The Kings of Wanneroo Sidecars, proudly sponsored by RBH Mechanical, saw a record number of local entries, as well as the 2007 Australian Champions Shane Soutar & Jeff Rowe from Geelong, Victoria. Soutar/Rowe (LCR Suzuki) were at the top of the time sheets throughout practice and qualifying on Friday/Saturday, closely followed by the local entries of Lindsay Fagan/Yancy Ross (LCR Kawasaki), Darryn & Neal Walker (RHR Suzuki), and Warren Thompson/Juston Winchester (RHR Suzuki).

These four sidecars were the main players battling it out at the front of the field during race day on Sunday, providing some thrilling entertainment for spectators. Fagan/Ross led the field into turn one at the start of race one, closely followed by the Walker brothers and Thompson/Winchester.

As they came over the hill for the first time Fagan/Ross had broken away from the rest by a few bike lengths, and after an ordinary start, Soutar/Rowe had made their way through to 2nd place. On lap 3, Soutar/Rowe got by Fagan/Ross, and then on lap 4 the Victorians set a new lap record for Aussie competitors of 60.748, this lap time was not bettered all weekend. (Visiting English duo Steve Abbott/Jamie Biggs set a blistering lap record in 2005 of 59.448). Soutar and Fagan were neck and neck all the way to the chequered flag, with Soutar narrowly crossing the line in first place. The Walker brothers were 3rd, ahead of Thompson/Winchester, and then Paul Pinfold/Ben Thomson in 5th (LCR Honda). Another great result from the race was that across the field of 14 sidecars, 7 recorded personal best laptimes.

Race 2 saw the Walker brothers off to a flying start, leading the field into turn one, closely followed by Fagan/Ross and Thompson/Winchester. The Walker boys held Fagan at bay until lap 3, when Fagan/Ross took the lead, recording their personal best laptime along the way (61.482). These two out-braked each other everywhere until the chequered flag where Fagan/Ross were 1st over the line, followed by Soutar/Rowe who dived in at the last minute to snatch 2nd place from the Walkers. 4th place went to Thompson/Winchester, with Ollie Onesti/Dean Napier (Suzuki) finishing a creditable 5th. Once again, personal best laptimes were broken by no less than 6 teams, a great result for the mid-fielders.

So with one win each, in theory it was to come down to the wire in race 3 between Fagan & Soutar for the Kings crown. But unfortunately, Soutar/Rowe rolled into the infield at turn one, after blowing a clutch on the start line. It was Thompson/Winchester leading Fagan/Ross at the end of lap one, and for the remainder of the race, these two made daring out-braking and overtaking moves on each other all over the circuit, providing the spectators (including Soutar/Rowe!!) with some of the most spectacular sidecar racing witnessed in WA for some time. The Walker boys also suffered mechanical gremlins to cause them a DNF, very unfortunate for the big improvers of the 2007 season. Hot on the tail of Thompson/Winchester at the finish line was the experienced team of Rob Hair/Chris Burrows, finding some form on their LCR sporting a new Suzuki engine, to finish 3rd. Pinfold/Thomson finished in 4th place, which secured them 3rd overall for the Kings of Wanneroo event. 2nd place overall went to Thompson/Winchester, and Fagan/Ross took home the crown of the 2007 Sidecar Kings of Wanneroo.

The pits and trophy presentation area were buzzing with good vibes and excitement at the end of what was a great weekend of sidecar racing.

Thanks must go to major sponsors RBH Mechanical, and to the MCRCWA.

Bruce Rodgers.

More details of race results can be found at www.natsoft.com.au/results