As the 2024 season approaches, the road racing community is abuzz with excitement as new teams and riders join the fray. Before we dive into the preview, our condolences go out to Tim’s family and friends, a stalwart of the committee and sidecar paddock who will be deeply missed.
Super Class Preview
In the Super class, current World Champions Todd Ellis and Emmanuelle Clement are set to make their debut, riding a CES Yamaha R6-powered machine. They’ll be joined by newcomers Kieran Clark and Andrew Johnson on a similar CES outfit, while John Saunders and Ben Stell will pilot an LCR Yamaha. Mark Hegarty and Rob Child will also be in the mix, racing a Shelbourne Honda. Defending Champions Pete Founds and Jevan Walmsley will be looking to retain their title on an LCF Honda, while Lee Crawford and Scott Hardie have made the switch to a Kawasaki-powered LCR.
Cup Class Preview
In a surprising move, 2023 Cup Champion Brian Ilaria will be moving up to the Super class with new passenger Olly Lace. Meanwhile, in the Cup, Bruce Moore and Amy Dodd will ride an Ireson Honda, David Schofield and Josh Smith will pilot a Bellas Yamaha, Chris Schofield and Tom Dawkins will be on a Baker Honda, and Tony Baker and William Szanel will run a Baker Suzuki.
Competition Heating Up
With the World Champions joining the Super class, the competition is expected to heat up, with Lee, Scott, Pete, and Jevan all vying for the top spot. Brian and Olly’s move to the Super class will also bring fresh challenges, while Daryl Gibson and the Ramsden father-son duo will be hot on their heels. This season promises to be an exciting one, with plenty of overtakes and battles for the podium.
Cup Class Excitement
In the Cup, new riders will add to the excitement, with Mark, a former passenger, now competing as a driver. James and Sarah will be fighting for the title, while the Schofield brothers, David and Chris, will also be in the mix.
Lap Records
As the season gets underway at Croft, riders will be looking to beat the current lap records:
- 1:26.484 in the Supers, set by P. Founds and J. Walmsley in 2023
- 1:29.817 in the Cup, set by Crawford and Farrance in 2015
F.S.R.A. Gratitude
The F.S.R.A. would like to extend its gratitude to its loyal sponsors, who have continued to support the series despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and increasing operational costs. The ACU has again awarded the official “British Championship” title, and the F.S.R.A. is thankful for the continued support of:
- Hegarty Plant Ltd
- Pagid Racing (Breitenbach Rennsport)
- Whitby cottages
- Freight Hub
- Tingles of Warmfield
Event Host and Officials
Finally, the F.S.R.A. would like to thank N.E.M.C.R.C. for hosting the event and all the dedicated officials, marshals, medics, and volunteers involved in making it a success.
“We’re thrilled to see new teams and riders joining the series and can’t wait to get started at Croft!” – Brian Ross (F.S.R.A. Press Officer)
Words – Brian Ross (F.S.R.A. Press Officer) / Photographs – Bryan Gough/Simon Heath
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