Tim Reeves has had an enforced eleventh hour change of passenger for the 2010 Isle of Man TT Races with Dipash Chauhan stepping in at the last minute to partner the former triple World Champion. Reeves had done a deal as far back as July last year with four times winner, and outright lap record holder, Daniel Sayle but received a message earlier this week from the Manxman informing him that he was having to withdraw due to personal reasons although it has since come to light that he will instead line up in the chair with Klaus Klaffenbock. With only three weeks to go before first practice gets underway on the Mountain Course, Reeves’ plans were again thrown into disarray as he was faced with either withdrawing or contesting the races with a rookie passenger but, fortunately, experienced chairman Chauhan has stepped in thus ensuring the Kent driver’s participation in the two three-lap races. Chauhan was due to partner newcomer Carl Fenwick but he has graciously allowed him to partner Reeves instead. Fenwick will now be partnered by Keir Pedley on his TT debut. Reeves and Chauhan have already tasted success together having driven to victory at last year’s International Gold Cup races at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough with Chauhan also having already lapped the 37 and 3/4 mile Mountain Course in excess of 110mph with Nigel Connole in 2008. Speaking today, a relieved Reeves said: “First and foremost, I’ve got to say a big thank you to Carl for allowing Dips to passenger for me and we’ll be doing everything we can to help him and Keir on their TT debut in terms of both course knowledge and machine preparation. Having done a deal with Dan in July last year it came as a huge shock when he messaged me to say he was pulling out and even more so when I found he was going with Klaffi instead. I was faced with the prospect of pulling out or going with my regular passenger Gregory Cluze and although he’s World class it would have been unfair to go with him and expect to challenge for the wins in his first year. To do that, I really need someone who’s capable of lapping in the 115mph bracket and whilst Gregory will be up to speed in a year or two’s time, I really want to go for the wins in 2010. Dips knows his way round the course and has a number of TT meetings already under his belt so I know he’ll be perfect for the job.”