Tim Reeves, along with passenger Patrick Farrance, visited the Isle of Man on Monday to help officially launch the 2009 TT Races. The Kent driver made a sensational debut in 2008 when he took third and sixth in the two races, becoming the first newcomer to stand on the podium since Jock Taylor in 1978, and heads into the 2009 event very much as one of the pre-race favourites.
The triple World Champion, who also became the 7th fastest driver ever to have lapped the 37 3/4-mile Mountain Course with a speed of 112.031mph, may only be entering his second year of TT competition but his stunning debut has earmarked him as a potential race winner at this year's event, which gets underway on Saturday 30th May, and preparations have been underway for some time now to achieve that goal.
Reeves, who has an all-new LCR chassis and Suzuki engine for his campaign, was accompanied on the visit by representatives of one of his main sponsors, Eastern Airways, whilst his assualt on the two 3-lap Sidecar races has also been boosted by the addition of three new sponsors, all of whom are no strangers to the world of Formula 2 Sidecar racing - former GP winner Derek Brindley of Arrow Engineering, the Haith family from Tickhill, and Mark Middleton from Double M Racing.
"Last year's TT couldn't have gone any better for me and to stand on the podium was an absolute dream but I'm looking forward to improving upon that in 2009. It's not going to be easy but I've been studying the course more and have put together a great team to help Patrick and I achieve that goal - I can't wait for the first practice session to start," said Reeves.
"Being up at the Grandstand has made us all realise that the TT is now only a few weeks away and it promises to be a truly great meeting with the very best sidecar drivers all in attendance."
"All of this has only been possible with the ongoing support of my existing, and loyal, sponsors including Professor Doctor Salmon and Eastern Airways, whilst I'm delighted to welcome Derek, Mark and all of the Haith family to the team.
"Their support is invaluable and greatly appreciated whilst it also gives us the perfect opportunity to challenge for the race wins - that's exactly what we're aiming for at this year's TT and what better way to reward them than with a TT victory."
Practice for the 2009 Isle of Man TT Sidecar Races begins on Saturday May 30 with the two 3-lap races taking place on Saturday 6 June and Wednesday 10 June.
