From a press release issued by series organizers:

Steve Webster and passenger Paul Woodhead won a thrilling race as the Eastern Airways Sidecar Championship got under way at Mondello Park in Ireland on Saturday.

Castrol Suzuki driver Webster tailed rival Tim Reeves until the halfway stage in the 15-lap encounter before the nine times World Champion edged ahead for victory in the opening race of the 2004 series.

“I’ve watched Tim get faster and faster so it was no surprise that he made the early running,” said Webster. “But I was struggling, it seems like there are numerous passing places around Mondello Park but it’s very hard to make a pass stick.”

Runner-up Reeves, along with passenger and brother, Tristan, secured the 20 points for runner-up place and the Kent driver was pleased with his opening display aboard the M & M Suzuki.

“I knew my only chance was to get the holeshot, which I did,” explained Reeves. “Then it was just a case of holding off Steve for as long as I could. I really feel a lot closer to beating them than I ever have so tomorrow’s race may have a different outcome.”

Derek Brindley finished third aboard his Readymix Suzuki, inheriting the final podium slot after hounding Bill Philp for 13 laps before Yamaha-mounted Philp spun out, re-joining to take fifth.

Greg Lambert took fourth on his Suzuki while Bryan Pedder put in a spirited performance, moving from 12th on the opening lap to take sixth.

Eastern Airways Sidecar Championship, round two, race one result
(15 laps, 32.649 miles)
1 Steve Webster (Suzuki) 26:48.251, ­73.08 mph
2 Tim Reeves (Suzuki) 26:53.798
3 Derek Brindley (Suzuki) 27:33.561
4 Greg Lambert (Suzuki) 27:53.767
5 Bill Philp (Yamaha) 27:54.592
6 Bryan Pedder (Suzuki) 28:16.935
7 Ben Birchall (Yamaha) 28:23.802
8 Steve Norbury (Yamaha) 28:26.368
9 Andy Peach (Suzuki) 28:27.288
10 Stuart Woodard (Yamaha) 28:35.475