team time to complete the repairs.
With no time to test the new parts Stephen started well and moved through the field in the shortened six lap race. Setting a new personal best time for the circuit, they finished in a great 10th position moving them up the grid for Sunday’s second race.
In front of a crowd in excess of 40,000, this event brought more of the same, with the leading three in the championship fighting for position from the start. Several of the sidecars stopped due to technical reasons.
Stephen kept out of trouble and drove a fine race, finishing in ninth place with an average speed of 87mph around this very fast and windy track.
The whole team were pleased with the results after what was a trying weekend, initially, due to the technical problems that they encountered.
In just over a week’s time the action moves to their home circuit at Knockhill in Fife, something they are looking forward to.
