The 2009 Season

Bill had another good season in 2009, he and Bert Vloemans his regular passenger managed to win the Belgian Classic Period 2 Sidecar Championship again. Yet again Mick Gillott sponsored Bill, thanks Mick!

The season started off in May at Mettet, Belgium. A malfunction on the oil pump drive caused an engine blow up, so it was a quick engine change, and they managed 2 good results, coming 1st in their class and finishing 6th and 8th overall. Unfortunately, Bill tore a knee ligament at Mettet, so he could not race at Darley Moor the following week. He managed to practice, but under Doctor’s orders could not compete in the race.

June, they raced at Donington Park. Winning their class in all 3 races. Coming 7th in the 1st & 3rd races and 6th overall in the 2nd race.

Early July they raced at Brands Hatch, winning their class again in all 4 races. Coming 5th twice, 9th & 8th overall.

Later in July the weekend in Chimay, Belgium, produced better results and exciting racing. Results were 2 wins in class with a 5th and a 4th overall.

August was at Jehonville, Belgium. They did really well and won both races outright. A week later on to Gedinne, Belgium. They ran out of petrol, whilst in the lead in the 1st race, on the last lap too! They finished 1st in the 2nd race, breaking the lap record, sealing the Belgium Championship that day too.

September was at Snetterton. They won their class again in all 4 races and finishing 8th, 10th, 8th and 9th overall.

Early October was at Cadwell Park. Unfortunately the crank broke on the Saturday during practice, so it was a case of packing up and going home first thing Sunday morning to work on the bike.

Finally, the Sidecar Burn up at Lydden and they had a couple of 5th places in the open class ‘Old Timers’.

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