Well, buying and importing a sidecar was “challenging” but it has arrived and now we start the steep learning curve.

We had to arrange a trailer to transport the sidecar from its arrival point and we thank Rob Newman Motorsport for the indefinite loan of one of their trailers.

Gavin Porteous made the necessary modifications from a race car trailer to take the sidecar, and Locky has overhauled the brakes, wiring and so on – although tedious, the trailer is now fit for purpose and works a treat!

Our first task on the bike itself was to make it possible for Royce to fit into it! At a bit over six-foot he had difficulty squeezing in, so Brian had to make some significant changes – which are still a work in progress but we’ll get there. All the jokes about Australians being bigger than their cousins from the Old Country were done in the workshop and we’ll leave them there.

Our first chance to ride the sidecar and to begin understanding the ins and outs of how it runs, settings and all the intricacies of a modern three-wheeler was at a local race meeting at Mallala. We went out with no expectations, starting at the rear of the grid and doing our own thing to slowly learn and build up confidence.

A big thanks goes to Jess Watson for filling in for our regular passenger – Royce’s brother Leonard. Len couldn’t get time off work for Friday practice so when he isn’t available, Jess has agreed to be our spare passenger (or as we call him, “the Harry”).

Unfortunately, Jess had to leave early, so Gareth stepped in for a session and Libero another. We may have set a record for the highest number of passengers over a race meeting.

We thank team members Brian, Locky and Gav for their considerable help. We also give sincere thanks to the local sidecar community who have warmly welcomed us and who are going out of their way to assist and advise us in all things three-wheeled, it’s been a huge help!

With the first official race meeting under his belt and taking a few minutes to work out in the cockpit that he doesn’t need Les to lift the back wheel up on a race stand before he could get off the seat anymore, driver Royce had this to say about the new venture.

“After trying Grant Howarth’s sidecar at Mac Park and having a ball of fun, continuing my new found thrill was a must. The Rowe Racing sidecar was then purchased and finally arrived from England for a new and exciting challenge.”

“Being something completely new, I couldn’t just rely on my own progression to master this new skill but to become a unit with my passenger. Building up slowly on Friday practice, I had a new swinger for nearly all my sessions, which helped as I got my bearings. Having to remember my gear changes are now on my right foot and all the brakes are done with my left foot is also a challenge!

“Peering over the fairing as I’m tucked down in the sidecar, nestled into the tight fittings of our modern design was definitely something to get used to. The urge to try and hang off the outfit was quickly contained by the glove-like fit.

“Come Sunday racing, it was Leonard’s time to have a go and start getting some laps in. I was worried all his long lunches and pastries on tea break may result in more than regular pit stops. However, the information he retained from world-class passengers like Scotty Deslandes definitely showed as he displayed the finesse needed of reserving energy by being in the right place at the right time in the chair.

“Our first race was going well, slowly getting quicker, both Leonard and I trying different lines and body positions every lap.

“Come the last lap heading into southern, what ended up being an oil spill in front of us, as I got on the gas at the apex, made the bike start to spin.

“We had seen this happen in front of us to another pair of riders only the practice before, with their bike spinning and coming to a stop before setting off again in one piece. I assumed that would just happen to us, to hold on until we finished spinning then set off again but after one rotation the bike decided to flip. 

“Being in the sidecar quite tightly, I was in there until it decided to stop sliding. I then had to wait for Leonard and a flag marshal to lift the sidecar to allow me to wiggle out.

“To be honest, I’m glad we got our first crash out of the way in a slow easy manner, it gave us reference of what to do when it happens next to avoid it flipping. Luckily the bike was fine apart from a few scratches and we were able to go out in the next race no worries.

“I had great fun with Jess, Gareth, Libero, Tara and Leonard whilst learning a heap with every lap getting quicker and smoother trying new things. I’m very much looking forward to the next round at The Bend in a month’s time.”

It had been a while since Len set foot on a race track and all-in-all enjoyed the opportunity to race on the Sunday. After hobbling out of a Radox bath and lathering up the Voltaren, the new passenger had this to say.

“Having a crack at racing a sidecar has been on my bucket list since I can remember, so after anxiously counting down the days I had to prepare for my first outing, Sunday finally came around and I was glad to be as prepared as I possibly could be. Maybe maturity helps, but bringing fruit and water to the track rather than Red Bull and Maccas like I used to when racing solos 10 years ago certainly made a difference!”

“My first session only lasted a few laps as I worked out how to move around the bike and realised how strong the g-force can be if you’re not setup right. I was sucking in the air after each session, so working on conserving energy and using core muscles rather than arms will be a big learning curve!

“The platform itself has obviously been built for somebody a good foot or two shorter than me… to be fair, I’m probably not built like your average passenger! But we found spots that needed rubber for grip and I’m making it work.

“I could feel Royce getting faster in different sectors as the day went on and trying new lines, so it was good to gradually build up and I’m sure he’ll be flying around soon. All of the other sidecar teams were really welcoming and helpful, especially the passengers like Scotty, providing advice before and after each session.

“Flipping the tank on our first race will go down in the books and hopefully laughed about when we’re up the other end of the field one day… it wasn’t particularly funny at the time though! As Royce said, it’s a big learning curve and although a rare occurrence, we know how to react if it was to happen again. 

“A big thank you to all the volunteers, especially the flaggie who helped me lift the bike off Royce, the recovery vehicle drivers who gave us a lift back to the pits and my wife for allowing me back out in the next session!

“Now I’ve been bitten by the bug, I can’t wait to hit The Bend for the first time and learn the circuit over a few days.”

Our next opportunity for a practice session is again at a race meeting! This time at The Bend for a round of the Australian Sidecar Championships, which will see a large field of pretty serious competitors. Nothing like jumping in at the deep end!