Isle of Man TT: Sidecar legend Dave Molyneux teams up with Andy Smith

Dave Molyneux, 13 times a Sidecar Isle of Man TT winner, has switched to GSX-R600 power with backing from Suzuki for this year’s TT and produced one of the most beautifully turned out machines ever seen on the Island.

Molyneux is also teaming up with Andy Smith, an experienced Isle of Man TT passenger with five podium finishes to his credit.

Molyneux, a Manxman, said: “Last year’s TT double was unexpected. We had a lot of technical problems leading up to the race and I started both of them thinking this is just too tough to contemplate (against last year’s pacesetter Nick Crowe).  But Nick had problems and we got two wins.

“I’m a lot fitter now (Moly had a massive crash in the 2006 TT, suffering injuries that set him back for the best part of a year) but that didn’t play a part in last year’s races. 

“A lot of the problems were down to a late start to preparation and late arriving parts, but I decided last year I needed a new challenge.

“We’d already bought some ‘07 Suzuki engines with an idea to do something different then, thanks to a nudge from my sponsors I approached Suzuki and they agreed to back us. I hope I can replay them.

“ I’m 44-years-old now and I’m still obsessed with racing. We’re doing the world Championship and some F2 races. Being busy keeps me young.

“The influx of new sidecar teams for this year is good. I’ve never seen the sidecar TT entry so strong.

“We’ve got the World Champions (Tim Reeves and Pat Farrance – with an equally immaculately prepared LCR Suzuki) in the line-up. We’ve never seen that before.

“A lot of people are in with a shout of winning. I’m up for it and Andy wants it as much as I do

Passenger Andy Smith added: “I couldn’t believe it when Dave asked me to join him. I’m so proud.

“He’s a legend after all. He’s got every bit of respect I can give him. The bike looks fantastic. Bring it on!”