From a press release:

BRITAIN’S BEST HEAD FOR CLASH IN NEW-LOOK CHAMPIONSHIP

Britain’s best Sidecar teams will face each other for the first time in more than 15 years in 2004, in the new Eastern Airways British Sidecar Championship.

Teams from the World Championship, European Championship, National MRO Series and Formula Two Championship will clash in the all-action, 13-round series which runs alongside the British Superbike Championship.

More than 25 teams have signed to contest the series, leaving just a few places for hopefuls looking to challenge for honours in a new-look championship which has captured the imagination of all.

“The entry is impressive and it’s great that Britain will have a strong Sidecar Championship once again,” enthused promising young driver Steve Norbury, himself a leading European Championship racer last year.

Top Formula Two drivers Gary Horspole and Andy Laidlow are among those switching from the 600cc Formula Two machines to do battle on 1000cc machinery, in the BSC spectacular.

Laidlow said: “With the entry almost over-subscribed there could be some very good teams potentially not qualifying for some rounds. This will be the most hotly contested sidecar class for years.”

Reigning MRO National champion Bill Philp is joined by former MRO stars Richard Gatt and Tim Reeves in the Eastern Airways British Sidecar Championship, which gets under way at Silverstone on March 28.

Final championship details are subject to contract with British Superbike Championship organisers, MCRCB Events.

2004 Eastern Airways British Sidecar Championship calendar

March 28 – Silverstone, Northants

April 12 – Brands Hatch, Kent (Indy circuit)

April 25 – Snetterton, Norfolk

May 3 – Oulton Park, Cheshire;

May 23 – Mondello Park, Ireland

June 6 – Thruxton, Hants

June 20 – Brands Hatch, Kent (GP circuit)

July 4 – Knockhill, Fife

July 18 – Rockingham, Northants

August 15 – T.b.a

August 30 – Cadwell Park, Lincs

September 12 – Oulton Park, Cheshire

September 19 – Donington Park, Derbys.