NASCAR Fan Reacts to The INSANE World of Sidecar Racing

[@blairwalton4456]

RIP to the 3 sidecar people who lost their lives at the Isle of man this week

[@warailawildrunner5300]

@Gavin Tye I think it's up to 5 this time alone.

[@marcuswardle3180]

My heart goes out to the Stockton sidecar team. A father and son, Roger and Bradley, combo who both died this year. The family must be devastated.

[@phoenixsui]

@@marcuswardle3180 actually 0 sympathy, they know the risk and take it purposly. I call this natural selection. Bad for familys or kids left behind but stupid by the dead. There are far better situation to put the heart to. For example when the victims cant do anyting about hteir situation. Those drivers choose the risk.

[@alinadornieden8411]

@@marcuswardle3180 father was a TT veteran but son was a rookie :( as harsh as it sounds, I wouldn't really wish the father to survive that when his son died...that would've been horrible for the father too :(

[@marcuswardle3180]

@@alinadornieden8411 I agree, no father should have to bury his son. The grief of the wife/mother must be immense and unimaginable.

[@richardhargrave6082]

This is the craziest motorsport of all. I think being the passenger is just impossible to imagine Fair play and respect for their bravery and skill RIP to those who lost their lives at this years TT, its sad, but they know what they are getting in to

[@patrickcannady2066]

Old Grand Prix and Endurance racing - like from the 1920s and 1930s - they were like this. The driver and mechanic rode in the same car, side by side, at speeds of up to 180mph by the late 30s…with thin tires and brakes made of old rags. They were a special kind of crazy, like these people in sidecar racing.

[@auntymoni8951]

Respect to those that have the courage to partake in these sports and to their families that support them. I remember watching a work mate who's brother was a sidecar racer start training to be his brothers passenger after his brothers passenger was injured. He put in an amazing amount of work to build up his fitness, endurance, flexibility and strength to be able to perform well. When asked why he said he wanted to help his brother reach his dreams. When asked about the risk and his own family he simply said he trusts his brother and his family supports them because that's what families do

[@ryan_r849]

Hey Ian, I'm with you, too insane for me. Sidecars (and bikes) used to race at Bathurst up until about 2000, there's a lot of YT vids out there, it's pretty intense.

[@joebar52]

Bathurts and Macao are probably the most insane tracks for motorcycle racing

[@slithery9291]

They do sidecar motocross too. That's always fun to watch and definitely worth a reaction.

[@derxKai]

Most exhausting Sport i´ve even done, when i was 15-16 years old. After 15-20 minutes your done for the Day.. lol

[@whitecompany18]

And trials 👍

[@paulmichaelfreedman8334]

@@derxKai That, I can imagine very well. Kudos for your bravery. Did you join the army afterwards? LOL

[@asd36f]

And speedway sidecars as well

[@steddie4514]

And Enduro 🤪

[@drummerboy2834]

Yep, thumbs up for a mini F1 sidecar reaction 👍 looks awesome

[@chrisimpey2662]

I race mini sidecars.... brilliant fun... everyone also thinks we are mental. #457

[@teccccc]

Hey man, glad you enjoyed my suggestion, i’m just now getting around to watching the vid since i just got out of basic but i love learning about extreme motorsports and what it takes physically and mentally to succeed in them.

[@tomriddle6375]

In the 1970s my grandfather was a sidecar passenger, His name Francis Knights, he raced around Europe and also the TT, alongside Jeff Gawley, Helmut Schilling and also Roger Dixon. Absolute balls of steel that unfortunately I didn't inherit 😂. It's an honour and privilege to have known him. Beside sidecars were different to today much more basic and dangerous. I love they carried on the Motorsport it's like a monster it's bigger than the rest of us.

[@andybelcher1767]

Nice reaction. I had a couple mates (we have lost touch now) who were a team in Motor Cross (Moto X) sidecar racing - now that really is mental!

[@Pomdownuder]

My old man was a passenger on a MX combination many years ago

[@Obi-J]

I was just about to suggest a MotoX sidecar reaction. Lol.

[@danielcarter94]

RIP Roger and Bradley Stockton, Father and Son sidecar outfit, 3 wheel channel was one of their sponsors, who passed away at this year’s TT. RIP to all 5 this year❤️

[@goannaj3243]

Posted this on discord ages ago, glad you got around to it. A friend used to build and race these and did well against factory teams. His father also built and raced and lost his life racing sidecars but did not deter Shane. Requires teamwork even more than rally.

