The Place

I just cannot picture classic sidecar racing in 25 years time, wandering around the paddock having a look at all the outfits as you do. Only problem will be is that all the bloody engines will be the same, you will be able to pick from one of four manufacturers & that is it, they will also all sound the bloody same.
When will a bit of innovation be allowed back into sidecar racing, & I dont just mean the latest LCR F2 because that is only a variation on a theme.
I had a Fidderman chassis in 1982 that had virtually the same rear suspension set up as the LCR F2 has!

i agree,perhaps its time to go front exit (retro is all the rage now)

At least the racing will be close and worth watching.
The more similar the machines the closer the racing, can only be good for the sporting side of it.

how old have the outfits have to be to be to go classic racing or forgotten era?

For CRMC racing - four strokes nothing past 1972 and strokers 1968. Unlike VMCC, which has a 25 year cut-off rule, CRMC dates are fixed and will not be moved unless by a vote at an AGM/EGM

Yes Ian but in 25 years time if there is any racing it will probably be on silent electric sidecars, so imagine how wonderful any 4 stroke engine will be then

Thats interesting Bob, 25 year cut off,, Ok how do i go about getting my old ireson carbon date tested,,,, it was a 350 to start with but been choppered about for a 4stroke, i think its an early to mid 80s job, fingers crossed

Looks like VMCC for you then TOm. Strange thing is that 'Vintage' bikes will be newer than Classics

Thats interesting Bob, 25 year cut off,, Ok how do i go about getting my old ireson carbon date tested,,,, it was a 350 to start with but been choppered about for a 4stroke, i think its an early to mid 80s job, fingers crossed

Ah, but it is not Japanese is it? Being as they have a NO Japanese thing at the moment

Tend to disagree a tad there about the Honda embargo Ian - there is I believe at least one Honda 750 outfit there now plus Mick McGinley's S800 powered machine. Have a look in the 125, 250 and bigger solo classes to see how many Hondas there are, which apart from the CR93s, are all road based bikes.

The 'anti-Japanese't hing of a 1967 cutoff date for smokey strokers was to stop the 250/350 classes being invaded and totally dominated by Yamaha TDs and such - some in the period were even raced as 351cc jobs in the 500 class. Also have a look at some of the very quick Suzuki 250 fliers based on the Super 6 that won the 1966 Thruxton 500 miler (ridden by Chris Vincent!)....

Tom - got any pics of your ex 350 chassis we can see? Would help to get things started perhaps

Hello Bob,
Not at the moment mate, well nothing that shows the frame, but im bringing her home soon , so ill get the box brownie out.
In the meantime, if it helps,, i have the old 350 tubes still on the s/head they were just cut off after the gusset plates and the rear edge of the platform is stepped not flat like the later bikes,,, might be worth talking to God when i have time to get there,,,, i think he would have a good idea of its build date.
Im also looking into a big wheel set up not sure what yet but thinking along the lines of Beemer or a Trumpfy,,,,,,,,,,,, but that one for the future

Bob the CRMC have a Honda running with them now but I am sure the VMCC (in their wisdom?) have elected to ban Japanese machinery from their meetings? That is certainly the impression I get from looking at their Forum.

Bob the CRMC have a Honda running with them now but I am sure the VMCC (in their wisdom?) have elected to ban Japanese machinery from their meetings? That is certainly the impression I get from looking at their Forum.

Thanx Ian, must admit I don't look at the VMCC Forum, perhaps I should