2026 Season Preview

2026 A.C.U. / F.S.R.A. British F2 Sidecar Championship Incorporating the F2 Cup

Supported by Pagid Brake Pads/Breitenbach Rennsport, Whitby Cottages, Hegarty Plant Hire, Freight Hub, Tingles of Warmfield and Power Tools Rentals Ltd.

Words – (F.S.R.A. Press Officer) / Photographs – Joy Richings

Welcome to the 2026 ACU FSRA British F2 Sidecar Championship.

As we head in the 39th year of the championship we look forward to more on track battles.

This year we opened up the rules to allow the lay down engines into the championship. Will any of them come in and cause upset and reap all the benefits?

George Holden already at the sharp end on a standard set up bike so will the lay down engine give him the advantage he needs to fight for the top spot.

Could this rule change entice the 7-time British winning team of Pete Founds/Jevan Walmsley back to fight for their 8^th title?

Could we see the likes of the fastest brothers, 4 times IOM TT winners Ryan & Callum Crowe make an appearance and fight for the British title?

Could we see Lee Crawford return and give these lay down engines a run for their money as we know he has it in him to do so.

Can the returning 3 times British Champion and TT winner John Holden have a say on the outcome at the sharp end. He will be joined by Phil Knapton who is also no stranger to being at the front of the pack.

Matty Ramsden takes to the handlebars this year alongside Ben Stell. They did a few wildcards last year and caused a bit of upset fighting at the front and won the race at Croft during the Battle of Britain meeting. They also took the Cup lap record so could we see a few more of them fall this year?

The cup class is the busiest as always and is always closely contested. Can Chris Schofield/Sam Astley improve from their 3^rd place last year. Mark Hegarty/Alex Ludlow won’t be far away from them as they gave each other a good run for their money last year. Bruce and Ashley Moore team up once again and proved at Mallory last year they can definitely throw a spanner in the works. David Schofield, Alun Thomas & the return of Paul Riley to name a few could make this a very close and interesting battle for the cup class.

The legend and The Peter Pan of sidecar racing “The Boy who never grows old” Tony Baker will return for his 57th year of racing, He may be in his 80s but he definitely gives the young ones a run for their money and shows no sign of slowing down.

We head to Brands Hatch for the opening round of the championship with host club NG Racing. We are looking forward to the little 1.2 Mile Kent based circuit. Hopefully the weather will hold out for us but either way we aim to put on a show for the spectators.

Lap Record:

Super: Birchall/Birchall - 12.04.2009 – 50.860s

Cup: Kershaw/Wilson – 04.04.2010 – 52.187s

On behalf of the F.S.R.A., I would like to express thanks to our loyal series sponsors, who have continued to pledge their support. A.C.U, Pagid Brake Pads/Breitenbach Rennsport, Whitby Cottages, Hegarty Plant Hire, Freight Hub, Tingles of Warmfield, Power Tool Rentals Ltd, we thank you all for investing in the championship.