I thought this would be the best place to post this, as it is sidecar racing that I am looking to join.
1st a quick intoduction. In answer to ‘how long ?’ - My first ride was at about 12 on an x-army Harley in a farm yard. Don’t no if it was excitment or fear, but I knew I wanted more that day. I rode my 1st bike (X6) to Keele St to get my car licence. Prior to that I had a Maico 360MX, that I rode through what is now the Donelda Golf Club. With the exception of the 90’s, I been riding bikes on the street ever since. Current rides are an 85 VF750F, and a custom cafe 77 550/4 (SOHC4 forum March BOTM). Past rides include a 76 400SS, an 80 CB750F (that years Honda Canada show bike), and a GS550E. Oh, and some Brit stuff, mainly friend’s. Racing started with soapbox’s on the hilly streets of Parkway West, and ended with a Lotus Cortina Mk2 in VARAC. In between there was Solo 1 & 2 with an MGB, then Civic, and later a Super 7. I’ve also logged over 300+ races in both single and dual engined karts. Still have the dual.
My original intention had been to build a 550/4, and go racing. However, while I may have aquired some race craft in the past, the steep learning curve tranlating it to 2 wheels, and the penalty for getting it wrong, became less appealing. This spring at Shannonville I watched the sidecars more closely, and started asking questions. At Mosport the sidecars became my main focus, and more questions asked. Then I saw a video taken at Mosport, and as the rig dived into turn 2, I knew this was what I could & wanted to do.
Since then I have spoken with Paul W, and Clark Wallace, thanks to both for their time and knowledge. Also considerable time researching the history of sidecar racing, and most important reading the VRRA Rules. Which brings me to today. I had hoped to attend the AGM, but with moving this month, not possible. So the questions I wanted to ask then - In the ‘Projects’ thread Paul W mentions a laundry list of rigs that have raced in the past, any more info?, contacts?, are any for sale? Were the Hondas P1’s? I’m aware of Malcolm Lake’s P2 (no reply to my inquiry yet).
Hi Brian and welcome to our party. You will get hooked and you will have more fun than you ever thought possible. I really hope you get a rig sorted , cus we need more of em. BUT, PLEASE dont buy the Malcolms rig cus we need them . Those two racers typify the classic vrra membership.The club wouldnt be the same without them. Not trying to put you off, just trying to keep the Lakes on track.
Steve
Steve has summed up the feelings of anyone I know in this group very well. The Ex Brian Brama rig sitting in Harrowsmith would be a good target if the owner were more co-operative. perhaps Gord/Craig Barr can shed some light on how to pry it out of there since the owner did ask one of them to sell it a while back? So far as I am aware it has never moved since it was purchased. Paul.
Thanks again for the warm welcome, to the world of VRRA sidecars.
I completely understand the feeling behind 'don’t buy the Lake’s. Substituting one driver for another doesn’t grow the sport. While with VARAC, I developed, and stickhandled the adoption of their G70 class. Now, many years later, they have not only a vibrant 2nd grid, but the original V/H grid has also grown again, after years of decline. So yes, I would much rather be adding to the VRRA sidecar grid, rather than just refilling a previous space.
Paul - I did contact Doug/Craig quite a while ago regarding that rig, but heard nothing back. My move is to your neck of the woods, Kingston/Gan area. So with some contact info I could/would ‘knock on the door’ myself.
Jean Guy - I did take note of your ad for the P3, and it is certainly a consideration. However, as a newguy I’m not sure that’s the level I should be jumping into the sport. I come from the school that says 1st you learn to tune & squeeze everything out of the chassis, then you go looking for more power. My concern with a P3 is that the power will hinder attaining the 1st goal. As well at that level something like the Doug & Craig’s CSR F2 becomes a possible alternative.
Hi Brian and welcome! The rig has been withdrawn from sale and we are planning to race all rounds if at all possible next year. My humble apologies in taking so long to respond but I sent an email today with a bit of an explanation. You will have to take the sidecar school at Shannonville as will your passenger if inexperienced on a rig. There’s a good chance Jan and I will be doing that again and we look forward to working with you there. If desired we will also help you work on various things as you progress, as I’m sure some of the newer teams will attest.
Thank you to all those above, in another thread, in person and via email who voiced their support and disappointment of us leaving racing. You are all very special and you did have an influence in our decision to keep at it.
Jan and Mal - that is excellent news. I did not even have to use my charm and influence to assist in changing your minds!!
Welcome Brian. After years of enjoying watching sidecars, I was offered the chance to be a passenger. I had always thought of myself as responsible and cautious but I said yes and was hooked, enough so that I bought a rig to ensure I had a ride. At the AGM, I purchased Len Fitch’s ex-Paul W. rig. Ewan and I may have a wee weight advantage but it did not fully compensate for a shortage of engine capacity! The rig I passengered on last year is now for sale. It is simple, reliable and went very well last year. If you are interested, give me call at home this weekend 613-445-9829.
After a lot of digging, I finally made contact with Rob Verrier. After checking out the x-Brian Brama rig I have given Rob a deposit, and will be picking it up early in the new year. After sitting all this time it’s going to take considerable spit & polish to approach the level of the Lake’s rig. Figure if I make it shinny enough though, the glare may slow you fast guys down a bit. Membership form is winding it’s way though the mail, and the school form is printed out. Just waiting for Karen to call with my membership # so I can send it on. Thanks to all, especially Paul W, for the advice & encouragement, June can’t come soon enough. One more for the P2 grid.
Let me extend my own welcome to you. I’m looking forward to meeting you in person.
I was wondering who you would be showcasing as your Passenger/Monkey?
I ask this because if they have not passengered before they would have to attend the Sidecar school as well. We like to ensure the passengers know when/how to move on the rig and more importantly, how to ‘hang on’
It was the pictures of the #457 rig (your’s ), taken at Mosport that helped sealed it for me, and start the hunt. They’ve also established the presentation / prep level I’ll be shooting for. That said, my personal standard is pretty high to begin with. The picture is my 77 550/4 cafe. The frame / swingarm mods were done by Denis & Byron at CMR to my templates, and requests.
I’ve been holding off on a ‘Monkey required’ post, until I had the rig in hand. My preference would be for someone with experience, so I can concentrate on the driving side. If not, as you said, we’ll both be required to attend the school. Well, we’ll both need to be there either way, or that 1st turn will get very interesting.
With the exception of the 90’s, I been riding bikes on the street ever since. Current rides are an 85 VF750F, and a custom cafe 77 550/4 (SOHC4 forum March BOTM). Past rides include a 76 400SS, an 80 CB750F (that years Honda Canada show bike), and a GS550E. Oh, and some Brit stuff, mainly friend’s. Racing started with soapbox’s on the hilly streets of Parkway West, and ended with a Lotus Cortina Mk2 in VARAC. In between there was Solo 1 & 2 with an MGB, then Civic, and later a Super 7. I’ve also logged over 300+ races in both single and dual engined karts. Still have the dual.
So the questions I wanted to ask then - In the ‘Projects’ thread Paul W mentions a laundry list of rigs that have raced in the past, any more info?, contacts?, are any for sale? Were the Hondas P1’s? I’m aware of Malcolm Lake’s P2 (no reply to my inquiry yet).
Membership form is winding it’s way though the mail, and the school form is printed out. Just waiting for Karen to call with my membership # so I can send it on. Thanks to all, especially Paul W, for the advice & encouragement, June can’t come soon enough. One more for the P2 grid. 
