SIDECAR duo Craig Chaplow and Steve King have the backing of world champion Tim Reeves as they gear up for their season's opener.
The Crewe pair met Reeves at the Cartagena race track near Alicante in Spain as they prepared for their 2007 campaign.
Driver Reeves, who lifted the 2006 title with his brother Tristan as passenger, was impressed with the duo and was instrumental in persuading racing authorities to allow them to take part in the British F1 Sidecar Championships at Snetterton this weekend without yet having the proper licence.
Driver Craig, 27, explained: 'Steve gave us plenty of encouragement.
To get that from the first British world champion in seven years is pretty special.
'We are close to getting the international licence you need to take part in the British Championships, but won't have it in time for Snetterton. Tim helped us get permission to take part.'
Craig and passenger Steve, 23, will make the step up from F2 to F1 this term. They intend to contest the British Championship, the Nantwich and District Championship, and the Sunflower Cup in Northern Ireland.
They have warmed up in Spain, Darley Moor, Pembury and Silverstone.
Aboard their new £20,000 Suzuki-powered 200bhp machine, which has a Swiss-made aircraft-grade aluminium chassis, they are confident they can make an impact.
Craig said: 'We are looking forward to it. I think we have a good shot at winning the Nantwich and District Championship, although the British Championships will be much harder with nine of the top 15 pairs in the world taking part.
Craig and Steve, known as Team CTR, wish to thank South Cheshire Glass, Budjet Exhaust & Tyres, Cheshire Batteries, Grenson's Cars, Edge Technology, Rock Oil and Menai Foam & Board for their support. Anyone wishing to sponsor Team CTR can e-mail cr aigchaplow@hotmail.com, or call 07974 924488.
