BBC Sport commentators Steve Parrish and Matthew Roberts, who cover MotoGP for the BBC, had a rare inside, full on experience at sidecar racing at the Sachsenring Grand Prix in Germany.
After the first Qualifying session the pair teamed up with Scott Lawrie and James Neave of “Team SLR Racing” and who are currently sitting third in the FIM Sidecar World Championship.
Although Steve Parrish is a former motorcycle racer, and has driven another sidecar before, the thought of driving the 1000cc machine round the very demanding circuit of Sachsenring was a bit daunting, but he was not going to miss this exiting opportunity.
For Matt Roberts though this was going to be an experience he will not forget, he was going to be the passenger for Parrish.
As the BBC television crew arrived to set the bike up for filming, Steve and Matt arrived to get some tuition from Scott and James, Steve seemed to take it all in his stride, however Matthew was a bit apprehensive and not saying much as he watched James show him the ropes, when the camera man asked James how far he got out over the back wheel, they all said “Your mad”!
The plan was for the pair to ride the sidecar round the track, and be followed by former German Grand Prix rider Alex Hofmann who now works for German television, on a solo motorcycle and film it at the same time.
Some last minute tips for both Steve and Matt and they were off, then Steve shouted over to Scott “How do you start it” Scott laughing, he said “press the start button” the pair were going to do one lap and come into pit lane, with the camera crew at the ready for their arrival, Steve and Matt with Hoffman following, they all came flying round the last corner and decided that it would be great to have another lap!!!
When the duo arrived back Steve took his helmet off and with a massive grin he said to Scott “you must have arms of steel, I would need to go to the gym if I was racing this brute.” Looking back to the sidecar platform where Matt was he slowly fell out to words of “absolutely awesome, unbelievable, I don’t know how you can stay on for 22 laps” to James.
Both Steve and Matt thanked Scott and James for the unforgettable experience and entrusting them with the sidecar, and wished them both all the best for the race on Sunday.
Words & pictures Mark Walters