GRR

Video: Sidecar GP racing is terrifying ballet on wheels

14th March 2023
Ethan Jupp

Sometimes we writers pick our own videos for Elevenses, sometimes we’re assigned them. As GRR’s dedicated editorial minds continue to plumb the depths of the craziest, most random motorsports out there, I’m continually amazed. When it comes to NZ Sidecar GP racing, something with which I was not previously familiar, I am at first lost for words.

I’m immediately drawn to something almost entirely unique to this sport, or perhaps others with driver and co-driver: that two minds, two individual’s approaches, have to be in perfect sync in order for these machines to perform at pace. Yes, a rally driver depends on diligently-given pace notes but on these, silent to the ears of the throttle-man, the ‘co-rider’ forms a part of the car’s chassis. 

As much is especially evident at the start of a race, where these screaming bikes and sidecars writhe around, almost separating, as the rider and co-rider fling themselves hither and thither to get the bike to grip. See, what might seem quite obvious, is nevertheless fascinating: the riders make up an enormous part of the weight and therefore, the weight distribution. That’s why they’re ducking, diving and leaning, especially the co-rider, putting their mass where it needs to be, to balance the machine and get it to grip. They’re committed drifters these folks as well, effectively putting their bike into a slide and gassing it, to force it into opposite lock, down towards the fastest line, across the low-grip surface. It’s balletic and fascinating, with time-earned inimitable skill on spectacular display. BRB, visiting my local speedway…

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Hammering a crazy off‑road machine in the wild

  • Elevenses

  • video

  • Sidecar

The Goodwood Race Simulator

Book Now
Video Alt Text
sidecar-hillclimb-video-goodwood-21042021.jpg

Historic

Video: Sidecar hillclimb racing looks terrifying

21st April 2021

elevenses-sidecar-motocross.jpg

Historic

Video: Sidecar motocross raises the crazy stakes

08th November 2022

elevenses-sidecar-speedway.jpg

Modern

Video: Sidecar GP racing is terrifying ballet on wheels

14th March 2023

elevenses-sidecars-at-spa.jpg

Modern

Video: Riding a sidecar up Eau Rouge looks terrifying

11th November 2022

elevenses-shifter-karts-onboard.jpg

Modern

Video: This shifter kart race looks like the most fun

09th November 2022

elevenses-b192-onboard-sound.jpg

Formula 1

Video: Brutal onboard sounds of a 1992 F1 car

14th November 2022

alms-2009-laguna-seca-jorg-bergmeister-jan-magnussen-video-goodwood-22042021.jpg

Historic

Video: Is this the best GT racing ever?

22nd April 2021

fos-2018-motorcycles-video-goodwood-22062021.jpg

Festival of Speed

Video: The brilliant bikes of FOS

22nd June 2021