The Hyundai Heavy Industries British Sidecar Championship makes its annual pilgrimage to the Knockhill circuit over the weekend of 6-8 July. Despite the unfortunate events at Cadwell in which several teams suffered either broken bones or broken bikes, the other crews are eager to maximize the points scoring opportunity.

This is good news for the many Scottish sidecar enthusiasts. Always a crowd-pleaser, the charioteers provide great action particularly on the run to the hairpin. It’s always a question of “will they – won’t they” as they rush in three-abreast.

Series leaders Steve Kershaw and Stuart Clark from Lauder add a particularly local flavour to proceedings, as they are currently having a stellar season on the Molson Santander Salt 1000cc Kawasaki, supported by Express Tyres of Lockerbie. Having won the last seven races, they are on target to be the first Scots to win the British Championship since the one and only Jock Taylor, who won the Scottish, British and World titles.

It’s also fitting that they return for a second time to Knockhill after the serious crash which nearly ended Kershaw’s career in 2015. That monkey is well and truly off their backs if results here last year were anything to go by. Three second places to Tim and Tristan Reeves just twelve months ago said it all. On current form, and with the Reeves brothers absent from the series this year, who’s to say they could not make it three wins?

Well, there are plenty out there with a view on that, not least of all a pair of screaming 600’s in the hands of Todd Ellis/Chaz Richardson on the Santander Salt Honda, and the Quattro Plant JG Speedfit Kawasaki of former Champions Ricky Stevens and Ryan Charlwood.

In the 1000cc category, Gary Bryan and Phil Hyde have shown greatly improved form in recent weeks, boosted by a great TT result. They will definitely be looking for podiums at Knockhill.

You can also add to that list Gary Horspole and James Connell. For once in the season, Connell will be the shortest travelled, and this pair mounted the podium twice at Cadwell. The absence of several top crews will open the door for good, solid points scoring chances and Horspole will be acutely aware of the opportunity. Joint third in the standings, both he and Gary Bryan will really be going for it.

With three races planned, and live Eurosport TV coverage, followed by the Motorsport TV highlights show, there is a lot at stake, and everything to play for.