| Author |
 Topic  |
| |
Current Topic Rating:  | Join the Forum to Rate this Topic at: Classic Motorcycling Australia Forums
|
|
|
john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Jan 2004 : 10:10:25 AM
|
Having observed the sidecar action at the Island from the paddock this wekend because of a broken crankcase, I was disgusted to see 5 outfits racing on Sunday. Somebody has to say it, sidecar supporters need to work together to get known machines on the track, sidecar racers are doing their best, others need to decide whether they want to be racers or just talk about it. In a real world promoters would not provide track time for such a small group and its time to decide whether we are going to exist or be a "coulda been class" of racing. Its no good in 2 years time thinking, maybe I should have pulled that outfit out. NOW is the time! Sidecar fields are not growing, I beliebe it is upto the current batch of riders, supporters etc to take action right through the classes, classic to modern and find why machines are not on the track and fix the problem. I have my own ideas which will come later.
Perhaps Dave can start a small sidecar section where we can have constructive comment, not history lessons, questions from potential teams answered, bikes available{ I have started that list}etc. I know I am partial and slightly one eyed about outfits, but I am aware that secretly some others have been know to sneak a look at sidecar racing. DO WE WANT TO HAVE THEM DELETED FROM RACE PROGRAMS they will be and have been with some modern events, so think about it pronto. John Daley
|
John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
|
|
john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
Posted - 28 Jan 2004 : 08:35:49 AM
|
I have had a few contacts who have taken my comments personally. I need to remind everybody my comments are not directed at any group or person, but the whole sidecar scene as a whole. I too have missed the last two race meetings because of financial problems. I am aware that there are many issues with Sidecar Racing. I have decided it is too hard to fix everything at once, I will just work on some of the issues for the time being. I am not asking anybody to do extra above their current racing, but there are many things we can do to help. Put teams in touch with each other, put potential passengers in touch with riders, find bikes for sale or lend. Get the different Eras supporting each other, talking up the sidecars at meetings etc. I feel if we dont we will have even smaller fields soon. jd
|
John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
 |
|
|
john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
Posted - 23 Dec 2004 : 2:25:18 PM
|
| Who would have thought that 11 months after writing this we now have the situation as predictd. And nothing much has happened in between. |
John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
|
|
|
Former Member
deleted
174 Posts |
Posted - 27 Dec 2004 : 10:10:28 PM
|
Maybe a change of an official would be the best way to go, I aint gunna bang my head against the wall promoting the sport while $60,000 is being spent feathering nests.mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
I demand it be spent on the sidecar riders lounge!!!  |
Its not what you ride,Its how fast you ride it!!! |
|
|
|
Alan
Forum Moderator
Western Australia
353 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2004 : 12:52:49 AM
|
Neill,
Maybe you could elaborate on your comments so we all know where you are coming from.
Alan Sidecar 21 WA
|
|
|
|
superrocket
Level 1 Member
Queensland
9 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2004 : 7:02:58 PM
|
| Yes Niell - if you have info let us know we are a bit out of it in WA & QLD. Lex |
Lex Dreier |
|
|
|
Former Member
deleted
174 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2004 : 11:41:32 PM
|
Soon guys I shall tell but more info is springing to light and it aint looking too good for the Island Classic...Solo guys dont worry your heads off it doesnt concern your class...
Im on the trail.... |
Its not what you ride,Its how fast you ride it!!! |
|
|
|
Former Member
deleted
174 Posts |
Posted - 28 Dec 2004 : 11:54:01 PM
|
GET YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW NOW NOW FOR THE ISLAND CLASSIC NOW OR WE DONT RACE.
Any interstaters are welcome to kip at my joint to save ya some dough,so pull ya finger out and get entered.
Before you take a swipe at me about entering,I have, so far 3 Period 5(all from VIC),a posty and 2 others.
Really the only excuse ya can tell me is you live to far,Ill agree with the the W.A and QLD guys but as for the rest of ya others.....
Gotta go, got a trip to the Aussie Titles to plan and 3 sidecars to take.
|
Its not what you ride,Its how fast you ride it!!! |
|
|
|
Alan
Forum Moderator
Western Australia
353 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2004 : 10:41:06 PM
|
Neill, I look forward to your enlightening us with your info when the time is right and with just a little luck I may see you at the Island.
