Tim said: “Tristan has had to put his racing career on hold for the moment mainly due to work commitments but also because he is about to become a father for the first time.



“Obviously I will miss having my brother by my side this year but I now have to look ahead to the new season and concentrate on bringing a third world title back to Kent. I tested with Stuart recently and found he soon settled in to my style of riding. He also has extensive track knowledge having competed at the majority of the circuits over the past few years. ”



Tristan said: “I thought long and hard before making this decision which has been the most difficult of my life. But at the end of the day work and family have to come first and so I have reluctantly put my racing career on hold for now.



“I am going out at the top having won two world titles and numerous national, European and world race wins and also shared the honour with Tim of being awarded BBC South Sports Personality of the Year in 2005. I wish Tim and Stuart all the luck in the world and no one will be more pleased than if they can take the world title again this year.”



Stuart Graham is aged 27 and hails from Lisburn in Northern Ireland and has a wealth of sidecar racing experience behind him. He began as passenger to his brother Mark in 1996 going on to ride with various world-class riders over the past few years ending with a three-year stint as passenger to Gordon Shand. In 2006 the pair were runners up in the European sidecar championship and ended their season as runners-up in the annual Jock Taylor Memorial race at Knockhill.



“My ambition has always been to win the world championship and now I am joining forces with Team Eastern Airways and double title holder Tim Reeves I am half way there,” said Stuart. “I am really looking forward to the new season and can’t wait to get out on the track.”



His wait will not be too long as Tim and Stuart have been invited to attend the launch of the 2007 motorsport season at Brands Hatch on March 14 when a day of champions is planned that will feature an all-star line-up of motorsport heroes and a range of incredible racing machinery. Amongst those attending will be former world Superbike champion James Toseland, reigning British Superbike champion Ryuichi Kiyonari and back-to-back BTCC champion Matt Neal.

pic by Wally Walters.