Ex sidecar world champions Tim Reeves and Klaus Klaffenböck have both publicly backed the Isle of Man TT Races as the true test in world sidecar racing. This year an aggregate ‘championship points’ system based on results from both of the Sure sidecar races has been developed which will create an overall TT table. The first 15 crews in each race will receive points.

Tim Reeves, partnered by Patrick Farrance, achieved a podium in his first race on the Island in the 2008 TT, a feat not achieved by any sidecar racer since Jock Taylor in 1978. He said:

“I now consider the Isle of Man TT to be the best sidecar race in the world. It has potentially the strongest field and the test of skill and ability, physical strength and machine durability means that the winner of the two races can rightly call themselves the best in the world. I will not consider myself a true sidecar champion until I have stood on the top step at the TT and will focus all of my efforts on achieving this.”

Klaus Klaffenböck commented:

“I was ready to give up last year if I didn’t complete a race as I kept having to retire. The course is the most challenging and unforgiving in the world and as a result nothing compares to finishing the race on the Isle of Man. I will be back and will be putting everything I can into achieving a podium this year. To win a TT would definitely be the highlight of my career.”

Both Reeves and Klaffenböck will be returning to the Isle of Man to compete in the 2009 Sure Sidecar TT Races where they will be competing against local heroes 13 time champion Dave Molyneux and last year’s double winner and lap record holder Nick Crowe.

Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government, commented:

“This is a great endorsement for sidecar racing on the Isle of Man from two of the world’s leading drivers. It also reflects the commitment and challenges faced when competing on the Isle of Man.”