’Alain GIRARD-DESPROLET (3)

Les motards sont de la fête et feront, eux aussi, des séances de roulage.

Equipage sur châssis court

Exemple de châssis long

Rémy nous présente son side de 1974, moteur BMW.

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“BRESSE” RACING CIRCUIT AND THE SIDE CARS

The Annemasse motors club’s President, MR Alain GIRARD DESPROLET invited “Passion-3-roues” for the last side cars race on circuit of the season.

It was not really a competition. Side cars, pilots and passengers were numerous.

So, let the festivities begin!

Few years ago, the side cars took part on prestigious races (for example, world championship) but, gradually, the side cars were ignored and this sport began unknowing. Fortunately, all the people who love this sport, made its living.

Writing about them is very important, putting them in the light.

It is a very special world. The competitions are spectacular. Also, it is a friendship story between young people who starts out and the confirmed competitors. In the paddocks, the most experienced help and advise with serious and conviviality the newcomers.

They speak a lot about mechanics, engines and performances and are very proud to show us their racing side cars. The speed is a pleasure for us but they bear the caution in mind.

The side car is piloted by a team: 2 men or girls. Each of them has a very important work to do. The pilot must be more and more speedy and his passenger moves for making all the three wheels every time over the track. He has to make up for losses of adhesion for preventing a crash.

In the curved line, his (her) position balanced the centrifugal force. The passenger makes 50% of the work. The speed may average 300 KM/H! 

There is a real collaboration between the pilot and the passenger nearly connivance. The passenger must be every time in league with his pilot.

There are 2 sorts of race side cars: the both name is the “BASSETS”.

They are streamlined with a long chassis (1000) or a short chassis (600) according to the engine power. Whether the engine is at the front or rear (configuration specific to the power of each sidecar), the unit is fully enclosed. In the case of front-engine, we are impressed with the driving position of the driver, leaning over the engine

The passenger is on the back side over a little platform and he is always moving.

We are pleased to be here when the side cars are starting for 3 or 4 laps. In single file, the side cars make their engine roaring and wait for the start signal.

Go and run! The noise is deafening and quickly the side cars arrive over the circuit. The first lap will be cool because the tyres must warm up for being soft and more stick on the track.

On the parking (which is full of visitors and competitors), we go and see an old side car. We begin to speak with the pilot and his passenger, Remy and David. They come from Switzerland. They are very proud to show us their side car of 1974 : look cool, firstly an engine SUZUKI and now a BMW. Between Remy and David, a mutual trust has been established and it is perfect for side car sport.

A few information about this vehicle: 1974, BMW engine with rear exit, doubled chassis, electronic ignition, some changes in order to gain power (80 HP), estimated weight 200 KG.

A come back in the past and a meeting very interesting!

Here is the end of this beautiful day with a lot of emotion, discovery and admiration for all these side cars champions.

Thank you very much for presenting us, with so much passion, your side cars and your sport.

Writing articles about your sport and your passion in our magazine is a real pleasure for us !.