[@lesliedavis2185]

Always loved sidecar racing. The teamwork between the rider and the passenger is amazing. Such a joy to watch. Still safer than going to school in the US.

[@alex-E7WHU]

Harsh but fair.👍

[@patrickcannady2066]

Sidecar racing is completely bonkers…not since the days of early Grand Prix auto racing has racing been this crazy

[@Mogwai-z9f]

Group B. RALLY racing was hardcore too.

[@johnharris6087]

Every sidecar racer I've ever met has been lovely but also a special kind of crazy. They are a different breed.

[@steveharvey4036]

In 70's a friend was a passenger for his brother for a couple of years. He said it was hairy especially down the old conrod straight at Bathurst, when the whole outfit was airborne at he end (before the chase). they had guts to do that . . . . Never knew about miniature sidecar racing though, it looks great.

[@MickH60]

Yes, My old mate is an multiple Aussie champion, period 4 sidecar racer, he loves Bathurst but also says it's crazy...

[@c1243]

that's very cool! Sidecars for Bathurst is very dangerous though, with 3 sidecars riders/passengers dying in the 70s

[@NorthernS0n]

Bathurst Bike races...was awesome, wish theyd bring it back 🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🔥

[@toolbaggers]

The sidecar racers run at the Isle of Man. A father and son team just died this friday at the Isle of Man. RIP Roger and Bradley Stockton

[@reefsurfing3273]

So so sad,RIP

[@kierandaly5565]

I actually passenger a sidecar in scotland. I love every minute of it

[@Mogwai-z9f]

Must be like Superman flying through the air at those speeds.

[@GaryLBlakeley]

The passage has to have some BIG balls. You should check out Sidecar Motocross. Yes its side car motocross. Dirt tracks, jumps etc.

[@colinlegrys9434]

For a bit of light relief take look at lawn mower racing, it is serious stuff.

[@johnnybeer3770]

I worked with a guy that raced as a passenger in the 50s and 60s with one of our sidecar legends Chris Vincent . He was one of the most friendly and unassuming guys I ever met .🇬🇧

[@TranceAnT]

I've been in one as a passenger on a circuit in Belgium (Zolder). My ex used to race sidecars. It was a crazy experience!

[@mista2621]

My Dad Used to build and race these in NZ in the 70's when I was a kid .

[@butterbean9011]

Very good and informative video, wish same from sidecar offroad bikes.

[@terryaustin1422]

Told ya bloke this is where a crazy rider has that friend thats got the hold my beer attitude all the time honestly these guys are crazy and the level of athleticism for the passenger is off the wall ive always loved watching these guys rip around just that bit more due to the respect for what they are doing dont get me wrong tt superbike riders are crazy but these guys are basically wile e coyote level 👍🇦🇺

[@catmeme4life220]

when I was little after seeing the sidecar racing from the music video "take on me", I used to think it was a joke. without doing my homework, I thought "oh the passenger is just gonna sit there and watch the whole ride? LOL" ...and Boy was I wrong... the passenger is absolutely amazing skilled...

[@johnnybeer3770]

Bit of info Ian , in 1923 a man called Freddie Dixon invented an outfit where the bike could lean toward the sidecar on bends , throwing additional weight onto the sidecar wheel , it also had a disc brake on the front wheel .🇬🇧

[@billallen4793]

I dream about having one of these built of a liter, or 1+++ turbo busa, that is more street oriented design, because I became disabled in a workplace injury in 2003...from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 🤠

[@drummerboy2834]

I’ve ridden and driven some hella fast bikes and cars in my lifetime… but no money in the world would make me wanna be a passenger on these things 🤯

[@MickH60]

I've always wanted to swing on one of those, Might get the opportunity this year...!

[@drummerboy2834]

@@MickH60 I’ll stick to drag racing thanks 😂 be safe mate 👍

[@schrader.w.e]

Those passengers of the side car would have to have the biggest set of nuts hands down ,,, its like they are dancing on the back of that bike

[@shaunsutton4956]

Ever seen motorcycle chariot racing? It's not this insane but pretty cool.

[@jayweb51]

I remember as a young lad, going to Rowley Park Speedway to watch sidecar racing; it was on a circular track, and you would get sprayed with the fine gravel off of the track. They also had demolition derbies.

