CURRENT FIM World Sidecar champ Mark Wilkes will take the chair alongside Harry Payne this season as they tackle the FSRA British F2 series.
The pair has already tasted success after a close-fought second place in last year’s Sidecar Burn Up at Lydden Hill, only missing out on the win behind Wilkes’ former team-mate Tim Reeves and Kevin Rousseau.
In his debut as a driver at the national level this year, Payne – who has already laid down a strong foundation behind the wheel with six race wins and the Isle of Man Centre title alongside Olly Lace – admitted he’s overjoyed to announce this year’s plans.
“I’m thrilled to confirm Mark is in the chair with me,” he told UK Clubsport. “He is someone I have previously dubbed the best passenger in the world, along with TT legend Tom Birchall, and I still believe that.
“Currently his record backs that up as he is the most recent passenger to win the World Championship.
“It was a shame to part ways with Olly. He was not just my passenger, he was my mate too. Unfortunately he had other commitments that took precedence, so we had to split.”
While 2021 will mark Payne’s first go at the FSRA series as a driver, Wilkes returns to the championship for the first time since 2015, when he campaigned the F2 class with Sean Reeves.
Harry and Mark are actively seeking sponsorship for the season, which is set to kick off at Brands Hatch over the weekend April 16-18. Harry can be contacted by email – harrypayne45@gmail.com
*Words by Harry Payne