On that subject does anyone know if enough entries were received today to allow sidecars to compete?
One more question for you Neill, how do you plan for the Nationals when the location and date hasnt been announced yet?
One for everyone, if I were to bring my sidecar to the Southern Classic before heading to Tasmania for the Nationals, assuming it will be held there, does anyone know where I can park a 38 foot motorhome for the period between the two events, then possible after the Nationals until January for next years Island Classic. Thats all assuming the thing holds together for three meetings.
Alan Sidecar 21 WA |
|
|
|
Former Member
deleted
120 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2004 : 08:59:43 AM
|
| Well I'll have one last try at seeing if this site is scared of the truth. The latest disaster that MA has done for us is the island classic sidecar disaster. the phillip island track rang MA when they were worried that the sidecar numbers were down. Unfortunately for them, and for sidecars and for bikes generally Ross Martin answered the call and his reply was to say cancel the sidecars, stuff them, **** them, we dont want them anyway etc. the next week when phillip island began to act on the "official" advice MA had to step in and see if they could get sidecars back on the program. two reasons for that, one was that they are responsible for promoting the sport which includes sidecars, the other was that they had to go into damage control over another Ross Martin disaster. there is more but maybe to much for this site, except its a bit sad to see people sucking up to MA thru this site. |
Jayne |
|
|
|
Former Member
deleted
174 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2004 : 12:07:46 PM
|
Sofar Ive heard that it up to 9-10 getting better,as for ya motor home dilemma Al,we can help,the better halfs parents have a very secure block that will happily accomodate the van and probably another 10.
The suburb is Warrenwood 30kms south east of melb.
Pm Me and IlL rocket thru ya my no.
As for the Island Im struggling to get another donk ready,The Stars Meet in Nov cost me a packet,a crank,cases,barrel,all valves, and a few odds and sods.
The S/Classic well that cost me nearly as much......running out of bits quick...anyone got a Wiseco GSX1100 Piston Kit for sale. |
Its not what you ride,Its how fast you ride it!!! |
|
|
|
Former Member
deleted
174 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2004 : 12:15:16 PM
|
Alan my job forces me to take 3 weeks holidays at chrissy,
so I have to save up my RDO's to take extra time off,so really if I start saving them now (got 2 accrued)by May/June HOPEFULLY the dates will have been announced so I can put in for time off.It can take upto a month for them just to process ya application,so thats where IM coming from in regards to my planning(sorry if Im to organized for everyones liking but hey Im a a sidecar racer.lol)
Better than leaving my run till Oct to get ready for it!!! |
Its not what you ride,Its how fast you ride it!!! |
|
|
|
john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2004 : 4:15:38 PM
|
Lets stick to the subject on hand, low numbers of sidecars.
If sidecar teams cant liven up the field why should anybody else.
Lets work to boost the numbers so that no promoter in the future has to make a call to MA about the numbers anyway. |
John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
|
|
|
trumpybob
Level 2 Member
New South Wales
29 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2004 : 5:34:08 PM
|
| snoozer, I'd like to hear what else you have to say about M.A. and then what you think can be done about them,I've heard a few people say thet M.A. don't want sidecars anymore and always thought they were being a bit dramatic, now I'm beginning to wonder if thats actually the case! |
Racing is everything,the rest of the time is just waiting |
|
|
|
Alan
Forum Moderator
Western Australia
353 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2004 : 6:09:46 PM
|
John, there isnt much more anyone can do to get outfits back to the track. That might sound negative but if every state is working as hard as we are in WA to keep numbers up then I dont know what else can be done. Maybe if we can get the survey up and running as was recently suggested then we may have some answers. Why not set a date to end the survey, I suggest the end of February, then we have time to make submissions to the Historic Commission if there is a need. All we need to do is to say yes we will do it and designate people from each state to organise it and we are away, no more guess work. Give me the go ahead and I will have WA finished and published on here by January 31st, my birthday if you want to buy me a pressie.
Lets cut the chat and actually do something.
Alan Sidecar 21 WA |
|
|
|
Former Member
deleted
174 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2004 : 6:43:08 PM
|
Sorry JD but I was giving Alan an answer,as for getting on with it yeah I agree mate, currently Im a bit annoyed that its a no go as we are getting 3 outfits ready and mmmm a biggy fatty no-no is our response for the hard work all the teams are putting in to get ready.
