Side Cars at Summit Point

[TheHiriser]

Yes you read the title correctly.    There were side cars races at Summit Point this weekend for the CCS/ASRA race weekend.  The Side Car Association came to play with us at the Main.  What a treat for all who were there.  They provided some good racing, spectacular passing and an all around good show.  All the racers and acrobats (commonly referred to as Monkeys) were spectacular people.  MARRC was thanked countless times for being out there.  They thanked all the "two wheelers" for sharing the track and CCS/ASRA for letting them race as well.  They were very gracious people and I for one hope to see them back for next season on a regular basis.

And what a thanks the MARRC crew received from the Side Car Association.  At lunch time the side car drivers took out members of our crew who were willing to be the "monkey".  I signed up without hesitation as did at least a dozen others.  All who went came back with grins and stories even after just two laps out there.  My ride was a sort of pay back if you will.  In Saturdays practice a side car spun out and stalled near T7 flag station.  Simon Whalley and I ran out, pushed the car back onto the track and quickly got it bump started and had the driver and acrobat back on their way.  This was the same side car I rode in later.  I can't say enough what a thrill it was and a treat to ride on one of these machines.  Thank you all who volunteered to take us out.   

Check them out here http://www.sidecarracers.com/

I am also happy to report the last I heard of the incident in T7 practice with the acrobat coming off the side car resulted in a broken hand in two places and a concussion.  Much better than we all initially anticipated.

[Russell2566]

Just a few quick snaps from T10 I took:

[castle228]

What a blast, not only watching the sidecars race but also having the unique opportunity to be a monkey! 2 laps around ALMOST at speed. My driver gots us up on two wheels in the left hander at New Baker, I briefly wished I had leathers on. 

But overall, it was a great experience!!

[TheHiriser]

From what I was told by the side car racers it isn't uncommon for them to pick up new passengers once they know the track.  They do a few laps with their regular "monkey" and then come in to change out.  If they are coming back next year you can guarantee I'll be bringing my full race gear to really have a go at it.

Can't thank them enough for giving us the time to do the ride ons.

[rideslikeagirl]

  My ride was a sort of pay back if you will.  In Saturdays practice a side car spun out and stalled near T7 flag station.  Simon Whalley and I ran out, pushed the car back onto the track and quickly got it bump started and had the driver and acrobat back on their way.  This was the same side car I rode in later.  I can't say enough what a thrill it was and a treat to ride on one of these machines.  Thank you all who volunteered to take us out.  

.

Woops, I think that was me! (#710, white sidecar)
Was kinda funny to see the look on the marshal's face; something like, "WTF am I supposed to do with THIS?"

thanks for the bump start, much appreciated....my mother had enough to do back there without pushing the rig out of the dip between the track and asphalt!

Was very happy to take the marshals for a ride; I would like to have given a little more in the corners, but wasn't too keen on spitting someone off wearing nothing but their cornerworking stuff!
;o)

On behalf of the Sidacar Racers Association, thanks again for the warm welcome to Summit Point! Refreshing to have so many people have interest in these awesome and fun racing machines, as our hometrack solo guys and girls are 'used' to us and don't give us much of a second look anymore!

;o)

hope to be back there next year!
#710, Michelle Ractliffe
Chicks on Slicks
check out www.csrracing.com....some info on my dad who builds sidecars, and how it all started for the Ractliffe family...I'm not on the website yet, too much of a rookie, but there's some contact info if anyone
s interested in becoming part of the group!

[Ducmarc]

went to your site Michelle that's cool stuff wish you guys would come down south . on your forum you talked about racer friendly insurance do you have any contact info on that.Marc

[TheHiriser]

Michelle no worries on the bump start and I'm thinking it was me who had that look (blue shirt and black boonie hat) because that is exactly what I was thinking running up to you and your mom.  How do we get this thing going?  Was shocked at how easily it pop started.

Thanks for all who made the trip and thanks again for the rides.  I'd love to don my racing gear and go back out after a little more coaching for a much quicker ride.  Everyone who went had a grin a mile wide it seemed.  We definitely hope to see you all again.  Great website as well.

[TheHiriser]

Michelle do you happen to have an update on the fallen monkey from practice?   Last I heard was a broken hand in two places and a bad concussion.  I was told two different names (Susie and Judy) so I'm not sure which one is right.

[Kuala76]

Woops, I think that was me! (#710, white sidecar)
Was kinda funny to see the look on the marshal's face; something like, "WTF am I supposed to do with THIS?"

LOL and that would have been ME!!!  And you are exactly right about what was going through my head!  I must have looked just that clueless! ! Once again though, the team came through! 

[Kuala76]

I'm thinking it was me who had that look (blue shirt and black boonie hat) because that is exactly what I was thinking

No you and Simon seemed to have it all under control.  I think I literally looked at them and actually said "you need to tell me what I need to do!!!"

[rideslikeagirl]

Yes, it was Judy. Broken hand and good knock to the melon, but she is home and recovering!

[Kuala76]

Thank you thank you thank you for the good news re: Judy.  I am SO very glad to hear that!! It was pretty scary watching that