Stevens forced to settle for second best

Ricky Stevens and Ryan Charlwood, front, bid to overtake British Formula One sidecar championship title rivals Tim Reeves and Greg Cluze at Brands Hatch Picture: John Mushet

That’s after the reigning champion and his Dover passenger Ryan Charlwood were twice beaten to the flag by early 2016 pacesetters Tim Reeves and Greg Cluze.

On an entertaining second round of racing, Stevens renewed his rivalry with multiple world and British champion Reeves to entertaining effect.

Qualifying on Saturday morning saw Stevens and Charlwood take third place on the grid for the afternoon race at Brands Hatch.

Unable to make a good start, the duo gave themselves plenty to do to close the gap on pre-race favourites Reeves and Cluze.

Stevens and Charlwood were dogged in their televised chase, though, taking the fastest lap at an average speed of 91.22mph.

Sadly, they ran out of track with Reeves clinging on to win by 0.053sec.

Sunday’s race proved to be a replica as Stevens and Charlwood were again involved in a thrilling battle – only to just miss out on glory by 0.370.

Regardless, the pair are in a solid second place in the championship 15 points behind Reeves.

Stevens said: ‘It’s been a great weekend and we are getting closer to Tim.

‘We are still learning and know where we can improve.

‘That’s Tim’s home circuit and not many have beaten him there over the last 10 years.’

The next round is at Knockhill in Scotland in five weeks time.