Things didn't go quite to plan for Birchall Racing at Brands Hatch where they were to contest the two final races in the British Sidecar 600 cup but due to an unfortunate electrical problem they were unable to resolve, Ben and Tom were unable to race.

But it was not all bad news as multi TT winner Michael Dunlop with passenger Dan Sayle took command of the Birchall Racing F2 outfit and completed both races within the top six.

Ben explained: "After sealing the 600 Cup at the last round we went to Brands Hatch with no pressure on us and were expecting to have a nice run out as champions to end our season. But

our Mitchells of Mansfield supported LCR which has been mint all season decided it was not going to come out to play at Brands and after completing just one lap in free practice and another in qualifying we had to give up. The problem was an electrical fault which we were unable to rectify in time for qualifying and so we had to sit it out and watch instead of racing."

Michael Dunlop who normally rides in the solo classes on the roads asked if he could ride the Birchalls TT winning F2 outfit and he did an amazing job of it. Along with Dan Sayle he got quicker in each session and did well to finish the first 600 cup race in fifth place in the dry but when the second race got underway it was raining and he proved his ability and professionalism by moving through the field to secure a podium finish in second place.. An amazing feat for someone not used to racing a sidecar and unfamiliar with the circuit as he had never raced at the Kent track.

Ben said: "It was unfortunate that we were unable to race this weekend but we have secured the championship and won all 13 of the races we were able to contest. We also won the F2 World Trophy this year as well as adding to our TT victories so it's been a good year for us. We now head into the closed season to prepare the bikes for 2017 when we intend to contest the World and British Sidecar championships plus the TT and Southern 100 races.

"Thanks to all our sponsors for their continued support this year and we look forward to working with you again in 2017."

pic credit Dave Yeomans pics show #6 Michael Dunlop and Dan Sayle and #16 Ben and Tom Birchall