Ah well look forward to the Vic Titles as the teams rivalry is already nearly boiling over ,and we havnt even gotten out of the garage!!! Should be a great year! (providing we dont go thru 2 many case's) |
Its not what you ride,Its how fast you ride it!!! |
|
|
|
john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
Posted - 30 Dec 2004 : 11:07:07 PM
|
Gr6 Niel.
Let me get over the Ne year and lets see what happens. As for what MA want I encourage anybody with questions to just call them.
As for sidecars continuing I reckon it is up to sidecar blokes to stand and be counted, if we have low numbers is it any wonder we have been given the shove, still I reckon the whole thing could be handled different in the future as long as we do something different. |
John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
|
|
|
Alan
Forum Moderator
Western Australia
353 Posts |
Posted - 31 Dec 2004 : 11:16:29 PM
|
This might be a sidecar thread but anyone given any thought to the 125s in any period. They struggle for numbers more than us.
I still think we need to generate some answers/questions for MA and/or the Commission once we can be specific with whatever our problem turns out to be.
I am not waiting for the rest of you guys I am going to survey WA current and recent past sidecar riders and see if I can start us off.
Happy New Year to all.
Alan Sidecar 21 WA |
|
|
|
Former Member
deleted
48 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jan 2005 : 10:45:04 PM
|
How is your survey coming along Alan? Did you manage to get a set of questions together and if so can I have a copy? I am still willing to help out in any way I can.
Any other states moving on this yet? |
|
|
|
Alan
Forum Moderator
Western Australia
353 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jan 2005 : 11:58:20 PM
|
Garry, I will email a copy to you in the next day or two and will collate my results to date for your interest.
Are you going to compile a report on the end result if there is one.
Alan Sidecar 21 WA |
|
|
|
john
Forum Moderator
Victoria
3130 Posts |
Posted - 02 Mar 2005 : 3:50:54 PM
|
| Just following up on the survey because things have got worse here. |
John Daley Sidecar #68
' there are those who do, those who dont do and those who undo. We must lampoon the latter." |
|
|
|
David
Site Administrator
Australia
999 Posts |
Posted - 02 Mar 2005 : 4:35:42 PM
|
| Here as in this site, or here as in Sidecars? You have not made yourself clear. |
Regards,
David
Webmaster & Owner of Classic Motorcycling Australia
Quote: I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted to be paid. |
|
|
|
Tony
Level 1 Member
Queensland
3 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2005 : 11:34:11 AM
|
QEMSC is trying to get a container of bikes for Symmons Plains and as I have finally had my Log Book application approved for both my outfits, I am in a position to go. Room in the container may be an issue, but they are trying very hard to fit one in for me. Having read this site I am a little concerned that their effort may be in vain. If numbers are insufficient to constitute a title event I will not be going.
Does anyone have any information on possible entries. Both my outfits are period 3. |
|
|
|
acotrel
Advanced Member
Victoria
2147 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2005 : 6:57:06 PM
|
Are meetings still being boycotted by Period 3 sidecar owners? There was only one at the championships last year. At the Austin 7 meeting in May 2004, I believe I saw a lineup of about ten P3 sidecars. What's the story?
Who's got the HUMP? |
Is your machine authentic or merely eligible? |
|
|
|
Alan
Forum Moderator
Western Australia
353 Posts |
Posted - 14 Oct 2005 : 11:52:46 PM
|
I dont think any sidecar riders are actually boycotting anything, they just dont seem to want to compete at most major events. Maybe its not the riders, perhaps it could be something to do with the concept they ride under, always being blamed for oil spills, usually last on the programme and so on. If you check back properly it isnt a recent thing at National level that numbers are down there has been a gradual decline for many years. Maybe its just a natural thing and without new younger riders coming in P3 and soon after P4 may just quietly fade away. The real answer is for everyone interested to somehow build up numbers by whatever means it takes. Here in WA we havent seen a P3 sidecar in our club for around 14/15 years we struggle a bit with P4 but somehow just seem to scrape together enough guys to keep us racing but it is hard work.
