SIDECAR SPEEDWAY: CHAMPION sidecar speedway racer Mark Cossar landed the 2017 British Sidecar Championship to his list of honours on Saturday night.
The Rugby ace followed up his triumph in the British Masters Grasstrack Championship earlier this year with another stunning performance at the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester.
Together with passenger Carl Blyth, Cossar suffered a major setback in his last race of the championship when his chain snapped while at the tapes.
The mechanical fault forced Cossar into a last chance qualifier, from which only the winner would progress to the Grand Final.
Having led the championship – which consists of four rounds up and down the country – from start to finish, huge pressure was put on Cossar’s shoulders with the title within his grasp.
Any doubts about Cossar’s ability to deal with pressure were immediately quashed though as he sent the Belle Vue fans into raptures by breaking the track record to reach the final four.
In the final itself, Cossar got his revenge on Nottingham race Paul Whitelam – who had beaten him earlier in what proved to be an action packed meeting.
The British Champion overtook Whitelam on the outside line and took the chequered flaf in style.
A relieved Cossar said after the meeting he’s delighted to earn another British title.
He said: “Snapping a chain and then having to get everything put right in time for the semi was a big challenge.
“But I loved the big, fast, wide track at Belle Vue.
“I knew I just had to win that race and then compose myself for the final.”
The win at Belle Vue topped a remarkable year for Cossar, and he was quick to thank his passenger throughout the season, Carl Blyth.
“It’s been a fantastic year,” said Cossar.
“I must give massive credit to Carl Blyth, my fearless passenger, whose professionalism and commitment is second to none.”
Elsewhere Mark’s younger brother, Tom, continued his encouraging progress in the sport by making in through to the semi-finals.
Gareth Williams – also from Rugby – was forced to withdraw from the meeting with engine problems despite winning heat eight.
2017 British Sidecar Speedway Championship – Final Standings:
1st M.Cossar & C.Blyth 45
2nd M.Cave & B. Steer 41
3rd P. Whitelam & T. Saunters 35
