Talented Eden sidecar siblings Jack and Sam Laidlow have lifted a coveted trophy which was previously awarded to their dad, Andy, nearly two decades ago.
Jack, aged 21, and 19-year-old Sam, of Dufton, near Appleby, currently lead the British championship going into the final round of the series at Brands Hatch next weekend after a series of impressive performances. They are in world championship action in Germany before then.
The pair prepared for both top level events in fine style as they competed at a big trophy meeting which was held at the Knockhill race circuit.
Both were honoured to be part of 50th birthday celebrations for the Scottish track.
Passenger Jack and driver Sam had a weekend to remember, winning their support races in spectacular style. This culminated in a special victory in the Jock Taylor race — named after the former world champion sidecar racer — which had been won by their dad, Andy, in 2005.
The brothers’ fellow competitors were some of the sport’s leading lights, including the current world and former British champions.
The pair also won the Steve Webster MBE Trophy for clocking the fastest lap.
They were very popular victors and have a lot of fans in Scotland where they both started their racing careers.
Sam said: “This is a huge achievement and something I’ve wanted to win from a young age.”
On heading to Brands Hatch next weekend, Jack said: “This is the pinnacle of our year. We never expected to be in this position at the start of the year.
“We’ve a 2.5 point lead — it’s crazy it’s down to the wire. We are going to leave everything on the track — and whatever happens we know we have given it our all.”
Qualifying for the Jock Taylor race was determined over two heats, although unfortunately the brothers’ heat was held in the wet. Despite qualifying first in their heat, they were only P4 on the grid for a race over 10 laps.
However, they had made their mark by lap two and, on lap three, had extended their lead. Backmarkers soon came into play but they were no deterrent to the boys, who received cheers on the last lap as they lit it up at the hairpin.
Bagpipes and champagne greeted them on their well deserved podium appearance.
Jack and Sam are currently 2.5 points clear of rivals in the British championship in what is their full series debut.
