This one is for passengers only!

[Helen Gibson]

What is it that makes it so difficult to find passengers wanting to do the TT? Is there anything that would encourage you?

[oldbelly]

Its probably something to do with the hard scenery Helen.

[sidecarf11]

It think its more to do with the amount of races you have to get in first!!!
if you are a busy as me it is hard to get any racing in let alone the amount needed
Im sure even veteran TT racers will agree with this?????

[oldbelly]

Robert if you really wanted to race at the TT, having to do a few races beforehand shouldnt be a hinderence. If I were ever going to do the TT again I would want to have a full season under my belt before even thinking about it. Its not something you can take lightly.

[sidecarf11]

My point is that during the racing season I have to work weekends so it is very difficult to do any racing and I am sure i am not the only one.
dont get me wrong I understand the need for the experience before even attempting to do the TT i was there in 2000 when the passenger was killed on the first lap of practice and also when Johns passenger got hurt.
I was just trying to explain that not all of us have the luxury of having weekends off to chase our passion.

[leewatson]

I have wanted to do it in the past but never got there, i think one of the toughest things is time off work/college etc.. also that I wouldnt have felt comfortable jumping on with someone that I hadn't riden with for a while but also knew quite well. There was also this horrible fear that id do one session, decide it wasnt for me and right royaly screw up someones TT, or in most cases someones racing season...

However if someones offering to pay my wages for two weeks.. im there!!
In all seriousness, good question id be interested to see others views...

[Rent-a-Ballast]

Think you sum it up well Lee.
I would want to passenger the person who I was going to do TT with for the season, so they can get use to me and me them. The TT is not to be taken lightly, and I would not want to put anyone in danger let alone myself.

[tufty113]

look im going to spoil the post ...im a driver ......but again its down to being comfortable with whom your on with,having handles in the correct place and most of all knowing the course.....its not anything like short circuit for the driver or passenger...its another world...julie jumped on with me last year with only a few weeks notice and a quick outing for one day at cadwell....we took it steady and on the 3rd night went faster than she had ever been around there.....its about respect for both people and understanding each others ability.....

[Helen Gibson]

I was going to say GO AWAY, you're a driver, but, surprisingly... you talk sense!! What the heck do we have to do to get passengers... and why do passengers keep hopping from one to another... wasn't always so... to this extent anyway..

[bruce moore]

as a driver of 18 race starts and a passenger for 15,i can honestly say to be a passenger you have to be 100% comfortable with the Driver,youve got to be able to expect the unexpected !!!!! and confident in your own abilities.youve got to be able to relax,even on the bumpy sections and have the ability to read the road and learn.to some people who have any doubt,DONT DO IT. if you get scared ,you will have the worst ride of your life.you most get comfortable,i always had footblocks on both corners of the platform so if i slipped i was able to stop myself falling out,they also help you wedge yourself in ,so you can relax your arms.

[tufty113]

I was going to say GO AWAY, you're a driver, but, surprisingly... you talk sense!! What the heck do we have to do to get passengers... and why do passengers keep hopping from one to another... wasn't always so... to this extent anyway..

i think helen we just lack in numbers period....if you go back just 10 years ago there where many more crews doing short circuit....thus the numbers where higher in the first place for the tt....i do think that there are more experianced drivers than passengers willing to do the tt and all passengers think that they cant handle a faster driver....i think if you can do the homework and you take your time then you will all be ok normally...yes you need trust .......and luck!!!!but the likes of lee watson should have done it by now....so come on lee...its an amazing experiance chap ...better than anything mate ...even a fiat panda

[bruce moore]

Matt ,the main problem(in my opinion)there are loads of very experienced TT passengers like myself that arn't interested in racing short circuit,and due to the qualifying needed cant ride,there are riders like Alan Warner,Lars Swartz etc that have been written off,due to the need to qualify and cant find experienced TT ballast,its all a matter of fact,but needs most due to insurance requirements.I also think that the Machines handle better for a rider these days which make the Passengering very hard work for an inexperienced passenger ,in my opinion

[tufty113]

Matt ,the main problem(in my opinion)there are loads of very experienced TT passengers like myself that arn't interested in racing short circuit,and due to the qualifying needed cant ride,there are riders like Alan Warner,Lars Swartz etc that have been written off,due to the need to qualify and cant find experienced TT ballast,its all a matter of fact,but needs most due to insurance requirements.I also think that the Machines handle better for a rider these days which make the Passengering very hard work for an inexperienced passenger ,in my opinion

i understand what your saying and yes the 6 signitures can be an issue...but we still need the more qualified drivers to take on the less experianced passengers to both help them and bring them on.....im quite new really(just over 12 years on sidecars)and i dont really know how long you have needed these signitures,and i know whats envolved now in learning something like the tt course...its not easy but if you do it sure makes it easier for all...there are also a huge shortage in people now getting their national liscences.....just another issue....some people have loads of experiance but not bothered with a liscence up-grade.....i have no family into bikes let alone racing and sidecars.....but if you get the bug then it all falls into place .....i think more people need to come over to the tt and experiance it them selfs in the flesh....the buzz is amazing and it really is true racing....we need to get more teams to get comitted and soon...

[Kees Endeveld]

It clashes with the world and dutch championship.
Also my driver wont do the TT and i am not allowed to race with anyone else within the season...
But one day i will be there!!!!

[tufty113]

It clashes with the world and dutch championship.
Also my driver wont do the TT and i am not allowed to race with anyone else within the season...
But one day i will be there!!!!

dont leave it tooooooooooo long as there's no garantee how long the sidecars will be at the tt at this rate....this is one of the issues....numbers....its also not like getting on with someone at a normal short circuit....just as long as the person you are on with is of the same mind as you and wants just to finish you are ok with most drivers...so make it sooner not later!!!!!!!