Team Quattro Takes Another First in F1M Sidecar World Championship

 It was a scorching weekend for Team Quattro in Derbyshire as they prepared for a repeat of last year’s win at Donington Park and another World Championship win after success in Croatia '22.

An early clutch problem resulted in the team taking a P4 in qualifying.  Despite the setback, they pulled forward to take a podium place in race 1.

‘Friday was a tough day’, says Kershaw, ‘It didn’t go to plan.  In the first race I knew if I made some small changes we’d be in with a shout of winning race 2.’  The changes and focus for race 2 took the team to top speed as they flew first across the finish line. ‘There was no gift of someone else breaking down.  We were the outright winners; the fastest on the day.  I was confident after winning in Croatia that we could do it again.’   

John Murphy, Quattro MD and Bob Browning were in the crowd to support the sidecar duo, much to the delight of the driver:  ‘As soon as I crossed the line I was so chuffed they were both there at this big event, on after the world superbikes, with thousands of people watching!’

‘What a day out,’ said Bob Browning, ‘They started in 4th and overtook everybody to lead the race.  I was nervous when they were in the lead; they got overtaken once but then overtook straight back again.  We’re just so pleased for the whole team!  It was absolutely bonzer!’

John Murphy continued, ‘It was a brilliant race. Fantastic to watch them come from 4th in some really tight racing.  This is the first time I’ve seen them win.  At the finish line me and Bob were jumping up and down and hugging each other, which is also a first.’  

The World Championship now takes a summer break with the next race in Oschersleben, Germany on 30 September, for the penultimate round.  Team Kershaw/Charlwood are currently 64 points off the top of the table and sit 3rd in the world Championship rankings, and in the time left, there is possibility to go further: ‘We are 23 points behind second place (Marcus Schlosser) now.  It’s 25 points for a win.  There are 4 races to go and the last race is double points.’

The sidecar team will be appearing at Brands Hatch next weekend in a one-off race at the British Sidecar Championship.  ‘We’re only there to shake things up a bit!’ laughs Kershaw, ‘It should be a great weekend!’ He concluded:  ‘I just want to say massive thanks to John and our Quattro sponsors.  We are so grateful for the help.  We wouldn’t be doing this without them.’   

‘We are right behind this world class team’, added Murphy.  ‘The heat is very definitely on!’