[@TerryD15]

An older friend of mine (now, sadly, no longer with us) was a racing passenger and even in his 70s he had a permanent limp due to a very nasty accident while racing, and that was in the late 60s, so these guys deserve the greatest respect, it is probably the most dangerous way to race in any motorsport.

[@CaptianInternet]

Would you trust you best friend to drive while you are hanging out of a bike like that? It is insane.

[@Mogwai-z9f]

The passengers on those bikes give the grim reaper the middle finger.

[@Muck006]

On the "slower side of things" ... James May - one of the Top Gear/Grand Tour guys - built his own version of Motorcycle + sidecar ... from MECCANO, which is a children's construction set basically made up of small metal strips and tiny screws. There are also tiny electrical motors ... He did drive around the Isle of Man TT course during race week (during the closed hours) and managed to complete a lap together with his buddy Oz Clarke. It took them HOURS with frequent repairs on the go.

[@kylem2010GT]

You can definitely do a part 2 on side car racing. There are crazy clips of passengers dragging their heads through the grass for the most weight transfer.

[@pranc236]

Holy sidecar!!!!! Love the sidecars. Most of them are private and build their own bikes. Really just for the love of it. They call the non driver the passenger but i think they should be called ballast!

[@foyorama]

just discovered your videos, I love them , Thank you for all the work you do to put it all together...

[@MrBradclack]

Imagine the fitness you would need

[@uweinhamburg]

During WW II most armies used bikes with sidecars - one rider, one gunner to deliver orders, cards and so on. After WW II they were pretty common in Europe as cheap alternatives to cars. And the way humans work - if you have a vehicle with a motor - they want to find out who is the fastest...

[@alwynemcintyre2184]

Don't know about now but back in the day the passenger was called a swinger, because he swung around on the sidecar. Knew a guy from a bike shop who went to the isle of man with a sidecar team, was trying to explain what it was going over the bridges at 100mph with your helmet tapping the stones on the bridge. Not for me....

[@scotttoole6341]

Hi Ian you should check out the sidecar racing on mount panorama from back in the day.

[@paulbrosche8532]

Glad you found this Ian. I''m no fan of the bikes...except when they have a moving lump of human helping them around the track. Always my favourite! 👍

[@rchurch2769]

There are always several people that lose their lives TT week, some are fans too. The sidecar bikes run full throttle like eighty percent of the time, the senior bikes are only at full throttle around fifteen percent of the time. I started watching it back in the early 2000s. It is by far the most dangerous racing on the planet.

[@chrisbraid2907]

Oh yeah if you think this is Bonkers check out the Skandinavian Trailbike racing in the Snow with three to four inch spikes in both wheels. I think it rates close …

[@owenreed5375]

Check out motorcycle trials!

[@GaryOzbourne-mp7yv]

Brilliant me and my brother we were going to race sidecar back in the 80s

[@ryunekoyashiki]

that miniature sidecar racing is hilarious and cool at the same time ^^

[@julie-annwhittaker2063]

I had a go at swinging (being the passenger) years ago. I wasn't much good because I was just a small girl but it was HUGE FUN!!!

[@keithdowsett1352]

I used to end up in the bar after bike races, and the thing that struck me was how all the sidecar racers were mates. They raced hard, then all hung out together afterwards. Good people imo, so it's always tragic to lose them.

[@chrisimpey3395]

Check out the Mini sidecars in the UK @FAB racing

[@SH1974]

In 1992-98 the legendary Suissauto engines was built in sidecars like this (Biland/Baltisberg) and won almost everything. They've been naturally aspirated 500cc V4 two-stroke engines, weighing around 80lbs (incl clutch and 6 speed gearbox!) and developed around 200hp. That's 400HP per liter displacement! Probably the most powerful naturally aspirated engine EVER.

[@fmillarau]

They also do side car observed motorcycle trials. Loving the variety!

[@mral13131313]

There was a flash of Guy Martins face....he’s quite a character....maybe worth checking out some of his stuff.

[@philthybstard8306]

Bonkers!! Have ya seen sidecar motocross? Thats nuts too

[@talboyovGY]

The magic of the tt races is that it kills people - it's like the ultimate gamble 🎰 for those that dare or are crazy enough to do it, and there's plenty of them!

