With less than five weeks to go before the opening round of the Eastern Airways F1 Sidecar Championship, reigning champion Tim Reeves will not be lining up at Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend and, instead, has announced his retirement from the class with immediate effect. The former triple World Champion has cited a lack of sponsorship for his shock decision to quit and, without the funds required to mount a full-scale assault on the Championship, reluctantly feels that retirement is the only option. The recent move to have a one-make tyre rule in place for the season has also affected the Kent driver's plans and, unless a sponsor can be found over the next few weeks, his only meeting in 2011 will be at the Isle of Man where he aims to fulfill his last goal within the sport and win a TT race. Speaking today, a bitterly disappointed Tim said: "It's been a really difficult decision to make but, over the last couple of days, I've decided enough is enough as I simply can't compete at the level required anymore. I'm only interested in winning - and the aim for 2011 was to make it two titles in a row - but without the budget in place to try and achieve that goal, there's simply no point in me carrying on." "The sport has been my life but I can't race without the money to do it so I've reluctantly had to make the decision to retire. I've spent all winter trying to raise the funds, and have had all manner of people helping me including marketing and PR experts but it's all been to no avail. Companies and organisations haven't got the capacity to sponsor people so it's time for me to call it a day. I was really looking forward to the season, especially with a number of rounds being back at the BSB meetings, but it's not meant to be. I'll focus all my attentions on the TT races and will give it 100% to get a win on the Island in June." Reeves has put his British Championship winning outfit, which took him to 15 wins in 2010, up for sale and further details can be found at http://www.steveenglish.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=36146 or by contacting Tim on 07595 929376. Ends