Whatever the answer is we need to find it as sidecar racing is one of the most spectacular forms of motor sport and I feel very priveledged to have been part of it in recent times.
Alan Sidecar 21 WA |
|
|
|
acotrel
Advanced Member
Victoria
2147 Posts |
Posted - 15 Oct 2005 : 09:01:14 AM
|
The P3 sidecars at that Austin 7 meeting I mentioned were quite spectacular. Some had even had new paint. The question is 'what has changed?'. Getting blamed for oil spills hasn't changed. The rules haven't changed that much that a lot of the guys can't get log books for their bikes. Has the way events are run at meetings changed? We at Winton might have upset the apple cart by running three periods of sidecars off the same grid?
What I suggest has changed is the internal politics of a certain group of people. It really seems too much of a coincidence that 'Snoozer ' has appeared with her poisonous crap - she still remains anonymous! I believe someone has got the hump, and is organising a stay away! |
Is your machine authentic or merely eligible? |
|
|
|
David
Site Administrator
Australia
999 Posts |
Posted - 15 Oct 2005 : 3:04:05 PM
|
I would like to throw some stuff in the pot here about "Snoozer". When I found out about where Snoozer came from and I suggested it was an MA official to a few people, including the MA offical when I found out, then Snoozer laid off quite a bit and I have not seen Snoozer on here for a while.
I have not seen the MA official either for that matter since I put 2 and 2 together and came up with 5. As for sidecars, then I can see why it is declining and that is why you had to put the 3 classes in the same grid, but why has it got to that stage?
It has changed even in the last 5 years from good size grids down to bugger all now. The sport is dying in a big way and no one is doing anything about it, and I am buggered if I will do anymore after the way I have been treated by a small group who care more about moderns/bears than historics, including officials from across the board.
|
Regards,
David
Webmaster & Owner of Classic Motorcycling Australia
Quote: I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted to be paid. |
|
|
|
acotrel
Advanced Member
Victoria
2147 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2005 : 08:57:01 AM
|
I've often wondered who's behind Snoozer, and what's their axe to grind? It doesn't really matter who it is they've done quite a bit of damage to the sport. A few people besides myself have seriously objected to being on the same forum as 'her' (I believe it's a bloke). Nothing constructive ever came from 'her', and she seemed obsessed with shafting Ross Martin. I don't see Ross Martin as a big problem for historic racing, purists have their place in the sport, and he might just be trying to keep us honest.
I would have thought the forum held recently by MA, would have given a bit of encouragement to get people back racing. Snoozer seems to have been defused by it. I just wish the malcontents would have the guts to identify themselves, and bring the outstanding issues into the open? |
Is your machine authentic or merely eligible? |
|
|
|
Geoffpgrant
Level 3 Member
South Australia
204 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2005 : 09:48:10 AM
|
It is interesting that Acotrel thought that running the three periods together Winton might have been an issue. I did not hear any complaining from other riders at the time and spectators thought it was fantastic. From my point of view I thoroughly enjoyed it because as well as having one outfit there that kept us honest all weekend the larger field offered some extra challenge in the handicap race. We usually don't have the opportunity to pass others and the challenge of getting through the field added a whole lot of fun which the spectators loved. I can't see how the combining was an issue for anyone because the P4s in the main took off with the lonely P5 and the P3s had lots of space to race themeselves until we started lapping them and I like to think that we did not upset their race anyway because we really only caught the tailenders in the scratch races. I loved the meeting and will continue to go back every chance I get.
If there were more meetings like this one which offered lots of activity on a neat little track with reasonable fields (albeit with mixed periods) then I reckon we would start attracting some people back to the sport. Therein lies the issue though doesn't it? How do we get enough at every race meeting to make it look good enough to attract more?
I still think it is down to cost to a large extent. That meeting at Winton cost me around $2,000 (I don't know exactly because I don't want to but a quick add up soon reaches that figure), the Nationals in Tassie will probably come in at around $3,500, the State Titles at Mac Park will be around $1,500, the Island Classic another $2,000. Hang on what have we here - nearly ten thousand dollars and that does not include breaking anything. We have to realise that things just cost more now than they did 10 years ago.
Some of the added things are that places like Phillip Island don't let us camp at the track! As you all know we travel in the Big Blue Bus so camping at the track saves us money and time. By the number of people who camp at the track at Mac Park I reckon PI would be on a winner if they changed their idea on this.