[@geoffsparks1569]

Wish I could put a picture Up here Of what I do it's the absolute most adrenaline pumping sport and we use 1000cc bikes but On dirt track in Australia but still get to around 100 miles an hour on the straight cheers have watched y for a couple of years now and always enjoy your content and take On everything.

[@moikethesquid]

Just found your video, pretty awesome take on sidecar racing. I was a pro passenger here in the US for three seasons, and a pro driver for 10 in the Formula 1 Sidecar class. It got me a spot in an episode of Mythbusters blasting down the Alameda runway in my sidecar at 180mph :) As far as how scary being on the back is, it's about 1/100th as scary as it looks on video once you're back there. In regards to the physical fitness required, it does help to be in good shape/cardio, but it all comes down to finesses and timing. Less is more, and knowing when to transfer the weight, where to, and why makes all the difference. You have to know the track just as good as the driver so you can both be fast. My R2 unit had motorcycle and automotive roadracing experience and we could rip like wonder twins. I have a bunch of my sidecar racing videos on my channel, consider me a subscriber.

[@jsegal8385]

Being a passenger is one of the mst physically demanding things I have done.

[@lesliedavis2185]

I want out in an off road sidecar once and spent most of the time cling9ng to the base of the platform and giggling.

[@angelabushby1891]

My boy friend took me to one of these sidecar races and we saw one did not make a corner and smashed into a brick wall both were killed it was horrific,this was in the 60's.

[@marilyntaylor4239]

My brother races sidecars in Australia 🇦🇺 very exciting to watch. Darryl Rayner of Rayner Racing

[@janefaulkner3749]

Grass track outfits race on open fields marked out with tape as a the circuit. A must see.

[@-sandman4605]

12/10/1973 i was at Claremont speedway Perth Western Australia to see a really good friend of my family "Neville Gorman" race sidecar and he was the passenger, 1st race in 1st place second lap he came off and the sidecar in 3rd place hit him in the head killing him instantly i will never 4get that night. R.I.P Neville Gorman. 😔

[@terryosborne272]

There are Side cars with 1000cc motors as well. Great video mate.

[@borderlands6606]

Brits ride on a different side of the road to other Europeans, so racing sidecars came in left and right hand varieties. This made close quarter tussles dangerous, particularly on limited TT clearances, where corners were approached at different speeds. Check out classic TT footage to see the effect. Modern sidecars have car style steering geometry, whereas older outfits had basic Earles fork motorcycle type steering. The rider had to battle the combination round bends. Before kneeler outfits became popular in the 1960s, sidecars resembled normal bikes and the high centre of gravity threatened to throw the pair off at every corner. Those guys were absolute heroes.

[@lesklower7281]

Ian l have seen side cars racing at Mt Panorama Bathurst during the Easter long weekend in my younger days when l used to ride bikes it was great

[@shaneannandale457]

When I was a kid in a little town called Collie in Western Australia they used to have a street race wk end bikes and sidecars.It was awesome people having house parties and on roofs watching,sidecars were the best and passenger has to have the biggest balls of all.Then insurance come in and it was gone🤬

[@skullandcrossbones65]

G'day I was offered a chance to ride in an outfit around Phillip Island, Victoria. As fun as it would have been I'm not that brave.

[@freddi7588]

The formula 1 side cart champ is Australia an lives in Melbourne Vic. Go Team Breeze !

[@chrisrumble2665]

My brother was a passenger around Bathurst. Bikes and sidecars have been banned there for many years now.

[@LeslieGallier-pe2jj]

Exciting.. dangerous... amazing... love it

[@nebuchadnezzar9641]

Check out Australian speedway sidecars- no brakes, 1000cc methanol outfits. I was a passenger when I was younger. Then I built my own. Then I grew up.

[@yzfr1111]

Great stuff Keep it coming 💪

[@peterfireflylund]

Who is crazier? Easy. Group B spectators ;)

[@Mogwai-z9f]

Love the Audi Quattro rally car. Group B is my favorite motorsport

[@erose1710]

Wow. Didn't even realise this was a thing anymore.

[@wordreet]

Five racers in total lost their lives at the IOM TT this year. A father and son driver/passenger in a sidecar crash and a sidecar driver a few days before. Plus two solo riders. Rest in peace all those guys.

