The INSANE World of Sidecar Racing

This is Sidecar racing, and it’s mental. They are three-wheeled bikes that can hit 160 miles per hour on the residential streets of the Isle of Man - but what’s incredible is that it takes two people to drive this thing. One on the controls, and one manipulating the balance of the bike.

👏 You can watch more Miniature Sidecar Racing at @TDiMedia, some excellent racing!

👏 Thanks to @bennettsbikesocial for their Sidecar Explained video, you can see the outfits up close on their channel!

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This is Sidecar racing, and it’s mental. They are three-wheeled bikes that can hit 160 miles per hour on the residential streets of the Isle of Man - but what’s incredible is that it takes two people to drive this thing. One on the controls, and one manipulating the balance of the bike.

And controlling this thing at that sort of speed with walls, curbs and blind crests must be terrifying, but not as much as being the passenger whilst doing that!

So today, let me explain the engineering and insane driving skill behind sidecar racing.

This is a Formula 2 sidecar - around 130 horsepower, 350 kgs including the riders and a top speed of well over 160 mph. They run standard 600cc four-stroke bike engines and racing slicks.

The speed they travel at is honestly astonishing.

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#Motorsport #Driver61 #SidecarRacing

[Driver]

Aren't these guys mad? The Isle of Man TT course, plus a rapid three-wheeled bike - mental. Nothing but respect for these guys!

[vladxx]

I feel this is one of the only sports that honest to god should have participation trophies - if you just make it through the course that's one hell of an achievement!

[joyphobic]

This looks like something people would try while they're drunk and it actually become a sport 🤯

[filipruml]

Just when I thought that there is nothing more mental than Isle of Man TT I see this. This is just ridiculous on a completely new level, I love it.

[Matty.Hill_]

That passenger getting bounced off a wall was nuts, I can't believe he got up after that

[TheNickmista]

Those mini sidecar races look so fun, I'd love to try it. Looks way less scary than the pro league races.

[PeteMoss]

As a passenger I can honestly say it’s easier than what it looks providing you move at the right time and know where your handholds are the G Force will help you out… BUT there is no way I’m doing the TT 😂

[rickerman]

As a driver of a formula 2 sidecar, this was actually a pretty decent video, nice work.

[luisbalderrama]

Thats the most active aero I have ever seen!

Jokes aside, those passengers are mad lads. This breakdown really helped me understand just how insane sidecar racing is.
Thank you,
-Luis

[jiveturkey]

I think the Isle of Man is the most insane event in all of Motorsports.

[crazycjk]

5:58 trust isn't the only enormous thing it takes!!

[Peasmouldia]

Back in the mid 70s I had a T110 with a Watsonian double adult chariot. On a visit to Burgess Hill the bikes primary chain let go. It was a Sunday, so no bike shops available. Someone told us of a guy who might be able to help. I walked up to the impressive detached house, which had an enormous garage. Looking in the garage I saw a number of state of the art racing sidecar outfits. The guy was really nice and helpful. He had the appropriate link and wouldn't take any money for it. He gave me a lift back to the bike and made sure all was good. I never found out his name. I've often wondered who he was.
Ta.

[HydraDominus]

That manly urge to go 130+ mph with your bro hanging off the side of your bike

[crazycjk]

Saw sidecar racing at a BSB weekend at Thruxton. It was absolutely insane. Seeing it on a street circuit would blow my mind

[ethangibbons]

Coming from a family of sidecar racers, I've got to say they are just insane as they seem

[tonn]

My father (who had the same name as me) was a passenger and fell out (near where Joey Dunlop fatally crashed) in 2001 few days before my birthday. Broke pretty much all his bones and died on the way to the hospital. It sounds crazy but I would like to try it... never got to ride it. I think I would be great at it too.

[roberthertel]

I always thought this was the coolest form of racing, definitely requires two to think and act as one. Congrats on hitting the 700K subscribers milestone, You'll get that 1st million soon enough.
First came across your vids explaining how F1 gearboxes worked and was hooked on from day one.

[random-person]

as an ex motorcycle rider i always thought having a sidecar would make it easier as you dont have to lean into the corner or play dodge the stone with your knee. then i drove a bike and sidecar and how wrong i was. those things are mental and scary as hell! taking a corner at speed was a no no and even going over 70mph was a scary experience, and id been riding for over 10 years!

[oswurth]

"The passenger makes up for the uneven weight of the side car" is only a problem that exists because they've decided to race with sidecars

[lowe]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how GOOD! They sound