Tributes paid after sidecar champion Pip Harris dies
Tributes were today being paid to a former British champion sidecar racer from South Staffordshire, who has died at the age of 85.
Pip Harris, originally from Wombourne, was well known for racing at the Isle of Man TT and circuits across Europe.
He began his racing career on the grass tracks around Rushmere before winning his first race in 1946 and becoming a British Champion.
His wife, Ann, said: "He remained British Champion for seven years.
"He never quite won a TT at the Isle of Man but he picked up several God of Speed trophies for finishing second, third and fourth. His father, Harry Harris, also raced a works bike and competed in the TT, so it was in his family.
"He loved the Dutch TT and his greatest race was in 1960 because it was his first and only Grand Prix win. His favourite British course was Oulton Park and his final meeting was at that circuit in 1973."
Mr Harris, who retired and lived in Ackleton, Bridgnorth, went on to win the Auto-Cycle Union British Championship Sidecar Event three times and become the first winner of the £500 sidecar event'.
His two main passengers were Charles Billingham and Ray Campbell.
Mr Harris is also survived by five children, Caroline, Jane, Jennifer, Ruth and Peter, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Details of the funeral are yet to be announed.