[@module79l28]

And he's only talking about the F2 category, imagine the F1 category that has 1000cc engines! But even so, these modern 4-stroke outfits don't hold a candle in terms of dangerousness to the 500cc 2-stroke era, when the engines were directly derived from the MotoGP bikes: almost the same power as today's litre engines but much more nimble and light. Those were the real widowmakers! Fun Facts about the F1 and F2 categories: on the F2's the engine is in front of the driver (or below, depending on how you look at it) but on the F1's the engine must be behind the driver, making the outfits slightly longer than the F2's. You know Motocross, right? Now imagine Sidecar Cross! Yeah, it exists, so hold your 'What's The Craziest Sport' ranking until you watch some Sidecar Cross races. 😉

[@ianmurray246]

Love sidecars been a fan since 1968

[@rookmaster7502]

Imagine as a passenger in high speed a sidecar race, you accidentally sprain your wrist, twist your ankle or dislocate your shoulder while maneuvering your body from one side to the other... you're then in deep trouble! By the time you communicate the situation to your driver, it may be too late to avoid a crash.

[@carlclifford64]

I used to have a vintage BSA outfit. Bloody thing near killed me, when the sidecar mounts broke and it put me into the grill of a Mercedes. Over 3 months in hospital and a year off work. Scary things, outfits.

[@Boomcheeks]

It is sad that they died but at the same time they should be celebrated. They died doing what they loved. I'd rather go out like that than a horrible lingering disease or similar.

[@chrisballard7594]

Any person who travels at speeds like that are friggen mental... hats off to them.

[@empalizador]

SIdecar race is like 2 dudes that come make a promise to confront the death, in TT isle of man is directly go throw the Hell and scape

[@poeloekruffje4965]

My uncle did this in the Netherlands & Europa 1975 untill 1985 with his first wife she was THE BAKKENIST ( PASSEGER ) Got his helmet as Birthday present. Uncle is still with us . Greetz poeloe

[@tobytroubs]

I grew up with sidecar racing in the 1970's , it just seems normal when you've grown up with it...Went to the IOM twice at that time

[@sajbuckby]

I've heard "passengers" refered to as "slingers" particularly in a speedway context

[@arpendragon9076]

Look at the onboard footage from isle of man its awesome

[@AUmarcus]

Sidecar racing is quite popular in Australia too.

[@shorok9333]

When I grew up, there was a "famous" person in my small village called Udligenswil. His name was Rolf Biland and he was a sidecar racer. In fact, he is the most successful racer of all times with 81 race wins.

[@TheGrimmReaper1]

Same era as streuer /schnieders and webster/ hewitt man we are old.🤣🤣🤣

[@aaronpage587]

To me both the normal bikes and the sidecar racing is just as crazy as each other at the Isle of man tt

[@F1-Passion]

These guys are made of different stuff and I’ve slightly more re respect for these guys than standard bike riders as the risks are soo much higher it’s a beautiful sport

[@THEJR-of5tf]

The Isle of Man TT is the greatest motorcycling event in the world. I scrolled through the comments, I didn't see one that wants the TT banned. RIP to all the riders who tragically died. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends in there time of loss.

[@richardwest6358]

You should know that outfits have been raced for as long as solos - they are not new. They have developed (especially aerodynamically) in the same way as racing motorcycles. A 1900's solo looks like a completely different beast to a 2020 example and the same goes for their 3 wheeled equivalents.

[@nukenuked5749]

love that race takes balls of titaum where one bad move you dead

[@malcolmsleight9334]

Growing up in England, I had a friend and his wife who raced sidecars in amateur races, she was the passenger.

[@notthisguyagain4635]

I saw a headline recently that a father son duo sidecar racing team were both killed in only their second race. Those passengers are definitely more crazy than any other bike racer.

[@markrigg7038]

Sidecar bike 21 SRT motorcycles is my local bike shop in Birkenhead UK, my friend Steve 👍

[@Tonyblack261]

When I was a kid, I used to love watching sidecar racing and also wanted to be the passenger.

[@andreasbuhrmann8442]

The first thing, in terms of danger from speed, that comes to my mind, is downhill longboarding.

[@gazsomeone7300]

While the focus at times is on the passenger, often it is the rider that comes off worse as if these things go bellyup, the rider is often stuck as some of these are so well guilt, it is a capsule that the rider fits in to. Thus, if they go upside down or out of control, a passenger may be thrown (and absolutely that hurts - have mates to do it), the rider is so often stuck. Honestly, these along with super-motards are my go to classifications for bike racing, and I have been watching or involved for 35 years.