Video: Sidecar GP racing is terrifying ballet on wheels

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