Another thing that annoys me and I know does not stand well when we are telling prospective riders about racing and that is some of the small things. Most people ask us what we get when we win. They are bemused when we tell them it is just for trophies. Now I don't really have a problem with that but I would actually like to get the trophy!! Yes this is a bit of a brickbat for the Winton meeting - This year was our 4th Historic Winton and also the 4th where trophies have been stuffed up and sidecars did not get any!! Other years they have managed to post them within a couple of months but not this time!
My final issue is again those monster bikes that may fit the rules but certainly do not fit the spirit of historic racing. I have talked to a number of people who say they used to race but what is the point when you have to compete against essentially modern motors disguised as classics buy fitting the parts into old style casings...
I guess where I am heading is that we need to tidy up the little things such as our actual organisation of the meetings, as well as do what we can to reduce the costs in little ways. If the meetings are organised in a professional manner, rules and spirit of historic racing are abided by, and costs are kept to a minimum we will stand some chance of creating a bit more interest.
I have said enough for now - and no this is not anonymous - like Alan I always make sure you know who I am.
Geoff
Sidecar #30 |
|
|
|
peen0_0
Level 3 Member
Victoria
224 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2005 : 11:11:05 AM
|
As a new and intending participant in this sport, PC sidecars that is, I'm interested in the comments that are being made about getting more people and machines into the game.
I've posted a couple of times on this and other similar sites seeking assistance in getting parts and other information. Apart form one or two responses, there has been very little help forthcoming.
I'm a very proud member of HMRAV and due to the very generous support of one individual I have a rolling chassis to be fitted with a basically stock 72 Honda 4. OK so its a sitter, not a kneeler, but I might strike it lucky down the track and get the "real thing". My brother and I intend on operating this outfit for fun. We cannot envisage ourselves being at all competetive, and will be very happy to push from the rear. It's all about fun for us.
If you want a quick comment on how to get more like me and my brother involved, stop grizzling and offer us some help when we ask!
As for having period perfect machines on the line, I applaud the theory, but how do you enforce it? Short of stripping the machines at scrutineering, you can't. Given that we race for trophies, not cash, I don't see a real problem. Again, for us, its the fun. Expensive fun I agree, but what price enjoyment?
As for the GCR's and log books etc, well, if we have to comply, we'll do our level best to do so, but we need your help.
We have another outfit being built by friends who are also looking at getting into racing, and they are facing the same dilemma.
Come on people, stop the grizzling, leave MA to their own devices, and help those of us wanting to get involved. We are not a threat to anyone, just looking at getting involved.
Just so there is no question about my identity, I am Tony Peters from Bendigo. I have no affiliation with any other comments on this site from similarly named individuals. My ID is peen0_0, check my surname and you'll soon realize where it came from. I'm even happy if you want to ring me sometime, (03)54430324.
Keep the passion alive people!
Cheers,
peen0_0 (Tony). |
|
|
|
Geoffpgrant
Level 3 Member
South Australia
204 Posts |
Posted - 16 Oct 2005 : 11:44:38 AM
|
Hi Tony,
It is fantastic to hear from someone like yourself who is setting up a new outfit. I am sorry I missed your earlier requests for assistance. I do not get on this site a lot but just occasionally feel I have to have my say.
By words of encouragement I offer a bit about my experiences. I only started racing a sidecar 6 years ago and like yourself I started for the fun of it. I am still doing it for the fun of it and getting my money's worth.
While you don't seem to have had much of an electronic response I am sure you will find that when you rock up at a track you will be well received and welcomed. The one big thing I have found with the outfits is that they club together and welcome anyone who has three wheels - it does not matter what those three wheels are attached to.
Also, like you, I commenced with 'pushing from the rear'. It was fun, but then I found that I was starting to get close to one of those in front so I thought if I just make a couple of improvements I might actually be able to pass someone. That led to more and more and sometimes now we get up the pointy end but with an outfit that still runs and original Urquhart frame, old wheels, little brakes (only 2 of them) and still a 750cc motor.
Please come and have a chat with me when we rock up to the same track.
Welcome aboard Tony.
Geoff
Sidecar #30 |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Topic Locked
