RUGBY’S Mark Cossar narrowly missed out on winning the British Sidecar Masters Championship for a sixth time.
Cossar fought three titanic battles on the circuit near Congleton, with eventual winner Gareth Winterburn suffering a defeat in Heat 12 but gaining revenge in a nail-biting semi-final.
In the grand finale Cossar lifted out of the start, losing valuable ground in a blockbuster of a race, but soon fought his way through from fifth to third.
Under pressure, second-placed Colin Blackbourn lost his passenger but try as he might Cossar could not catch Winterburn.
“In the tough conditions I struggled all day with the lightweight frame of my bike,” said Cossar.
“I spent too much time with a wheel in the air coming out of the corners.
“I know we did all we could and will be back next year to fight for the title again.”
Next stop for Cossar is Belle Vue, Manchester, on October 13 when he switches from grass to shale for the fourth and final round of the British Sidecar Speedway Championship.
